Senior Analyst, Research Operations (Disney Entertainment)

Disney Entertainment’s Research, Insights and Analytics team fuels the art of storytelling through data and advanced analytics solutions. Harnessing first, second and third-party data to experiment and innovate, RIA helps drives decision-making for TWDC’s Entertainment Brands and Content, deeply studies the marketplace and competitive landscape, and supports driving monetization through advertising and distribution. RIA works with many teams across Disney, including but not limited to Networks & Distribution, Strategy, Creative, Finance, Marketing, Business Operations, Streaming, and PR – to deliver data insights that help inform and guide business decisions and strategy.

Job Summary:

The Sr. Analyst, Research Operations will collaborate cross-team (for Research, Insights & Analytics) and cross-functionally with groups and stakeholders from business units across Disney Entertainment to support general administration of a portfolio of research projects and team operations and monitor entertainment and media distribution industry news and analysis.

The Sr. Analyst, Research Operations will coordinate multi-disciplinary research teams in ongoing program / project management of ad hoc and recurring research initiatives and reporting. 

They will conduct Day to day tracking of resource planning and projects, including RIA research budgets and personnel time allocation, in support of RIA’s departmental planning. In addition to following general current events in media and entertainment industry groups and keep business leaders informed about critical issues in the news relevant to current and potential partners and competitors.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day support to Research leads across Content, Consumer, and Marketplace Research; assist Sr Manager in implementation of best practice program management processes, organize and document project events (kickoffs, research collaboration meetings, workshops, socialization planning)

• Maintain up to date project documentation and records; review and communicate risks, issues, and progress to reach program / project deadlines        

• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment

• Utilizes flowcharts and process maps to define existing processes and identify areas needing improvement, collect and document inputs and change management plan

• Implements the tools required to collect and measure relevant data, identify key performance indicators (KPI), and produce a data-driven analysis of critical functions.

• Regular (weekly / monthly / quarterly) implementation of operational tracking processes (e.g. budgets, time allocation, vendor assessment)              

• Deploys understanding of fundamental concepts, practices, and trends in Entertainment / Media Distribution to assess and explain events in the market

• Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to reports and memos about major media company events (earnings, mergers)       

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years media research / project management experience

• Background in Entertainment / Consumer Research in large, matrixed consumer product or services company or Management Consulting

• Project management and operational analysis

• Experience in project management software tooling e.g. JIRA, Smartsheet, Airtable

• Must live within a commutable distance to 77 West 66th St., NY. Position requires someone onsite 4+ days a week.

• Strong communication / project organization skills with internal team and external stakeholders

• Excellent communicator with accuracy, persuasion, and polish (both verbally and in written / visual materials intended for distribution)

• Highly organized, strong facilitation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Project Management Certification (PMP)

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree