Director, Corporate Communications

This is a new role that will lead corporate communications for The Walt Disney Company in the UK and EMEA. The Director of Corporate Communications will work closely with the VP Communications and CSR to devise and execute communication strategies and manage issues, leading a small central team and coordinating with local teams in territories across the region.
The Communications & CSR team are passionate about what we do. We approach our work with a positive mindset with creative approaches to problem-solving, no matter the task. We support each other to do the same. We’re respectful of each other and are individually committed to each fostering a team that is trusting, transparent and inclusive.

We are committed to excellence at all levels and are always looking to improve. We know that our roles can require resilience, and we support each other to flourish.

Areas of Responsibility

• Primary point of contact for corporate communications with the corresponding communications teams in the US and in-markets
• The first port of call for communications issues for the EMEA markets. Partner with the local communications teams to execute corporate campaigns that deliver high impact owned and earned outputs
• Build communication strategies tied to long term ambitions for the business
• Support the local markets when issues arise and manage communications with relevant stakeholders across the business
• With the VP collaborate with EMEA leadership on the development of integrated plans tied to business strategies with robust corporate communications plans at their core
• Ensure all campaigns are leveraged with our key external stakeholders to maximise impact
• Work in conjunction with the EMEA lines of business and global communications teams to find areas of overlap, shared campaign opportunities and synergies
• Determine and prioritise communications activations at a regional and UK level
• Develop strategic and long term (12-18 month) plans and tools for the markets to budget and activate locally while providing guidance for target audiences and KPIs
• Lead reporting and analysis of all local and regional activities within EMEA
• Build a smart, creative and media relations driven team and culture

Strategic planning:

• Lead and deliver the strategic annual corporate communications plan aligned with business objectives, manage budgets, build global relationships, develop proactive campaign strategies with KPIs, and oversee all UK & EMEA corporate communications activities.

Media relations:

• Lead proactive and reactive corporate story handling across UK and EMEA, act as a corporate spokesperson, draft high-level messaging, and coordinate with work closely with country, consumer and US comms teams for consistent messaging and relationship management.

Issues management:

• Monitor industry news to identify and advise on emerging issues, manage crisis communications with the VP and EMEA leadership, develop and coordinate messaging with stakeholders, and provide guidance on internal and external communications

Executive support and speaking:

• Establish and maintain relationships with EMEA OPEX leaders and UKLT members, providing updates, counsel, and coaching to senior executives on Corporate Comms matters
• Act as the corporate communications liaison for senior executives in EMEA and Burbank, supporting their external profiles and media training, while leading the executive speaking program by identifying and coordinating UK and EMEA opportunities aligned with strategic objectives. Manage preparation and support to EMEA leadership team on all aspects of communications including presentations, speech writing, messaging and rehearsing delivery.

Oversee projects to enhance delivery and effectiveness:

• As leader of Corporate Communications function, oversee further development of proactive stakeholder engagement programme in the UK, building on initial work undertaken to date, ensuring that TWDC is adopting a more strategic, systematic approach to managing key external relationships to maximise business benefit.
• Develop effectiveness of TWDC owned channels in EMEA as a communications channel, including overseeing management of corporate website, videos and publications.
• Oversee curation of Exec/company LinkedIn and other social channels to provide authentic voice that tells our business story.

Campaign delivery:

• Oversee the creation of strategic media engagement programmes focused around delivering positive standout coverage for TWDC EMEA or any of the business’ assets and operations that align to the business goals
• Create/approve all media materials including press releases, Q&A documents, presentations, statements and speeches
• Leverage strong corporate communications experience and events to promote TWDC in the UK and EMEA
• Maintain excellent media relationships (both corporate and trade) and liaise with senior journalists to deliver on message coverage and manage the media agenda as appropriate
• Oversee delivery of corporate events
• Working with procurement and legal as necessary, develop briefs for third-party agencies, lead pitches with team and negotiate costs
• Manage relationships with external agencies, guide them on delivering the best results and ensure appropriate service levels / value for money
• Review corporate reputation and performance and identify lessons that can be used to enhance the reputation of the business going forwards
• Demonstrate the value of corporate communications and the team’s work to the business

Team management:

• Define the team’s vision, mentor and inspire them to reach their potential, and oversee career development and performance tracking.

Ideal Experience:

• An experienced director of corporate communications or corporate agency leader with experience gained working in (or with) a large, complex, matrix organisation with a solutions-focused mindset
• Demonstrable strategic approach to communications ensuring the function contributes meaningfully to achievement of wider business goals
• Proven strategic insight, reflected in their plans and their impact. Core to the role is to have the ability to see the bigger picture and always be thinking about the ‘big idea’ that will take the corporate team to the next level
• Extensive experience working in the corporate media space (business and trade) is essential with a deep knowledge of how corporate stories/campaigns are developed and play out across all media channels paired with media relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to develop messaging and create long-form content.
• A dynamic approach with proven leadership qualities, top level influencing skills and the ability to operate effectively in a collaborative, fast moving environment.
• Proven track record for delivering successful proactive communications campaigns
• Ability to demonstrate how they have developed, empowered and lead a high-performing team, inspiring others and providing practical guidance and support to help them develop.
• Able to demonstrate broad cultural awareness and sensitivity to support international working and development.

Competencies Required:

• Builds Relationships
• Communicates Effectively
• Drives Results
• Inspires Creativity and Innovation
• Champions Change
• Exhibits Professional Excellence

The role is based 4 days in the office in Hammersmith.

Applications close on the 5th January 2025

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