Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Job Summary:

The Office of Technology Enablement is a strategic organization designed to establish Disney as a progressive, innovative, and responsible leader in important and fast-moving areas of technology such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality. The organization coordinates efforts in AI/ML and mixed reality across each of the Walt Disney Company’s business segments to enable value and drive business outcomes.

We are looking for a Manager, Strategic Initiatives to develop and execute comprehensive communication campaigns to drive awareness and support for [New Co], emerging technologies, and Disney’s strategic AI / XR initiatives. Support executive briefing, multimedia tools, initiative updates, and supporting educational needs in the XR / AI domain.

Responsibilities:

• Support and drive a comprehensive strategy to drive awareness, adoption, education and support for OTE and Disney’s strategic AI / XR initiatives in collaboration.
• Successfully synthesize and communicate complex technical concepts in AI / XR and translate them into digestible and understandable communications or presentations.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with technology partners, industry experts, and thought leaders in the AI and XR space to inform communication plans with communication partners and to ensure your team is ahead of the curve on the latest news and updates
• Oversee management, design, and set up of always available demos of key technologies to a variety of audiences
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and the OTE communications lead to align on communication efforts with company objectives and priorities.
• Cultivate a culture of connection, inclusion, and innovation across OTE teams by implementing key strategic programs, events, and initiatives
• Develop and implement operational processes to ensure efficient collaboration models and strategic alignment across OTE teams
• Produce key events for OTE such as team All Hands, internal summits on AI or XR topics
• Coordinate and facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing activities, such as events, workshops, and roundtables, to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange with external partners and stakeholders

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years or sufficient experience in strategic communications or strategic operations roles in technology and/or media and entertainment.
• Proven track record of implementing programs, distilling complex technical information, and leading teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML, XR, AR/VR technologies and their potential impact across various industries and markets
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, external partners, and subject matter experts.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Familiarity with Keynote, content management systems, social media platforms, and digital marketing tools.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Information Sciences or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. (Instructional Design / Educational Technologies possible educational background)

The hiring range for this position in California is $113,800 to $152,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.