The Walt Disney Company

Director Media Planning

The Walt Disney Company$132K — $178K *
Media
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in large media campaign strategy and planning.
  • 3+ years in leadership, managing and growing teams.
  • Ability to engage with senior leadership and build relationships.
  • Proven innovative mindset that drives business forward.
  • Strong verbal and presentation skills for effective communication.
  • Experience with audience targeting and media measurement.
  • Deep understanding of media landscape and consumer behavior.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze market trends and fan insights to identify innovative media approaches.
  • Develop partnerships with media agencies to optimize spending and testing.
  • Create comprehensive media strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Ensure effective communication with marketing teams and stakeholders for campaign execution.
  • Collaborate with Research & Analytics to evaluate performance and refine strategies.
  • Encourage teamwork and mentor team members to inspire growth.
  • Provide digital marketing thought leadership based on media performance.
  • Work with Sports Marketing to expand audience reach across properties.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical benefits package.
  • Opportunities for bonuses and long-term incentives.
  • Support for career growth and development.
  • Collaborative work environment with strong emphasis on teamwork.
  • Dynamic and fast-paced environment with diverse challenges.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Director Media Planning

Req ID:


Job Description:

This role is critical in developing and leading holistic full-funnel Media strategy & planning across all media channels & platforms to increase brand awareness, retention & acquisition of ESPN brands & platforms. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker who utilizes collaboration in the highest form to drive business results. This position reports to the Sr. Dir Media Planning. This role is located in New York, NY.

Responsibilities:
  • Analyzes market trends, fan insights, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and develop innovative media approaches.
  • Develop strong partnerships with external media buying agencies and key media partners to maximize spend & alpha testing opportunities.
  • Develops a comprehensive media strategy that aligns with business objectives.
  • Stewards effective communication and understanding needs of marketing teams, internal stakeholders, and external league partners ensuring team is set up to effectively execute campaigns across ESPN O&O and paid media channels.
  • Partners with Research & Analytics teams to evaluate performance and make data-driven decisions to influence future strategies.
  • Encourages a culture based on teamwork, collaboration, and intellectual ownership to drive results as well as manages, coaches, and mentors managers and employees to inspire career growth.
  • Provides digital marketing & creative thought leadership based on media results across ESPN Marketing.
  • Collaborate with Sports Marketing teams to drive audience expansion and reach across various properties.


Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in strategy and planning of large media campaigns.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in leadership and development, directly leading, managing, and growing teams.
  • Experience in engaging, managing, and building relationships with senior and executive level leaders.
  • A progressive mindset with proven success driving a business forward with innovative ideas.
  • Excellent verbal and presenting skills to be an effective and persuasive communicator.
  • Experience with audience targeting, data and tagging needs; implementation, reporting, and measurement.
  • An eye for emerging industry trends and topics, with an ability to shape business-building opportunities.
  • Fluency in managing cross-functional collaborators to deliver unified work.
  • A data-driven mentality, with a hunger to continuously refine strategy, performance, and opportunity through insights.
  • Deep understanding of the media landscape, consumer behavior, media consumption, and how to connect strategic thought leadership with activation across both digital and traditional channels.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Creative thinker who enjoys finding creative solutions by bringing brands together in unique and unexpected ways.
  • The ideal candidate should be passionate, take initiative, have superior relationship skills, effectively multi-tasks, and is detail oriented.
  • Sports/entertainment experience preferred.
  • Demonstrates strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with an ability to translate complex data into actionable insights in a clear and concise manner.
  • Driven self-starter who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across multiple departments and disciplines in a fast-paced environment.


Required Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field


#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $132,800.00 to $178,000.00 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.

Job Posting Segment:
ESPN Creative Studio and Marketing

Job Posting Primary Business:
Marketing & Consumer Engagement

Primary Job Posting Category:
Media Planning & Buying - Sports

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-06-25

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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