The Walt Disney Company

Senior Manager, National Geographic Brand & Franchise Management

The Walt Disney Company$126K — $170K *
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, partnerships, or a related field at a comparable level.
  • Proven success in leading cross-functional brand or commercial initiatives in complex stakeholder environments.
  • Strategic and creative thinker with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach.
  • Ability to navigate highly matrixed organizations and build collaborative relationships.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong storytelling ability.
  • Analytical thinker skilled in turning insights and data into actionable strategy.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Drive franchise growth through Global Brand Initiatives.
  • Lead key initiatives like Nat Geo Kids or Travel Lifestyle.
  • Align strategy across Verticals, LOBs, and regions.
  • Partner across matrix organizations to achieve expansion outcomes.
  • Support globalization of brand initiatives and creative processes.
  • Collaborate with various marketing and product teams on growth activations.
  • Identify and engage partners for brand-building actions.
  • Elevate brand storytelling with impactful creative.

Benefits

  • Full range of medical benefits offered.
  • Financial benefits including bonuses and long-term incentive units may be included.
  • Opportunities for professional growth within a brand-focused organization.
  • Dynamic team culture encouraging creativity and collaboration.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Senior Manager, National Geographic Brand & Franchise Management

Req ID:


Job Description:

The Senior Manager, National Geographic Brand and Franchise Management will shape and drive brand-defining initiatives, build high-impact partnerships and programs, and serve as a key connector between National Geographic and The Walt Disney Company.

Reporting to the Director of Brand & Franchise Management, the Senior Manager will work cross-functionally and cross-company to grow the brand, deepen audience engagement, and expand National Geographic's mission. This role will be instrumental in driving brand visibility, the development of new brand initiatives, activating brand partnerships, and leveraging stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities
  • Drive franchise growth through Global Brand Initiatives.
  • Lead key initiatives, such as Nat Geo Kids or Travel Lifestyle.
  • Align strategy across Verticals, LOBs and regions.
  • Partner across matrixed organization to drive Nat Geo expansion outcomes.
  • Support globalization of brand initiatives, creative processes and developing toolkits and brand materials for internal and external use.
  • Collaborate with Corporate Brand, Marketing COEs, Consumer Products & Expeditions on growth activations.
  • Identify and activate partners for brand-building activations.
  • Elevate brand storytelling with high impact creative.
  • Ensure brand consistency across creative and messaging.


Lead Global Brand Initiatives
  • Support the development of a unified global National Geographic brand strategy that aligns with business vision, goals, and mission.
  • Execute best in class campaigns in support of brand growth.
  • Leverage audience data, market trends, and competitive intelligence (in collaboration with Disney Brand Research) to inform strategy, and measure impact, fostering a test-and-learn culture to continually optimize performance.
  • Drive creative excellence, shape creative direction.
  • Maximize brand reach and cut through working with National Geographic regional brand and franchise leads around the world to execute on unified global strategy.


Collaborate & Influence
  • Align global strategy across Verticals, LOBs and regions, driving a one National Geographic consumer approach through collaboration National Geographic and Disney Consumer Products, Publishing, Travel and Expeditions, and Disney Parks.
  • Establish key relationships with partners in each National Geographic segment to deeply understand nuances of each business to integrate brand strategies.
  • Cultivate and develop existing distinct and ownable National Geographic franchises that will power multiple lines of businesses for holistic brand success.


Execute with Excellence
  • Work closely with marketing, editorial, creative, communications, social, legal, and sales teams to shepherd brand campaigns from concept to launch, including aligning stakeholders around shared goals and ensuring delivery on KPIs and timelines.
  • Own and drive the planning and execution of cross-platform campaigns that align with National Geographic's editorial priorities, audience insights, and commercial goals.
  • Identify ways to increase support for brand initiatives.
  • Develop toolkits and brand materials for internal and external use.
  • Ensure brand consistency across creative and messaging.


Team Leadership
  • Foster a team culture of creativity, collaboration, high-trust and high-performance to deliver on business goals and expectations.


Basic Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, partnerships, or a related field at a comparable level.
  • Proven success in leading cross-functional brand or commercial initiatives in complex stakeholder environments.
  • Strategic & creative thinking with the ability to drive impactful execution with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach.
  • Proven ability to navigate in highly matrixed organizations through the successful development of collaborative relationships.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong storytelling and executive presence.
  • Analytical thinker with expertise in turning insights and data into clear, actionable strategy.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong cross-cultural experience with a global mindset.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Business, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of the media landscape, especially documentary or factual content.
  • Demonstrated success in building and evolving global brands and teams.
  • Proven experience in senior executive-level brand management roles, ideally with a focus on media and entertainment.


The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA and Washington, D.C. is $126,800 to $170,000 per year and in New York, NY is $132,800 to $178,000 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:
National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:
National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:
Brand & Franchise Marketing - Television

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Burbank, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
USA - DC - Fox - 1145 17th St NW, USA - NY - 7 Hudson Square

Date Posted:
2026-09-09

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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