Job Posting Title:
VP, Government Relations
Req ID:
Job Description:
The
VP, Government Relations is a senior leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive third-party strategy in support of Disney's most critical policy, legal and regulatory priorities. This role serves as the company's primary architect of external coalition and stakeholder engagement in US, working in close partnership with Government Relations, Corporate Legal, Public Affairs, and Corporate Communications.
This is a high-impact, cross-functional role requiring deep policy expertise, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to build enduring relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders- including federal, state and local officials, as well as academic institutions, advocacy organizations and industry coalitions. The VP will operate at the intersection of policy, litigation strategy, and communications, ensuring Disney is positioned as a customer- and innovation-forward company on issues of critical business importance.
Key ResponsibilitiesThird-Party Strategy & Coalition Development
- Design and lead a long-term third-party engagement strategy on policy issues and litigation matters of significant business impact, including media regulation, innovation in streaming, competition policy, sports-related public policy issues, intellectual property and artificial intelligence.
- Assess existing coalitions and advise leadership on forming or joining additional coalitions in core policy areas listed above.
- Draw on existing internal expertise, third-party relationships, and coalition networks to enhance effectiveness on current matters while building a forward-looking strategy that positions Disney as customer- and viewer-friendly and innovation-forward.
- Partner with GR, Corporate Legal, Public Affairs, and Policy Communications to develop coordinated external strategies that support key litigation with public policy dimensions.
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Serve as the single point of contact with external third-party organizations to ensure full utilization of existing relationships and to identify, cultivate, and develop new strategic partnerships.
- Lead substantive outreach and engagement with key policy-oriented stakeholders, including:
- State Attorneys General, as well as related government-affiliated associations;
- A broad diversity of policy and advocacy organizations and thinktanks;
- Academic institutions and policy research organizations
- Identify, recruit, and manage academic experts and other third-party voices who can constructively support Disney's positions.
- Support and expand state-level engagement on Governor, Legislative, and Attorney General relationships.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with GR, Legal/Litigation, Public Affairs/Corporate Communications and Policy Communication to draw on collective internal resources and ensure aligned messaging and strategy.
- Serve as a strategic connector across teams, translating complex legal and policy arguments into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences.
- Collaborate with the broader GR and Public Affairs teams, who will continue to play a critical role in third-party and coalition work.
Strategic Planning & Reporting
- Develop and present a comprehensive strategic plan within the first year of tenure, including a resource and budget assessment, stakeholder mapping, and priorities roadmap.
- Report to the EVP and Head of US GR, with close working relationships across Legal (Corporate + Litigation), and Public Affairs/Policy Communications.
- Provide ongoing counsel on the strategic landscape, emerging threats, and opportunities in key policy areas.
Budget OversightThis role carries requires budget responsibility to support third-party engagement and outreach activities. The VP will work within and help coordinate across multiple existing funding sources, as well as require incremental additional funding.
A dedicated travel budget will also be provided to support attendance at key convenings, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
Required Qualifications- Proven experience creating, leading, or working with policy- or litigation-related coalitions in a corporate, government, or advocacy context.
- Substantive policy expertise with demonstrated credibility among a wide diversity of advocacy organizations and third-party groups.
- Legal and/or substantive policy acumen, with experience in legislative affairs, policy strategy, and/or litigation-related contexts.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust-based relationships across a diverse range of external stakeholders.
- Very strong policy communications skills-both oral and written-with the ability to craft and deliver persuasive arguments, not simply facilitate connections.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple internal functions in a large, matrixed organization.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in government relations, public policy, legal strategy, or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience managing policy engagements at the federal level (Congress, Executive Branch) and/or state level.
- Existing relationships with key policy stakeholders, advocacy organizations, and academic institutions.
- Familiarity with the legal, regulatory, and policy landscape affecting the media and entertainment industry.
- Advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience with antitrust, competition policy, streaming rights, or AI-related policy matters.
Core Competencies- Third-Party Strategy & Coalition Leadership
- Policy Expertise & Credibility
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Strategic Communications
- Judgment & Integrity
The hiring range for this position in Washington DC is $259,600.00 to $348,100.00 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:
Legal
Job Posting Primary Business:
Government Relations
Primary Job Posting Category:
Government Relations
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Washington, DC, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-07-27
