The Walt Disney Company

VP, Release Planning

The Walt Disney Company$214K — $287K *
Media
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
  • 12+ years of experience in content scheduling or related roles
  • 5+ years at DTC streaming services preferred
  • Proven track record of building consensus in large organizations
  • Exceptional communication skills for executive-level presentations
  • Strong analytical skills with data interpretation expertise
  • Deep knowledge and passion for content across genres

Responsibilities

  • Oversee strategic release planning for Disney+ Originals and key titles
  • Build trusted relationships with stakeholders across The Walt Disney Company
  • Lead and inspire a high-performing team focused on collaboration and problem-solving
  • Utilize audience and performance insights to inform release strategies
  • Partner with content studios from early production stages to premiere
  • Develop scalable release planning processes and frameworks
  • Monitor competitive streaming trends and evolving market dynamics

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and financial benefits
  • Potential bonus and/or long-term incentive units
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement
  • Dynamic work environment in a leading entertainment company
  • Access to a diverse portfolio of content and industry expertise
Full Job Description

Job Posting Title:

VP, Release Planning

Req ID:

Job Description:

Disney+ is seeking a VP, Release Planning to lead the strategic planning of content releases across our DTC Global Originals and other key titles. This is an executive role designed for a seasoned leader who thrives in large, complex organizations — someone who can build trusted relationships across multiple business units, balance competing stakeholder priorities with diplomacy, and establish a best-in-class release planning function. In this role, you will own the end-to-end release planning process — from release format strategy and content calendar architecture to partnering with teams on data-driven performance analysis — working closely with teams across The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) to ensure each title lands at the right moment for the right audience.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee release planning strategy for Direct-to-Consumer Global Originals and key titles, establishing a comprehensive content calendar designed to maximize subscriber acquisition, engagement, and retention.
  • Partner closely with — and build trusted relationships across — stakeholders throughout TWDC, including our content studios, marketing, regional programming teams, finance, content operations, and other scheduling teams across TWDC. Present premiere date recommendations to leaders across many of these teams on a regular basis to drive consensus.
  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and proactive cross-functional collaboration.
  • Draw on audience and content performance insights and market intelligence — produced in close partnership with analytics teams — to continuously inform and evolve release strategy, identify content calendar gaps, and optimize title placement for maximum business impact. Translate those insights into clear release strategy recommendations for senior leadership.
  • Partner with content studios and internal teams from greenlight to premiere, with a deep understanding of creative, production, post-production, marketing, localization, and financial dependencies and timelines.
  • Partner with tooling and business optimization teams to develop and champion scalable release planning processes, frameworks, and visualizations that can flex to support the team’s dynamic business needs.
  • Track the competitive streaming landscape and evolving industry trends.

Education and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • 12+ years of progressive, relevant experience in content scheduling, release planning, or a closely related discipline within a major streaming service, studio, broadcast network, or cable network, with direct experience managing premium content. At least 5 years at a DTC streaming service or digital media company strongly preferred.

  • Demonstrated success operating in large, highly matrixed corporate environments — with a proven ability to build trust, influence senior stakeholders, and drive alignment across multiple business units without direct organizational authority.

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft and deliver concise, executive-ready presentations and recommendations with clarity and authority.

  • Proven executive-level leadership capabilities, including a track record of building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams while managing up effectively to senior leadership.

  • Strong analytical literacy and data fluency, with the ability to critically interpret complex outputs from analytics partners, including optimization models, binge-velocity metrics, audience completion curves, and churn signals, and translate those findings into clear, actionable release strategy decisions and executive-level recommendations. Comfort with data visualization tools and content management platforms is expected, though this role partners with dedicated analytics teams rather than running analysis directly.

  • High business acumen, strategic thinking ability, and the demonstrated capacity to build consensus across competing organizational agendas in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

  • Encyclopedic knowledge of and genuine passion for content

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

  • Prior experience working within The Walt Disney Company or a comparable large, diversified media and entertainment conglomerate with multiple content studios and business units.

  • Experience working with global content operations and localization workflows, with an understanding of the logistical and strategic dependencies that govern international release timing across multiple languages and territories.

  • Familiarity with and interest in AI and machine learning applications relevant to content scheduling and discovery, evaluating and advocating for new tools and methodologies that can drive operational efficiencies for fast-moving teams.

The hiring range for this position in California is $214,600.00-$287,700.00 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:

Direct to Consumer

Job Posting Primary Business:

Disney Plus

Primary Job Posting Category:

Direct-to-Consumer Content Strategy & Operations

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-17

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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