SVP, Communications – Ad Sales

Job Posting Title:

SVP, Communications – Ad Sales

Req ID:

10127789

Job Description:

Location: New York, NY

Job Summary:

The Senior Vice President, Communications – Ad Sales plays a critical and essential leadership role in shaping, articulating and advancing the external and internal communications strategy for Disney Ad Sales. This executive will work cross-functionally with senior leaders across sales, product, data, research and additional communications teams to position Disney Ad Sales as the marketplace leader in the streaming, addressable and data-enabled advertising landscape.

Reporting to the EVP, Communications – Disney Entertainment Television & Direct-to-Consumer, the SVP will oversee a wide range of efforts, including executive thought leadership, industry press engagement, trade and business media relations, internal communications, award submissions and issues/crisis management. As a key driver of corporate narratives and reputational management, the SVP will work closely with the president of Global Advertising for The Walt Disney Company and their senior team to craft, refine and amplify key messaging for clients, press, internal stakeholders and consumers. Additionally, this individual will lead the communications strategy around signature campaigns, initiatives and events for Ad Sales.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in advertising technology, media strategy and B2B storytelling, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the evolving ad-supported video ecosystem. This person will collaborate with colleagues across the broader Disney portfolio to ensure a unified and forward-thinking communications approach.

The SVP will bring strategic clarity, editorial sophistication and a proactive mindset to the work, while also developing and mentoring a high-performing team. This leader will be deeply invested in shaping a future-forward narrative around Disney’s growing advertising solutions, particularly in streaming, performance marketing, programmatic and first-party data innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans for Disney Ad Sales, with a focus on innovation in streaming, addressable and automated advertising solutions.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior Ad Sales executives and cross-functional partners.
• Spearhead thought leadership and executive visibility opportunities including conference participation, speaking engagements, op-eds and social media strategy.
• Craft messaging strategies that effectively communicate complex advertising products, solutions and data capabilities to external stakeholders.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans for Disney Ad Sales, with a focus on innovation in streaming, addressable and automated advertising solutions.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior Ad Sales executives and cross-functional partners.
• Spearhead thought leadership and executive visibility opportunities including conference participation, speaking engagements, op-eds and social media strategy.
• Craft messaging strategies that effectively communicate complex advertising products, solutions and data capabilities to external stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with key industry press, reporters and analysts; respond to inquiries and proactively pitch media opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with corporate communications, publicity, marketing, legal and business units to manage reputation, mitigate issues and coordinate messaging.
• Guide the team in developing high-impact communications materials, including press releases, Q&As, talking points, internal memos and award submissions.
• Oversee the internal communication strategy for Ad Sales, ensuring alignment and consistency with broader Disney priorities.
• Stay informed on industry trends and competitive moves to inform proactive positioning and storytelling.
• Build and maintain a culture of collaboration, curiosity and creative thinking across the team and the broader organization.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of relevant communications experience, including at least five years in the media/streaming/ad tech sectors.
• Demonstrated success in corporate communications, public relations and executive visibility within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Strong leadership experience, with a record of mentoring and managing high-performing communications teams.
• Deep understanding of the advertising industry, including data-driven and addressable marketing solutions, programmatic platforms and performance-based advertising.
• Proven ability to communicate complex busines