Government Relations Director

Director, Government & Industry Relations

Job ID 484773BR

Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States; Orlando, Florida, United States

Business Disney Parks & Resorts

Date posted 09/06/2017

“We make magic.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

The Director, Government & Industry Relations is responsible for leading the Government & Industry Relations team and partnering with Florida stakeholders to develop and implement advocacy strategies that protect and enhance the reputation of Walt Disney World. The Director, Government & Industry Relations collaborates with leaders in corporate citizenship and strategic communications to effectively promote the interests of the Walt Disney World resort with state and local policy makers, advocacy associations, and trade groups. The key areas of focus include Florida state and local government initiatives and relationships, business association engagement, issue management, and community leader outreach. This position reports into the VP, External Affairs.

This position will:

Advocate for Walt Disney World in the public policy arena and with governmental leaders, as well as key organizations and community leaders.

Communicate key messages and strategies to internal and external audiences and articulate company positions on legislative and regulatory policy issues.

Maintain existing and build strong working relationships with government leaders across the state of Florida.

Develop and implement a strategic political engagement plan for local and state elections.

Assist in managing federal issues that impact the tourism industry.

Act as a consultant and strategic thought partner to senior leadership and business partners in creating and implementing solutions to governmental and community challenges.

Partner with senior company leaders to facilitate company engagement in key community, state and national organizations.

Lead and continuously develop a team of government relations professionals.

Responsibilities

Leadership: Lead the Government Relations team and ensure alignment with outreach, engagement, focus and priorities. Direct the day-to-day management of government relations programs to ensure that goals are maximized and resources are used effectively and efficiently. Serve as a subject-matter-expert and provide counsel for site-specific programs.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build strategic alliances and coalitions with key constituency groups largely at the local and state level whose work and missions are aligned with the company’s priorities.

Government Relations: Build and maintain strong working relationships with government leaders across the state of Florida. Engage in issue identification and management in the regulatory and legislative environments.

Goals and Measurement: In collaboration with WDPR public affairs leaders, develop appropriate goals and metrics for measuring the Company’s performance with respect to industry relations. Develop metrics to support investment recommendations and to demonstrate value to business.

Communication: Work effectively with the WDW communications team to advance the Company’s reputation with respect to government relations. Ensure that messaging and tactics align, inform and inspire both internal and external stakeholders around Parks and Resorts objectives.

Fiscal Planning: Develop an understanding of the fiscal impact of the Company’s goals and priorities in government relations. Develop an annual operating budget.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years in a government relations or public affairs role.

Prior experience in running political campaigns or shaping public policy.

Proven experience with and strong understanding of state and local government, law or community relations in Florida, including existing relationships with stakeholders

Previous advocacy experience in or with local or state governments

Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated strong organizational and decision making skills

Demonstrated strong relationship-building, negotiating, and influencing abilities

Demonstrated ability to effectively solve problems

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working in or with a trade, business or advocacy association or corporation

Previous experience in other public affairs disciplines beyond government relations, including corporate citizenship or issue management

Previous lobbying experience a plus

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Preferred Education

Juris Doctor or Master’s Degree in public policy related field

Company Overview

The Walt Disney Company is a world-class entertainment and technological leader. Walt’s passion was to continuously envision new ways to move audiences around the world—a passion that remains our touchstone in an enterprise that stretches from theme parks, resorts and a cruise line to sports, news, movies and a variety of other businesses. Uniting each endeavor is a commitment to creating and delivering unforgettable experiences — and we’re constantly looking for new ways to enhance these exciting experiences. Bring your individual talents here and discover for yourself why a career with Disney is the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

“It takes people to make the dream a reality.” Walt was on to something when he said that, and it continues to ring true today. No matter the stage in your career, being a part of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts means being a part of a team where you help bring innovation to life through unsurpassed products, services and most importantly remarkable experiences. As a Cast Member you are the steward and connection to our legacy and the backbone of our thriving innovations. Join our team and watch your dreams come true.

Additional Information

This position is a legal entity of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, an equal opportunity employer.