Director Communications

Disney is hiring a Director Communications based in New York, NY to lead public relations for ESPN’s entertainment and sports programming divisions. This role sits within the ESPN Communications department and drives publicity strategy across a slate that includes 30 for 30 documentaries, original content series, the annual ESPYS telecast, and tennis coverage spanning the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. It suits an experienced PR professional with a background in film and television public relations who knows how to move a story from pitch to placement.

About the Role

The Director Communications works across ESPN Films, original content, and live sports events, functioning as the primary communications lead for high-profile productions and talent-driven broadcasts. Day-to-day work spans media pitching, red carpet production, press release drafting, and strategic planning alongside senior executives and external PR firms. This is a full-scope communications role that touches episodic television, documentary film, sports broadcasting, and live event publicity in a single position.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute publicity campaigns for 30 for 30 documentaries, 30 for 30 Podcasts, and ESPN Original Content series from campaign launch through release.
• Plan and manage red carpet events for the ESPYS, coordinating logistics with high-profile athletes, talent, and celebrity participants.
• Serve as the communications lead for ESPN’s tennis rights portfolio, working directly with on-air commentators, production staff, and external tournament partners.
• Pitch original story angles across television, print, digital, radio, and trade press to generate measurable publicity results for ESPN programming.
• Write and edit press releases, corporate blog content for ESPN Front Row, and internal communications for the MyDisneyToday employee platform.
• Act as company spokesperson with national and local media, and manage external PR firms engaged on specific projects or events.

What You Bring

• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of public relations or media relations experience, with film and television public relations credits required.
• Demonstrated experience producing red carpet events and managing celebrity-focused press logistics.
• Established national and local media contacts across television, print, digital, and trade outlets.
• Proficiency across social media platforms including X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or equivalent professional experience.

Why This Role

ESPN’s documentary and original content slate, anchored by the 30 for 30 franchise, carries real credibility in the documentary film world, and this role puts you at the center of that work alongside the company’s flagship live sports coverage. Disney offers a full benefits package including medical and financial options, with bonus and long-term incentive units available. The hiring range for this Director Communications position in New York is $160,100 to $231,100 per year, with final compensation based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Apply now for the Director Communications role at Disney and bring your film and television public relations experience to one of the most recognized sports media brands in the industry.