SVP, Publicity & Communications (National Geographic)

The Senior Vice President of Publicity and Communications for National Geographic will serve as the lead publicity strategist for the brand, its content and its talent, and act as a strategic advisor to the Head of Marketing for Disney Branded Television and National Geographic. The SVP plays a vital role in guiding the President, National Geographic with appearances and speaking engagements. The role will report to the Head of Marketing for Disney Branded Television and National Geographic.

The executive will manage day-to-day operations of the publicity department, and communications. The SVP navigates effective relationships with entertainment journalists, identifies opportunities to engage press in meaningful ways to protect and promote the many compelling stories about the work that’s being done across National Geographic.

The SVP will directly manage two VPs and two directors. Working closely with direct reports, the SVP will determine show assignments, oversee press releases, media guides, and work with senior executives on drafting and editing speeches. The SVP is responsible for media training our leaders as well as evaluating and approving executive appearances and speaking engagements.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development and execution of communications strategies that promote, enhance and protect the National Geographic brand, its content and its talent on all platforms.
• Oversee the messaging and manage National Geographics’ reputation through external and internal communications strategies in support of the organization’s strategic goals.
• Lead efforts to identify potential issues and develop appropriate messaging to help shape our narrative to press and viewers.
• Identify external communications opportunities for our executives and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Respond to press inquiries on various matters and serve as point of contact with key media members.
• Lead the development and execution of media relations campaigns across business, trade and consumer outlets.
• Pro-actively provide counsel, insight and guidance to the Head of Marketing on all communications and publicity matters inside and outside the company.
• Develop crisis communications strategies as needed and manage their execution to stay ahead of critical issues involving talent, content and personnel.
• Provide strategic guidance and tactical assistance to executives to prepare them for media events, speeches, presentations, and interviews.
• Manage and develop a team of communications professionals to ensure their continued growth and collaboration on best practices.
• Collaborate with other departments within National Geographic as well as Corporate Communications, Disney Entertainment and The Walt Disney Company to share and disseminate information and contribute to strategic planning for company initiatives, and processes.
• Manage department budget to ensure efficient use of department resources and highest ROI.
• Work with the Nat Geo leadership team to create network vision and strategy for all consumer publicity campaigns.
• Lead the development and execution of media relations campaigns across business, trade and consumer outlets. Manage the day-to-day organization and operation of media relations.
• Develop communications strategies to promote the Nat Geo brand and its content.
• Provide strategic guidance and tactical assistance to executives to prepare them for media events, speeches, presentations and interviews.

Basic Qualifications:

• Significant hands-on experience successfully crafting and executing communications/messaging campaigns across a variety of trade and consumer media.
• Ability to develop crisis communications campaigns quickly and effectively, and to successfully execute them in a timely manner.
• Experience coaching senior executives for public appearances in the press, on panels, conferences, etc.
• Track record leading/managing successful communications, media relations and/or publicity professionals in the Entertainment space.
• Substantial experience managing/leading teams, developing strategy and executing plans.
• Must be charismatic and persuasive, able to motivate and inspire subordinates, peers and superiors.
• Must be autonomous and decisive, able to oversee and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working closely with Chairman and President level executives on difficult or challenging programming related issues.

Required Education:

The hiring range for this position in California, New York and Washington, D.C. is $327,600 to $450,500 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.