Director, Marketing & Sales Strategy - Adventures & Expeditions

Every day at Disney Experiences we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. One way our world-renown service and storytelling come to life in new and different places around the world is through Disney Signature Experiences, a collection of brands that include Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, Disney Institute, and brand-new emerging businesses.

The Adventures & Expeditions team is responsible for driving demand, maximizing revenue and operating income, and building the Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions guided tour brands.

Director, Marketing & Sales Strategyfor Adventures & Expeditions will be responsible for leading the development of marketing and sales strategies, and leading a team of direct reports and multi-disciplinary partners to develop integrated communication plans that achieve business results and build both brands. This role will work hand-in-hand with key functional partners including Marketing Center of Excellence in the execution and measurement of marketing programs, and collaborate with groups including Revenue Management, Pricing, Contact Center, Sales, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Tech & Digital, Finance, and Operations. This role reports directly to the DSE Vice President, Marketing & Distribution Strategy.

Responsibilities

• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Accountable for driving the development of a holistic marketing strategy and sales plan for DSE Adventures & Expeditions. This includes understanding consumer needs and developing strategic direction to drive new distribution channels and markets.

  • develop commercially viable plans to generate and convert demand, maximizing revenue and operating income

  • lead go-to-market strategies and integrated communication plans to generate consumer awareness, excitement, and purchase intent

  • leverage consumer insights, financial & business data, and industry information to develop recommendations and drive decision-making

  • lead development of annual Marketing & sale plans, in close collaboration with internal partners and, where applicable, external brand license partners

  • collaborate in the creation of new product and long-range growth plans

  • participate in external negotiations and planning on marketing strategics/tactics

  • balance a bias-for-action with thoughtful planning to ensure initiatives are commercially viable and drive the highest value

  • inform and implement Marketing process improvements

• Product & Experience: Influence product and experience development; connect consumer insights and brand differentiation strategies to potential new concepts.

• Leadership: Motivate, inspire, and coach and develop leaders and cast. Champion a culture of creativity, collaboration, diversity, and innovation. Remove barriers and eliminate complexities while giving clear direction around key priorities.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in marketing, sales, strategic planning, or brand management

• Proven success marketing a major consumer brand, including developing strategies designed to deliver business goals and build the brand

• Consumer-centric mindset; proven track record working with marketing research and skilled at linking consumer insights to strategies and execution

• Ability to partner closely with Marketing and Sales Centers of Excellence

• Sales strategy experience and ability to partner closely with Sales leadership

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather and interpret data from multiple sources to inform business, Marketing & Sales decisions

• Deep understanding and experience with communication mediums and integrated marketing communication planning

• Strong business and financial acumen

• Proven ability to lead a team; effective at coaching, inspiring, and aligning priorities

• Demonstrated ability to lead and drive work across cross-functional teams

• Highly collaborative and solution-oriented approach

• Proven ability to effectively work with a variety of business partners and diverse stakeholders, and build effective and trusted relationships

• Demonstrated high influence with senior executives across the organization

• Ability to build strategic alliances/relationships within and outside of Disney

• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and ability to drive effective risk-taking

• Curious, creative, passionate and innovative – excited about future possibilities

• Impactful verbal and written communicator with the ability to deliver presentations with poise, confidence and authentic style

• Active advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or related field