Sr Manager, Studio Research

Job Description

The Studio Research team at the Walt Disney Studios oversees global audience insights that impact the creative and strategic decisions of our marketing and production teams.

In partnership with the Director and Vice President of Studio research, the Senior Manager will be in a leadership role managing quantitative and qualitative research studies for all content made by The Walt Disney Studio, including movies released in theaters and series released on Disney+ and Hulu. The Studio brands include Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney Animation, Disney Live Action, and 20th Century Studios. Several of these research studies will be global and this role will have varying degrees of autonomy, and responsibility with the goal of becoming a trusted partner for our marketing and production stakeholders. Key strengths for this position come from experience with designing and communicating global research briefs and analysis, and mentoring/managerial/leadership skills.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee the project management of global research projects from inception to completion. Using strategic and analytical skills to effectively design research studies to be actionable for our stakeholders. For example, this includes the development of objectives, data analysis, presentation design, and report delivery. The types of research includes, but is not limited to, creative testing, screenings, exit surveys, and franchise studies.
• Present opinions on creative materials in a confident and compelling way that inspires both key stakeholders and other team members.
• Manage at least one direct report, developing their growth and contributions to the team and maintain an open dialog about personal performance and the performance of the larger team. Leadership skills are needed for this role to effectively instruct, coach, and guide their success.
• Attend focus groups and screenings (both domestically and internationally) and synthesize the findings for production and marketing executives.
• Take the lead on managing a syndicated title tracking for theatrical releases, both domestically and internationally.
• Lead various ad-hoc, custom quantitative and qualitative research projects on an as needed basis.
• Review/prepare research tools (e.g., questionnaires, discussion guides) and help with project logistics as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with research counterparts from other divisions of The Walt Disney Company as well as partners/stakeholders in the Studio Marketing and external vendors.

Basic Qualifications:
• 7+ years of relevant experience in market research either client-side or vendor-side – with at least 3 years focused on the entertainment industry
• Solid project management skills and experience, including questionnaire design, and data analysis.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others as a collaborative team player. Previous leadership experience is preferred.
• Solid project management skills and experience, including questionnaire design, and data analysis.
• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours when needed to cover early mornings and late evenings after the standard workday.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Keynote experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
• International research experience
• Multicultural market research experience
• Previous leadership experience
• A passion for films, TV, and/or entertainment industry overall is a plus!

Education:
• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in media studies, film studies, marketing, business, sociology, or related field.

The hiring range for this position in California is $135,000 to $181,000 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.

About The Walt Disney Studios:

For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. It is also home to Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world-class stage shows.

This position is with Disney Entertainment Operations LLC, which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Studios.

Disney Entertainment Operations LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-dy0n0q-18-217-140-98-42 in your application.