Job Summary:

The Director of Graphic Design leads the Graphic Designers to develop design elements and art that extend the story of our Theme Parks, Stores and Licensing businesses. The Graphic Designers will utilize key strategies driven through our Franchises to develop art that articulates the direction defined through the consumer lens and on a global scale. The Director will report to the VP, Visual Design & Branding.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Product (DPEP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company that brings stories to life through global product assortments and services featuring characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Media Networks, and the Walt Disney Studios. This includes a broad assortment of merchandise ranging from toys, apparel, accessories, home décor, electronics, consumables, health & beauty and collectible art.

The Global Merchandise Creative team develops the global creative direction and assets for all of Disney Consumer Products core properties. Following the Brand Strategy, this team develops the brand identity that appears at retail, designs and establishes the look and feel of each property, generates and fulfills character art needs, and works in partnership with lines of business and product development teams.

The Director of Graphic Design will provide leadership in the design, coordination, and development of Product Development style guides for all Pixar and Walt Disney Animation films in addition to new Media content from Disney Channel and Disney+. Must be adept at partnering with internal stakeholders and navigating relationships with filmmaker teams from the various studios. This position requires being a hands-on designer and managing a team to create and deliver innovative global design solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the Graphic Design team and direction to execute creative strategies in art for programs and product defined with final approval of art and Design concepts
• Responsible for the creative output of the Graphic Designers from creative vision to execution
• Responsible for elevating Centers of Excellence in Design development to deliver a world class brand experience through storytelling
• Design integrity and brand ambassador. Protecting the TWDC IP and Brand through governance and guidance on quality and innovation
• Evaluate, challenge and coach all aspects of the Graphic Designers professional development creating succession planning and career paths for each individual
• Partner closely with creative team across the globe, Franchise Strategy and Product Design to create powerhouse creative that meets creative and financial goals
• Work closely with WDI and all of the Studios to extend the stories through Graphic Design in Brand Experiences, Attraction Development, Live Action and Animated movies. Extend the design elements with story on all creative development
• Work closely with Character Artists to create elevated relevant art that encompasses trend, consumer insights, Studio initiatives and Franchise focused
• Work with executive creative partners in Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Disney Channel, Disney +, Corporate Brand Management, Yellow Shoes, Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Entertainment

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Art, Illustration and/or Graphic Design
• Minimum 12-15+ years of senior level leadership experience in graphic or merchandise design
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Proven success managing and inspiring teams
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence a diverse audience
• Successful experience working, and thriving, in a highly matrixed company structure
• Proven leadership and talent development abilities and a collaborative and effective management style
• Ability to build and foster strong collaborative partnerships across functions and departments
• Proven ability to think creatively and disruptively to bring and infuse new ideas into graphic design
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and detail oriented
• Strong influencing abilities
• Strong creative computer skills

Additional Information:

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

All Graphic Designers and Character Artists on the team. Director of Character Art and Story, VP of Graphic Design, Executive Director of Character Art and Story, Executive level leaders at Pixar Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios the Disney Channel, WDI, Entertainment, Operations, Product Design, Brand Merchandising, Franchise, Commercialization, Packaging, Production and Retail teams.

#CPGPJOBS #DPEPFLA

About Parks, Experiences and Products:

The Parks, Experiences and Products segment includes Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, a top-rated cruise line, a popular vacation ownership program, and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world’s largest children’s publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Global Product Development and Creative, Inc., which is part of a business we call Parks, Experiences and Products.

Disney Global Product Development and Creative, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.