At Disney, we’re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.
The Corporate Innovation team at The Walt Disney Company is a highly visible corporate team of professionals who act as in-house consultants/strategists responsible for the identification, analysis, development and execution of corporate innovation initiatives. Specific activities include developing data-driven hypotheses, strategies, and tactics to develop new businesses; identifying, evaluating and negotiating equity investments; managing a portfolio of current investments; incubating or accelerating potential new businesses, assessing emerging market opportunities and fostering innovation within and across TWDC’s businesses. The team’s activities and accomplishments have contributed to the global strategy and success of The Walt Disney Company across its business units: Studio Entertainment, Media Networks, Direct-to-Consumer International, and Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products.
As an Associate on the Corporate Innovation team, you will be involved in sourcing, due diligence and monitoring business opportunities for potential business development and investments. The responsibilities center on analysis and research of relevant trends and technologies, and the respective companies in those sectors. The position also provides an opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operations of the Disney Accelerator program.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research and due diligence on potential opportunities
- Prepare a variety presentation materials for corporate innovation team
- Assist with evaluation of industry research on technologies and markets with the potential to impact and/or disrupt the future of media and entertainment
- Research and identify critical technologies that impact the media and entertainment business globally
- Brainstorm new business development opportunities for the company
- Develop ideas for new businesses and present resulting opportunities
- Assist in development of business plans for new corporate innovation ventures
- Work with corporate and business unit teams to promote innovation initiatives
- Develop and manage relationships with leading venture capital firms and entrepreneurs in the tech world
- Support assessment and due diligence of portfolio investments
- Investigate emerging innovation trends
- Actively recruit companies through personal network and leads for participation in the Disney Accelerator
- Assist with processes covering financials, management, product and market opportunity for each investment
- Work closely with TWDC business units to support ongoing business development with startups (e.g., capture and monitor next steps, facilitate conversations, track progress)
Basic Qualifications:
- 2- 4+ years of work experience in preferred fields of venture capital, investment banking, consulting, and/or technology
- Expertise with entertainment/media or Internet/digital technology business
- Innovative/creative problem solver
- Strong analytics, financial modeling skills combined with strategic and business acumen
- An excellent team player with strong communication and collaboration skills
- Self-starter with ability to work in a fast-paced, highly entrepreneurial environment
- Ability to interact with all levels of management
- Ability to demonstrate intelligence, strategic sense, and strategic strength by articulating a merit-based, convincing point of view
- High energy level, strong work ethic
- Results-oriented, decisive
- Self confident and able to act on constructive feedback
- Personal/professional integrity and proven discretion handling confidential information
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with working in or with large organizations
- Ability to define and articulate a clear vision
- Demonstrated strong communication skills (written and verbal) and experienced in delivering presentations
- Proven quantitative, analytical and planning skills
- Demonstrated success in understanding and presenting complex business issues and identifying creative solutions
- Ability to positively confront issues and resolve conflict with sound judgment
- Excellent project management skills that lead to efficient, effective, and successful execution of project plans
- Potential limited travel domestically
- Familiarity with TWDC lines of business
Required Education
- B.S. with preferred majors of Finance, Economics, Business, Entrepreneurship or other related field
- MBA from a top tier business school
If interested, please apply here.
