Job Description

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 dcor, 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 ideation to execution
* Responsible for elevating Centers of Excellence in Design development to deliver a world class brand experience through story telling
* Design integrity and brand ambassador. Protecting the The Walt Disney Company (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 Walt Disney Imagineering (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 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucas, Burton, Muppets, Channel, Yellow Shoes, Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Entertainment

Basic Qualifications:

* Bachelors Degree or equivalent in Art and Design
* Minimum 10 years of senior level leadership experience in graphic or merchandise design
* Excellent presentation and communication skills
* Outstanding organizational skills
* 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