Executive Assistant, WDI Design & Planning Studio

Job ID 10100516 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Sep. 17, 2024

Apply Now

ENJOY THE MAGIC

Because our employees and cast members are at the heart of everything we do, Disney offers a competitive total rewards package that includes pay, health and savings benefits, time-off programs, educational opportunities and more.

*Benefits and eligibility may vary by business and location

HEALTH INSURANCE & WELLBEING
CHILDCARE OPTIONS
PAID TIME OFF
RETIREMENT PROGRAMS
TUITION ASSISTANCE
WEEKLY PAY

View All

"I didn't think it was possible that something I did for fun - telling sports stories through stats - could become my job until I came here."

Ana, Sr. Researcher, ESPN

Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

Do you have deep experience supporting a very high-level executive? Are you known for keeping your cool under pressure? Then an Executive Support Professional position in Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) at The Walt Disney Company might be right for you.

We’re looking for an energetic, hard-working, and team-oriented Executive Assistant to support our WDI Design and Planning (D+P) Studio team. The Executive Assistant will provide exceptional administrative support to the D+P Studio Executives and secondary support to additional leaders as needed and assigned.

What You Will Do

You will operate as the primary point of contact for D+P Executives with an emphasis on complex daily scheduling and project support. This Executive Assistant is an integral member of the WDI D+P executive support team and plays a key role in helping cultivate a strong and vibrant studio culture! In this role, you may not only find yourself at the center of our studio’s executive team “hub”, but also working as a trusted partner to individuals in departments throughout the studio. Therefore, the position requires a positive & engaging demeanor, exemplary service orientation, a high level of organization, independent problem solving and the ability to proactively, accurately and responsively deliver several tasks/projects, sometimes simultaneously. To be most effective, you will be collaborative, organized, curious and willing to learn. You will possess a personal commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging to help us cultivate Imagineers who can bring their fullest talents to the studio.

On any given day, your role may require you to complete many of these tasks:

Schedule Management & Administration

Proactively manage leader(s) and team calendars with an understanding of leader and studio goals
Exercise judgment and prioritize complex schedules and tasks accordingly
Proactively prepare leader(s) for meetings, ensuring that agendas are prepared in advance, communicated and that key leadership and management are aware of and involved in critical meetings
Anticipate future needs and problems with regards to scheduling, communication and support
Effectively meet deadlines through multi-tasking, prioritizing and delegating
Book travel and create detailed itineraries when needed
Manage and reconcile expense reports, invoices and receipts, and flag upcoming expenses for budgetary purposes
Successfully run day to day tasks and operations, which may include but are not limited to: Phone, email and mail correspondence, shipping, contacts and electronic paper files, working meals and catering needs, office supply needs, and organizational charts

Communication

Speak on behalf of and represent leader in conversations and meetings in leader’s absence using a high level of diplomacy, judgment with autonomy as needed
Regularly handle sensitive information in a discrete and confidential manner
Accurately communicate and collaborate with production or operational departments or people at all levels
Draft communications on behalf of and in the style of leader(s) as requested
Build and/or assemble presentations/decks to communicate strategies and initiatives
Create and support a friendly professional atmosphere within the team and department
Establish positive rapport with other assistants, operations teams, production departments, and studio leadership
Take on advisory and advocate role within team, providing support to the department and other assistants as needed

Special Projects

Project manage initiatives, programs and one-off projects as needed in support of leader(s) goals and assignments
Plan and execute both small and large events including studio-wide meetings, on and off-site meetings, large presentations, social events, morale/team building events, etc.
Work with individuals outside of the company on a variety of activities which may include scheduling visiting Executive or VIP meetings and arranging for all necessary event details (agendas, catering, travel coordination and day-of event management)
Participate in the hiring process as needed
Provide leadership, assistance with training, and mentorship within the assistant community; provide backup for assistant positions across the department or studio when necessary

Required Qualifications & Skills

At least 3 years of experience supporting an executive in an administrative support role
Proficiency in technology required to perform the role (may include Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint), and a quick learner of new applications
Superior interpersonal skills and baseline emotional intelligence in both written and verbal communication
Ability to maintain composure in high pressure situations and effectively “read the room”
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
High levels of trust, customer service, professionalism, punctuality and reliability
Ability to make others comfortable and at ease
Ability to effectively communicate and connect with both creative and technical people and engage with individual contributors and Senior Executives with an equal level of respect and composure
Initiative to learn new skills, studio procedures, and pipeline through self and studio education
Ability to work onsite and work overtime, as needed

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years of administrative experience supporting an executive in a dynamic and demanding environment
Experience using Disney systems and processes, or an equivalent large-scale company
Adobe and Photoshop skills
Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and basic formulas
Experience in SAP/Workday
Design and/or Construction industry experience

Education

Required: High school diploma
Preferred: BA/BS or equivalent preferred

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $63,400.00 to $85,000.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.

Apply Now

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

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 that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. 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 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. 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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.