Disney Sports PR Internship Non-Leisure Market- Spring 2020
This position is located at WDW and is part of the non-leisure group Public Relations team. The Sports PR team intern supports all public relations activities related to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney Parks and Resorts. The position will support PR plans and strategies that drive business goals for areas including the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney Youth Sports and Youth Programs, runDisney, and Water Parks. Additionally, the sports intern will be responsible for supporting the Disney Sports PR department staffers in the creation, development and execution of story ideas, press releases, pitch materials and editorial content aimed at increasing the share of voice of Disney Sports and Disney Parks and Resorts within local, regional and national media outlets.
Please note strong candidates will be contacted and asked to submit a writing sample. Instructions will be provided at that time.
Responsibilities:
A day in the Life….
Be a part of the solution by managing media relationships and servicing on-property site visits and applying strong research skills and an understanding of how the news media works.
Put your creative skills to work by assisting in writing press releases, news stories, captioning photos and working with sports along with Disney Parks and Resorts clients to identify story opportunities to include content for different social media outlets, developing story pitches, articles and case studies.
Utilize your leadership and partnering skills by coordinating media visits and assisting with hosting media.
Basic Qualifications:
You Bring…
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong knowledge of current media landscape
- Previous public relations experience, or reporting/writing experience with a student or professional publication in print, television or online media
- Flexibility to work various hours including weekends and evenings
- Strong working knowledge of youth, collegiate and professional sports
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with Associated Press writing style
- Computer proficiency within a Windows environment
- Experience in creating content for digital/social media
- Ability to research and maintain databases for media information, projects, coverage and other related information
- Solid ability to research, develop and pitch compelling human interest story ideas to members of the news media
- Excellent writing and research skills with an understanding of how the news media works
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous internship experience in Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, Government Relations, Marketing or similar
- Previous experience as a Disney Cast Member
- Working knowledge and experience with WordPress
- Demonstrated proficiency designing and creating graphics and/or infographics
- Experience with media analytics and research tools such as: Cision
Required Education
- Currently enrolled as a junior or higher (or recently graduated with) a degree majoring in Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communication, or related field
- 3.0 G.P.A. or higher is required
Additional Information:
Internship Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in an accredited college/university taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program OR must have graduated from an accredited college/university within 6 months OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Professional Internship
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must not have completed one year of continuous employment on a Disney internship or program.
- Must possess unrestricted work authorization
- Must provide full work availability
- Must provide own transportation to/from work
- Current Active Disney cast members must meet Professional Internship transfer guidelines (for Walt Disney World cast members this is no more than four points and one reprimand in the last six months; for Disneyland cast members this is six months of consecutive service and a performance record clear of any disciplinary issues (warnings, suspensions, etc.) for at least six months)
Program Length:
The approximate dates of this internship are January 2020 through June 2020. Interns must be fully available for the duration of the internship.
Housing: A limited amount of company-sponsored housing is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
About Walt Disney World Resort:
Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.
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 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business segment we call Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., 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.