Director, Theatrical Sales & Distribution

Director, Theatrical Sales & Distribution

Job
Location Burbank, California, United States
Business The Walt Disney Studios
Date posted
Feb. 10, 2026

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Theatrical Distribution is responsible for strategy, planning, sales, and marketing for all Disney brands, delivering direct distribution and execution to North American exhibitors.

This role is responsible for developing and executing all theatrical sales responsibilities within a designated U.S. region for all Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures releases. The position manages a high‑profile territory and leads a small team of sales professionals across assigned markets.

The Director oversees regional sales strategy, negotiates complex exhibitor agreements, manages key customer relationships, and ensures strong financial performance across accounts. In addition to core theatrical sales, this role leads and supports special projects tied to alternate programming, Disney+ originals, Hulu features, documentaries, and emerging distribution models within the theatrical space.

Leadership & Functional Direction

• Lead and manage a regional sales team, providing coaching, mentorship, and day‑to‑day direction to Senior Managers, Managers, Sales Representatives, and Sales Coordinators.
• Set regional sales strategy and ensure alignment with overall company objectives and theatrical release priorities.

Strategic Negotiation

• Lead high‑level negotiations with exhibitors on theatrical playtime, formats, and terms and conditions for all releases within the assigned region.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee accounts receivable for assigned territories, including collections and resolution of delinquent accounts.
• Develop strategies to improve revenue performance, deal structures, and payment schedules.

Analysis, Innovation & Special Projects

• Analyze complex market and exhibitor challenges and develop new approaches to improve workflows and efficiencies.
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives and special assignments related to the theatrical slate and emerging distribution opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in theatrical distribution or theatrical exhibition.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated business and commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high‑stakes agreements.
• Highly collaborative, team‑oriented work style with strong communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Maintains professionalism and sound judgment in high‑pressure situations.

• Experience with analytics and marketplace analysis.
• Theatrical Distribution in major regional markets
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Hiring range
: $–$ per year. Base pay may vary based on internal equity and candidate factors. 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.

For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures.

It is also home to Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world‑class stage shows.

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…