Director, Contract Administration

@ The Walt Disney Company

Role Summary

The Director, Contract Administration is the leader of the Contract Administration team at The Walt Disney Company. This role oversees all aspects of contract administration and development payment processes for Walt Disney Pictures, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Counsel, Production Legal, Administration & Operations, the role is based in Burbank, CA and requires on-site presence four days per week.

The Team

The Contract Administration team manages contracts, facilitates development payments, tracks deals and rights expirations, and ensures timely, proper payments for talent. The team collaborates with Business Affairs, Legal Affairs, Creative, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Production Finance, Labor Relations, and Physical Production. The team currently includes a Manager, five Contract Administrators, and one Contract Administration Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Contract Analysis: Review talent agreements, identify rights, summarize key terms, and generate reports.
• Payments and Administration: Ensure compliance with payroll systems, guild, and tax rules while processing payments.
• Calendaring/Notices: Monitor critical dates, issue reminders, and incorporate deadlines into agendas.
• Database Consultation/Testing: Collaborate with IT to improve internal contract databases and test updates.
• Reporting and Analysis: Provide deal data, create reports, and analyze contracts.
• Labor Matters: Support union negotiations and address WGA late payment claims.
• Legal Matters: Advise on payroll, accounts payable, and tax policy compliance.
• Team Leadership: Lead contract administrators, drive strategic oversight, ensure compliance, and enhance processes.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 8-10 years in contract administration, legal operations, or business affairs in entertainment.
• Minimum 5 years managing a team.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes and guild/union requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with document management systems.
• Experience in adopting AI tools and automation in contract processes.

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring range for this position is $124,900.00 to $167,500.00 per year, with additional bonus and long-term incentive units available. Full benefits including medical and financial packages are part of the compensation package.

Key skills/competency

• Contract Analysis
• Payment Processing
• Legal Compliance
• Team Leadership
• Payroll Systems
• Report Generation
• Database Management
• Guild/Union Knowledge
• Strategic Planning
• AI Integration