Director, Program Management

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people globally through play and imagination. From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

The Director of Partnerships & Program Management, Magic Franchise, will play a key role in bringing Magic’s partnerships to life and developing the emerging initiatives that advance the franchise into new areas, such as entertainment. This role will focus on:

• Leading and developing the Partner Program Management team, the connective tissue between the Magic ecosystem with our Universes Beyond partners, and
• Managing a portfolio of multi-year, cross-functional initiatives that capitalize on new opportunities for Magic and help set the path for our most ambitious releases.

You will be responsible for the daily execution of established programs and for exploring what comes next. Operating at the intersection of partnership, product, and creative, you will work effectively within a complex, matrixed organization. You will handle emerging issues outside regular processes and lead through influence, collaboration, and partnership.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the Magic Franchise Program Management Team: Support your Partner Program Managers through resolving critical issues, ensuring final delivery, and growing partner engagement throughout the Magic ecosystem. You will establish the team’s rhythm, clear day-to-day obstacles, and anticipate and manage the expectations of internal and external collaborators and customers.
• Develop the Craft & Team: Establish the best practices that scale the team’s impact, and coach and mentor Partner Program Managers into well-rounded, cross-functional leaders.
• Drive Emerging Franchise Initiatives: Manage a portfolio of principal-level initiatives that build Magic’s future. You will assess and help craft pitches for new Universes Beyond sets. You will also assemble and lead cross-functional teams to bring new ideas and special projects to life.
• Be the Partner Expert. Serve as the primary partner specialist within Wizards of the Coast, coaching teams on effective partner engagement and communication, while advancing the Magic franchise goals with partners.

What You’ll Bring:

• A proven program management leader with a track record of succeeding in ambiguity and operating effectively within complex, matrixed organizations. Effective escalation management and problem-solving skills, with the judgment to resolve challenges.
• A demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and lead senior program managers. A track record of building high-performing teams through operational efficiency and best practices
• Strategic vision to identify and build new opportunities, paired with the creative and editorial judgment to evaluate pitches.
• Outstanding relationship-building and influencing abilities, including the capacity to advance an agenda through informal channels and maintain strong connections across partner studios.
• Extensive knowledge of the Magic ecosystem and partner programs, along with the insights to identify and grow partner engagement.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, including the ability to deliver clear and concise instructions and feedback to partners.
• Ability to curate and interpret data from multiple sources, synthesize a compelling story, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Passion for play and a desire to take on increased responsibilities over time.
• BA/BS or equivalent experience preferred.