The Disney Decision Science and Integration (DDSI) team leverages advanced technologies, data analytics, and scientific approaches such as optimization and statistical modeling to build innovative tools that shape business decisions across The Walt Disney Company. We support Disney Entertainment (ABC, The Walt Disney Studios, Disney+, Hulu), ESPN, Disney Experiences (Theme Parks, Cruise Line, Consumer Products, DVC), and Corporate Finance with strategic applications that enable data-driven decision-making.
In DDSI, we sit at the intersection of business strategy, advanced analytics, and technology integration to help our partners explore opportunities for analytics, shape business decisions, and drive value. As an analytical Center of Excellence, we are responsible for developing and delivering data science courses to business professionals across the enterprise, including individual contributors and executives. As a Decision Scientist – Course Developer/Instructor, you will play a pivotal role in designing and teaching these courses. In addition, you will have opportunities to develop innovative decision science solutions that support critical projects for internal clients.
This team is based in Lake Buena Vista, FL and works in office. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Decision Science.
What You Will Do
Responsibilities as a Decision Scientist Course Developer/Instructor
Develop and deliver applied data science courses covering topics such as probability and uncertainty, mathematical optimization, coding for automation and data analytics, machine learning, and data visualization.
Support learning across the enterprise through “office hour”-style consultations that help business professionals apply methods and ideas from our courses in their day-to-day work.
Responsibilities as a Decision Scientist:
Drive value through analytics – Research, develop, and implement decision science frameworks as a consultant to business units across The Walt Disney Company.
Pursue innovation – Conduct research on analytical techniques and translate that research into practical solutions for users and clients.
Tell the story – Present science results to business partners and clients.
Support a global and enterprise-wide mission – Identify and apply best practices in the field of advanced analytics for multiple lines of business.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Minimum of 1 year of related work experience.
Ability to teach concepts on technical subject matter to non-experts in a clear and memorable way.
Ability to craft technical slides, animations, and scripts to be used in teaching live or remote audiences.
Excellent written and spoken English.
Proficient at writing code in at least one programming language like R, Python, Julia, or other programming language.
Competence in at least one quantitative field, as indicated by the completion of advanced coursework and original research. Fields include, but are not limited to:
Statistics (two or more topics):
Bayesian statistics
Generalized linear models
Design of Experiments
Mixture models
Nonparametric regression
Structural equation models
Time series (state space models, ARIMA, etc.)
Optimization (at least one topic):
Decision analysis or multiple criteria decision making
Mixed-integer optimization
Nonlinear optimization
Stochastic optimization
Discrete-event simulation and stochastic models
Econometrics/Economics (two or more topics):
Difference in differences
Instrumental variables
Panel data
Regression discontinuity design
Simultaneous equations models
Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium modeling
Game Theory
Machine learning (two or more topics):
Boosting
CART
Clustering
Graphical models
Neural networks
Random forests
Reinforcement learning
Support vector machines
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience using advanced analytics to shape high‑impact strategic or enterprise‑level decisions, ideally in complex or fast‑moving business environments.
Expertise in decision theory, system dynamics, industrial organization, or other approaches for understanding and influencing decisions in complex systems.
Ability to translate sophisticated analytical methods into clear, actionable insights for leaders and non‑technical partners.
Experience developing data science training for business professionals.
Required Education
Master’s degree in advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience
Preferred Education
Ph.D. degree in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Econometrics, Economics, Machine Learning, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience
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The hiring range for this position in Lake Buena Vista, FL is $111,900 to $150,000 per year. 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.
