Your New Role...
CNN seeks a Senior Director for the Communications team to manage communications and promotional strategy for the reporting and programming based out of CNN’s Washington, DC Bureau. This fast-paced communications expert will work collaboratively within the CNN Worldwide communications team to support the strategic publicity efforts, including crisis and rapid response, publicity, promotion and media relations.
The role requires strategic thinking, high organizational talent and strong public relations skills. The position provides an opportunity to work with the best journalists in the business and play an integral role in the future of CNN.
Reporting to CNN’s Head of Communications, this role will work to establish strategic messaging and long-term planning across the CNN Worldwide portfolio, while also managing a team of publicists and strong communications experts. This person will sit on the communications leadership team, working closely across divisions and portfolios in the US and International in editorial and business areas.
Your Role Accountabilities...
Lead communications strategy and execution around CNN’s Washington bureau, including all political programming, live events like debates and town halls, and the newsroom’s reporting.
Engage in crisis and strategic response, including direct outreach to members of the press, serving as a key press contact and spokesperson for the company.
Manage strategic publicity efforts for CNN's political journalists across platforms.
Work closely with executives and talent in messaging, media training and interview preparation.
Consult on communications department’s operational decisions and functions, and advise on earned media opportunities and brand-level features.
Lead a team of publicists overseeing media relations and talent management for CNN journalists.
Collaborate with members of the communications team to ensure cohesive strategic messaging and approach to all work is consistent.
Manage complex and unexpected communications challenges with professionalism.
Your Experience & Qualifications...
The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of experience in communications, preferably in politics, rapid response or from a media or technology organization.
Experience building and managing promotion and publicity around high profile talent and VIPs.
Extensive experience in rapid response and crisis communications in the digital age.
Exceptionally skilled at partnering across portfolios with the ability to work in multiple areas of the business.
Extensive experience in issues management and crisis communications
Exceptional writing and editing skills with attention to context and detail that effectively communicate a message.
Must have leadership presence and the ability to advise executives and talent
Seasoned, strategic, hands-on, consultative, and collaborative approach
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
Strong presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
How We Get Things Done…
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
