Your New Role...CNN is seeking a Senior Manager of Podcasts to oversee a strategic portfolio of shows within the global CNN podcast slate. Reporting to the Senior Director of Podcasts, this role is responsible for the editorial strength, production quality and cross-platform growth of a specific subset of programming.
As a key leader within the department, you will manage a dedicated team of producers to execute high-impact journalism for both listeners and viewers. You will understand how to build a loyal audience across major audio platforms like Apple and Spotify, as well as video-centric destinations like YouTube and CNN's owned properties. This role requires a collaborative leader who can manage a diverse production slate while aligning with the broader strategic goals set by the Senior Director.
Your Role Accountabilities...- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of senior producers, producers, associate producers and editors. Provide consistent feedback on scripts, visual treatments, and final audio and video mixes. And contribute to the long-term strategic direction of the podcast department, reporting to the Senior Director.
- Talent and Expert Management: Work closely with CNN anchors, correspondents and external talent. Provide editorial direction for both on-camera video podcasting and traditional audio recording.
- Cross-Platform Strategy: Ensure all content is optimized for both video-first and audio-first distribution. Coordinate the production of long-form shows alongside short-form social content for maximum discovery.
- Show Development: Oversee the development and lifecycle of shows within your portfolio, from the pilot phase and launch to the iterative improvement of established flagship series.
- Growth and Performance: In collaboration with the Senior Director and analytics teams, use platform-specific data to refine content strategy and increase audience retention and reach.
- Operational Efficiency: Manage individual show budgets, production schedules and workflows to ensure high-quality output is delivered on time within a 24/7 news cycle.
Qualifications & Experience...- Minimum of 10 years of experience in journalism, digital media or broadcasting, with at least 5 years in a management role overseeing podcast, audio or digital video production.
- Proven track record in managing a portfolio of successful content, with specific experience in video producing and video-specific distribution strategy.
- Exceptional editorial judgment and the ability to mentor teams in translating complex news into compelling, narrative-driven experiences for both eyes and ears.
- Sophisticated writing, scripting and story-editing skills, with a deep understanding of pacing and narrative structure across visual and audio formats.
- Extensive knowledge of video, lighting and audio production.
- Strong people management skills with experience leading hybrid teams through complex, end-to-end production workflows.
- Familiarity with professional production tools such as Adobe Premiere and Descript along with an understanding of podcast RSS management and video optimization.
- Ability to execute on a high-level vision provided by the Senior Director while managing the day-to-day tactical needs of multiple production teams.
Core Performance Traits...- Innovation: Constantly iterating on show formats to find new ways for CNN's journalism to reach audiences on emerging platforms.
- Accountability: Taking full ownership of your portfolio's performance and fostering a culture of editorial excellence within your team.
- Agility: Balancing the needs of long-term series production with the urgency of the daily news cycle. Flexibility to work nights, weekends and holidays as deadlines warrant.
- Collaboration: Working seamlessly with other Senior Managers and the Senior Director to ensure a cohesive and unified podcast slate.
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 www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ 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.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $110,320.00 - $204,880.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.
