Senior Director, Strategic Communications

About the job

Storytelling is, and will always be, the heart of what we do at Skydance.

Our vision is to build a thriving entertainment ecosystem where stories and worlds are imagined, brought to life and experienced. We create for every age and audience, anchored by the strength of our content and experiences and the depth of our connection with fans. We are creator-first, audience-focused, tech-forward, globally scaled.

Here, you’ll work with talented teams that move fast, think boldly and collaborate with purpose to deliver results. We aim high, champion the best ideas and win together, earning the trust of our employees, creators, partners and audiences every day.

If you’re energized by the opportunity to help build the next-generation global media and entertainment company powered by creativity and technology, we’d be thrilled to welcome you aboard. LET’S GO!

We are the now and the next. The power behind the people building the future. We are born from the spirit of innovation. We are created from the idea that people around the world want more, need more, deserve more. We are the home of the global digital revolution. We are CNN.ㅤ

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.

About Skydance

Skydance is a next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Skydance's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount, Warner Bros., HBO and HBO Max, Paramount+, Pluto TV, CBS, CNN, CBS Sports, TNT Sports, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, MTV, Food Network, BET, HGTV, and Comedy Central.

Some Important Details

We embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit. In line with the laws of the country or region in which the role is based, this includes consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, religion or belief, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, union status or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

Hiring Salary Range: $134,407.00 - $249,613.00 per year

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing compensation, or a range thereof, for roles where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, external market data, internal equity, skill set, experience, training, education, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of our total compensation package. 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.