📌 Core Information
Job Title: Senior Communications Manager
Company: Naughty Dog
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Communications, Marketing
Date Posted: April 10, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving public-facing communications and content for Naughty Dog and its games
- Collaborating with SIE on marketing, public relations, events, promotions, and licensing campaigns
- Managing assigned projects through completion and building feedback loops
- Executing and contributing to Naughty Dog's owned-channel external communications
- Serving as a spokesperson for Naughty Dog and its games to community and media
ASSUMPTION: This role requires high levels of collaboration and communication across multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams. It is a meaningful role with growth potential that reports to the Director of Communications.
📋 Key Responsibilities
DRIVE:
- Serve as the day-to-day contact with the global SIE organization, partnering with counterparts across Marketing, Public Relations, Product Development, Licensing, Events, agencies, and more
- Collaborate with SIE counterparts to build and execute integrated marketing campaigns
- Evaluate incoming plans, creative, and content in tandem with Content Manager and Director; coordinate review and feedback to ensure they reflect and maintain studio interests, integrity, and align with the vision and theme of our games
- Attend and participate in meetings and conference calls with SIE counterparts and other partners; lead meetings as assigned
- Proactively report back regularly to supervisor and, as appropriate, studio leadership on key areas, including strategic plans, project status, internal challenges, product updates, and issues
ASSUMPTION: This section requires high-level collaboration, communication, and project management skills.
MANAGE:
- Manage assigned projects through completion and build feedback loops
- Use existing project management processes and systems, such as Trello, to input and track requests and tasks; identify areas of improvement, new processes and tools in collaboration with production
- Anticipate challenges, troubleshoot problems, propose solutions, offer recommendations, oversee quality, and ensure adherence to deadlines
- Perform research and due diligence to ensure best outcomes; ensure alignment with communicated strategies and objectives
- Set appropriate feedback and approval processes; keeps internal stakeholders informed
- Manage and coordinate internal production and approval pipeline for a broad variety of assets including screenshots, video assets, blog posts, key art, marketing copy, messaging, etc.
- Collaborate on owned channel communications for the Naughty Dog brand and game franchises across web, social media, video, livestream, and more
ASSUMPTION: This section requires strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
EXECUTE:
- Serve as a spokesperson for Naughty Dog and its games to community and media
- Research, write, edit, and proofread content including messaging, scripts, presentations, media alerts, blog posts, social posts, biographies, reports, briefing documents, FAQs, and more
- Monitor important online discussions and events to make sure Naughty Dog is participating and represented, including responding opportunistically or reactively as the situation requires
- Proactively identify, pitch, and execute areas of opportunity where communication tools, messaging, frameworks, channels, or processes can be improved for Naughty Dog, game franchises, and the Communications Team
- Take on additional tasks and responsibilities, as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This section requires strong writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
CONTRIBUTE:
- Collaborate with the Director of Communications to develop communications strategies and setting objectives for owned channels and opportunities for growth
- Active contributor to the first-party PSS community of colleagues; identify and execute opportunities to demonstrate Naughty Dog and personal thought leadership
- Assist supervision and coordination of junior members; encourage professional growth, motivate, and provide constructive feedback
- Assist with internal communications and initiatives, executing broader Communications Team initiatives and programs
ASSUMPTION: This section requires strong collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
APPROACH:
- Brings high level of effort and quality to their own work; pushes for creative ideas; is purposeful and enterprising in problem-solving; embraces diverse trends, skills, specialties, and viewpoints
- Displays behavior consistent with the Naughty Dog culture; upholds creative, ethical, and legal standards
- Focused on continuous improvement and self-development, seeks feedback and incorporates it; is consistently ambitious in setting, tracking, and achieving professional growth goals
- Accountable for self and the contribution of others to their projects; earns trust and respect from Leadership and peers
- Listens, communicates, and collaborates openly to form strong relationships and rally others to achieve common goals
- Proactively reports back to supervisor and others, as needed, on key areas such as plans, project status, internal challenges, results, etc.
ASSUMPTION: This section requires strong self-awareness, communication, and leadership skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: Minimum 8-10 years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, brand strategy, and/or related fields within the video game industry
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing, grammar, and content-creation abilities across a variety of mediums including written and video
- Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills; cultural sensitivity to work with a diverse, international team
- Demonstrate initiative; proactive, roll-up-one’s-sleeves attitude and a strong work ethic; ability to work independently
- Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking; unbridled curiosity, passion, and strong critical thinking skills
- Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
- Open and collaborative approach to their work; comfort in a fast-paced organization navigating ambiguity and change
- Ability to work concurrently on and effectively prioritize a variety of projects. Adaptable and able to handle multiple tasks and priorities
- Ability to objectively interpret player feedback and make actionable recommendations to the development and marketing teams
- Software proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.), Slack, Google Drive, etc.
- Current and emerging social media platforms and working knowledge of social tools for content management, listening, and analytics, such as Spredfast, Meltwater, Khoros, etc.
- Project management software and platforms like Trello, Wrike, Microsoft Project, etc.
ASSUMPTION: This section requires a specific set of skills and experiences relevant to the video game industry and communications role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $14,300 - $178,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Matching 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Program
- Employee Discounts
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience in the video game industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Computer Games
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1986
Company Description:
- Naughty Dog is a renowned video game developer known for creating critically acclaimed and top-selling games on PlayStation platforms
- The studio is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment based out of Santa Monica, CA
- Naughty Dog is also home to Sony World Wide Studios’ ICE Team, a central technology group that focuses on creating core graphics technologies for Sony’s worldwide first-party published titles
Company Specialties:
- Video Game Development
- Graphics Technology
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Brand Management
Company Website: www.naughtydog.com
ASSUMPTION: Naughty Dog is a well-established company in the video game industry with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Communications
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career growth within the Communications Team or other departments at Naughty Dog
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with industry leaders
- Chance to contribute to the development and execution of communications strategies for Naughty Dog's owned channels and opportunities for growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities based on individual performance and the company's expanding projects.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, creative office environment
Office Location(s): 2425 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, US
Geographic Context:
- Santa Monica is a coastal city in Los Angeles County, California
- The city is known for its beaches, mountain views, and urban culture
- Santa Monica is home to many technology and entertainment companies, providing ample networking opportunities
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is creative, collaborative, and fast-paced, with a strong focus on work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- On-site interview with the Hiring Manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Director of Communications
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and presentation abilities
- Writing and content creation skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Naughty Dog's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
- Research Naughty Dog's games and company culture to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding
ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Brand Strategy, Content Creation, Project Management, Interpersonal Skills, Writing, Creativity, Organization, Analytical Skills, Social Media, Team Collaboration, Problem Solving, Cultural Sensitivity, Attention to Detail, Adaptability
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess your communication, problem-solving, and cultural fit skills, as well as your understanding of the video game industry and Naughty Dog's games.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.)
- Slack
- Google Drive
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Content management, listening, and analytics tools (Spredfast, Meltwater, Khoros, etc.)
- Project management software (Trello, Wrike, Microsoft Project, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: This list is not exhaustive, and the specific tools and technologies used may vary based on the project or team.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and respect
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and comfortable with change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Naughty Dog's values of creativity, collaboration, and integrity?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with frequent changes?
- How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making in a team setting?
ASSUMPTION: Naughty Dog values creativity, collaboration, and integrity, and seeks candidates who embody these qualities.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent changes and tight deadlines
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders with varying objectives
- Adapting to new tools, technologies, and processes as the company evolves
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to working in a creative, dynamic video game development and marketing environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on communications and marketing for a AAA video game developer
- It requires a deep understanding of the video game industry, marketing strategies, and brand management
- Career paths may lead to roles in marketing, public relations, or brand management within the video game industry or other related fields
ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other communications or marketing roles due to its focus on the video game industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a high-profile game launch event, including planning, execution, and post-event analysis
- Developing and executing a social media campaign to increase brand awareness and engagement
- Creating and distributing press releases and media kits for game announcements and updates
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the variety and scope of work involved in this role, from event management and social media campaigns to public relations and content creation.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Communications Team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as Product Development and Marketing?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Naughty Dog support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working in Communications at Naughty Dog?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you understand the role's responsibilities, the team's dynamics, and the company's culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
- Research Naughty Dog's games and company culture to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your initial application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
