📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
🔹 Company: Warner Bros. Discovery
🔹 Location: Washington, DC
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing strategic publicity efforts for CNN's political talent and programming
- Handling crisis and rapid response communications
- Collaborating with the communications team for cohesive messaging
- Managing unexpected communications challenges with professionalism
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience in political or crisis communications and a strong background in managing publicity for high-profile talent.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage strategic publicity efforts for CNN's political talent and programming, including drafting and distributing pitches around editorial reporting across platforms.
✅ Engage in crisis and strategic response, including direct outreach to members of the press, serving as a key press contact.
✅ Research and pitch creative placements, interviews, stories, and speaking opportunities for CNN journalists.
✅ Collaborate with members of the communications team to ensure cohesive strategic messaging and approach to all work is consistent.
✅ Regularly track media coverage and analyze media coverage.
✅ Manage complex and unexpected communications challenges with professionalism
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working with high-profile talent and requires exceptional writing and editing skills, as well as a consultative and collaborative approach.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
Experience: At least 8 years of experience in political or crisis communications, preferably in politics or from a media or technology organization
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in political or crisis communications
- 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
- Exceptional writing and editing skills with attention to context and detail
- Leadership presence and the ability to advise talent and executives
- Strong presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with journalists and media outlets
- Familiarity with the CNN brand and its programming
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in political or crisis communications and experience managing publicity for high-profile talent.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $94,494 - $175,490 per year
Benefits:
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Employee Wellness Program
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Holidays
- Sick Time
- Vacation
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global entertainment company that operates a portfolio of iconic brands and franchises, including CNN, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, and HBO.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: Warner Bros. Discovery was formed in 2022 through the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc.
Company Description:
- Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global entertainment company that operates a portfolio of iconic brands and franchises, including CNN, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, and HBO.
- The company offers a wide range of content across various platforms, including television, film, and streaming services.
- Warner Bros. Discovery is committed to creating and distributing high-quality content that entertains, informs, and inspires audiences around the world.
Company Specialties:
- Content creation and distribution
- Entertainment
- Media
- Streaming services
Company Website: www.wbd.com
ASSUMPTION: Warner Bros. Discovery is a large, global entertainment company with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands and franchises. The company offers a wide range of content across various platforms, including television, film, and streaming services.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Vice President of Communications for CNN Worldwide.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site and based in Washington, DC.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work with high-profile talent and journalists
- Opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of CNN's communications efforts
- Possibility to advance to a more senior role within the communications department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to work with high-profile talent and contribute to the strategic direction of CNN's communications efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site
Office Location(s): 820 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Geographic Context:
- The Washington, DC bureau is located in the heart of the nation's capital, providing easy access to political and news events.
- The office is close to public transportation, restaurants, and other amenities.
- The DC area offers a diverse range of cultural, historical, and recreational activities.
Work Schedule: This role requires a flexible work schedule, including the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The Washington, DC bureau is a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with easy access to political and news events. The office is located in a convenient and vibrant area of the city.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the communications team
- Final interview with the Vice President of Communications for CNN Worldwide
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Crisis communications experience
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Leadership presence and ability to advise talent and executives
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in political or crisis communications and managing publicity for high-profile talent.
- Prepare examples of your writing and editing skills, as well as your experience handling crisis communications.
- Research the company and the CNN brand to demonstrate your familiarity with the organization and its programming.
ATS Keywords: Crisis Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Thinking, Writing Skills, Editing Skills, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, Presentation Skills, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive and requires a strong portfolio of writing and editing samples, as well as a demonstrated track record of success in political or crisis communications.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Cision
- Muck Rack
- Media monitoring tools
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with media monitoring tools. Experience with Cision and Muck Rack is preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality: We strive for excellence in everything we do.
- Integrity: We act with honesty and integrity in all our interactions.
- Respect: We value and respect the unique perspectives and backgrounds of our employees and partners.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals.
- Adaptable: We embrace change and continuously learn and improve.
- Results-driven: We focus on delivering results that make a difference.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of success in political or crisis communications?
- Are you able to manage complex and unexpected communications challenges with professionalism?
- Do you have exceptional writing and editing skills with attention to context and detail?
ASSUMPTION: Warner Bros. Discovery values a work environment that is collaborative, adaptable, and results-driven. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in political or crisis communications and exceptional writing and editing skills.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Handling high-pressure situations and tight deadlines
- Managing complex and unexpected communications challenges
- Working with high-profile talent and journalists
- Navigating a large and dynamic organization
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities, including handling high-pressure situations, managing complex communications challenges, and working with high-profile talent and journalists. The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in this fast-paced and dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Communications Director or Senior Communications Manager, but with a focus on political and crisis communications.
- Unlike other communications roles, this position requires a strong background in political or crisis communications and experience managing publicity for high-profile talent.
- This role offers the opportunity to work with high-profile talent and journalists, as well as contribute to the strategic direction of CNN's communications efforts.
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other senior communications positions, but with a unique focus on political and crisis communications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in political or crisis communications and experience managing publicity for high-profile talent.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan for a high-profile event or announcement
- Managing crisis communications for a breaking news story or scandal
- Pitching and securing media coverage for a CNN journalist or program
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of responsibilities and challenges that the ideal candidate might face in this role. The actual projects and tasks assigned may vary depending on the organization's needs and priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the CNN brand, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for CNN Worldwide?
- What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the communications department?
- How does Warner Bros. Discovery support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help the candidate better understand the role, the organization, and the company culture. The ideal candidate will be proactive and engaged in the interview process, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating their interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in political or crisis communications and managing publicity for high-profile talent.
- Prepare examples of your writing and editing skills, as well as your experience handling crisis communications.
- Research the company and the CNN brand to demonstrate your familiarity with the organization and its programming.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your 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.
