Communications Manager

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, the Communications Manager develops and executes high‑impact publicity campaigns for CNN Originals, including series, films, franchises such as “Have I Got News for You,” “Variety,” “Actors on Actors,” and internally produced programming like “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper,” “CNN FlashDocs,” and “CNN Heroes.”

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day press strategy and media relations for CNN Originals, collaborating with programming teams, executive producers, talent, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop campaign strategies, identify compelling narratives, and create publicity opportunities throughout a title’s lifecycle.
• Write and distribute press releases, media alerts, press notes, talking points, briefing documents, and other communications materials.
• Proactively frame and pitch stories to targeted media across entertainment and news trades, national and consumer press, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, podcasts, digital outlets, newsletters, creators, and emerging platforms.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcast bookers, creators, and other influential media voices.
• Serve as the primary source of information for media covering CNN Originals and their on‑air hosts and executive producers, responding accurately and under deadline.
• Secure, schedule, and staff CNN Originals hosts and talent for interviews, appearances, speaking engagements, festival panels, press junkets, premieres, and other promotional opportunities.
• Coordinate closely with CNN teams—including Programming, Digital, Social, Audience, On‑Air, Marketing, Scheduling, and the broader Communications organization—to align campaign timing, messaging, talent participation, and promotional opportunities.
• Maintain and distribute campaign documents, interview schedules, briefing materials, and status updates to key stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Support CNN Originals awards campaigns by identifying editorial opportunities and pitching targeted stories to strengthen consideration among awards voters and industry audiences.
• Manage travel logistics for CNN Originals hosts and talent, handling commercial and private air travel, hotels, and ground transportation while troubleshooting schedule changes, delays, and other time‑sensitive issues.
• Create comprehensive talent itineraries that incorporate travel, accommodations, greeters, hair and makeup schedules, interview details, and event logistics for Upfront presentations, festivals, conventions, awards shows, press junkets, panels, and premieres.
• Support guest‑list development and RSVP management for CNN events, screenings, panels, and premieres.
• Monitor media coverage, social conversation, and industry developments; prepare campaign recaps and coverage reports for senior executives and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the evolving media landscape, audience behavior, and industry trends to inform communications strategy and identify new opportunities for CNN programming and talent.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience, preferably with a media, news, or public relations/publicity organization.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and strong attention to detail.
• Polished interpersonal skills; ability to work with talent and executives in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong interest in and understanding of news and politics with excellent judgment.
• Existing relationships with press covering consumer, lifestyle, film/TV; public relations agency experience preferred.
• Prior administrative experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; collaborative team player.
• Four‑year college degree preferred.
• High‑level proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Slack.
• Proven success developing and executing high‑impact communications campaigns.
• Experience working directly with talent and their representatives, demonstrating strong judgment and discretion.
• Highly efficient, able to prioritize multiple campaigns, deadlines, and responsibilities.
• Self‑motivated, reliable, and capable of independent work while being a solid team player.
• Thoughtful, resourceful, and adaptable in a fast‑changing media environment.
• Calm under pressure and comfortable working with a range of personalities.
• Willingness to work select evenings, weekends, and holidays as programming and events require.
• Entertainment, media, or television communications experience is required.

Pay

Pay Range: $84,000.00 – $156,000.00 salary per year. Base pay is one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package, which may also include annual bonuses, short‑ and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Employee wellness program
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Annual bonuses, short‑ and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards