Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, the Communications Manager develops and executes high-impact publicity campaigns across CNN Originals, including CNN Original Series and CNN Films; franchises including Have I Got News for You and Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors; and internally produced programming including The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, CNN FlashDocs and CNN Heroes.

Your Role Accountabilities…

• Manage day-to-day press strategy and media relations for CNN Originals, working closely with programming teams, executive producers, talent and internal stakeholders.

• Develop campaign strategies and identify compelling narratives and publicity opportunities that build awareness of CNN programming and talent throughout a title’s lifecycle.

• Write and distribute press releases, media alerts, press notes, talking points, briefing documents and other communications materials.

• Proactively develop, frame and pitch stories to targeted media across entertainment and media trades, national and consumer press, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, podcasts and digital outlets, as well as newsletters, creators and other emerging media platforms.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcast bookers, creators and other influential media voices.

• Serve as a primary source of information for media covering CNN Originals and their on-air hosts and executive producers, responding to requests accurately and under deadline.

• Secure, schedule and staff CNN Originals hosts and talent interviews, appearances, speaking engagements, festival panels, press junkets, premieres and other promotional opportunities.

• Coordinate closely with teams across CNN, 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 that strengthen consideration among awards voters and industry audiences.

• Manage travel logistics for CNN Originals hosts and talent, including commercial and private air travel, hotels and ground transportation, while troubleshooting schedule changes, delays and other time-sensitive issues.

• Create comprehensive talent itineraries incorporating air and ground travel, accommodations, greeters, hair and makeup schedules, interview details and event logistics for the annual Upfront presentation, 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, and 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.

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 Qualifications & Experience…

• 5-7+ years of experience, preferably with a media, news or public relations/publicity organization.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and stellar attention to detail.

• Strong, polished interpersonal skills and ability to work with talent and executives in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong interest in and understanding of news and politics with excellent judgement. 

• Existing relationships with press covering consumer, lifestyle, film/tv and preferred.

• Public relations agency experience preferred.

• Prior administrative experience. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Collaborative and 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.

• Organized, accurate and detail-oriented with strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills.

• Experience working directly with talent and their representatives, with strong judgment and discretion.

• Highly efficient and able to prioritize multiple campaigns, deadlines and responsibilities.

• Self-motivated, reliable and able to work and think independently 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.

• Able to work select evenings, weekends and holidays as programming and events require.

• Entertainment, media or television communications experience is required.