Senior Director of Podcasts

This is a Full Time Job

CNN is seeking a Senior Director of Podcasts to lead the evolution of its podcast portfolio during a pivotal moment of transformation. This role is responsible for overseeing the strategy, development and production of CNN's podcasts across video and audio, with a strong emphasis on video-first formats.

The Senior Director of Podcasts will guide a portfolio of flagship news, franchise and personality-driven shows; raise creative and production standards; and ensure that CNN's podcasts are distinctive, audience-focused and commercially viable. This leader will work closely with CNN talent, newsroom leadership, video, product and commercial teams to ensure podcasts play a central role in CNN's broader editorial and business strategy.

This role requires a senior editorial leader with deep experience in video and audio podcasting, format development and video and audio production. The ideal candidate brings strategic judgment, creative ambition, and operational discipline - and thrives at the intersection of journalism, audience, and innovation.

Your Role Accountabilities ...
• Set and execute the editorial and strategic vision for CNN Podcasts across video and audio, aligned with CNN's content strategy, journalistic standards, audience needs and business priorities.
• Oversee the full podcast portfolio, including news, franchise, limited-series, and personality-driven shows, ensuring each has a clear purpose, audience and success metrics.
• Lead the evolution and drive the expansion of video podcasts, ensuring production value, format and tone meet audience expectations and reflect CNN's strength in video.
• Ensure all podcasts deliver high editorial quality, strong storytelling and production standards appropriate for both audio and video platforms.
• Drive the development, testing and launch of new podcast concepts that address identified audience needs and strategic gaps.
• Evaluate performance regularly to determine where to invest, iterate, pause or sunset shows based on audience engagement, growth and strategic value.
• Oversee staffing models, workflows, schedules and budgets to support efficient, high-quality production across the slate.
• Lead, mentor and develop podcast producers and editors, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Drive change effectively in a fast-paced, evolving media environment, aligning podcast operations with CNN's broader video strategy.

Qualifications & Experience...
• 15+ years of experience in video journalism and podcasting with significant responsibility for editorial content and production.
• Demonstrated experience developing, launching and managing successful video podcasts and audio podcasts, ideally including video-forward or multi-modal formats.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing producers, editors, or cross-functional creative teams in a newsroom or studio environment.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts, with a deep understanding of news, culture and audience behavior.
• Proven ability to guide content strategy and execute change within an evolving media landscape.
• Experience using audience insights, analytics and performance data to inform content decisions.
• Familiarity with video and podcast distribution platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
• Comfort collaborating with senior newsroom leaders, on-air talent, and cross-functional partners.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex workflows and competing priorities.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, 24/7 news environment.