Senior Podcast Manager

This is a Full Time Job

CNN is seeking a Senior Manager of Podcasts to oversee a strategic portfolio of shows within the global CNN podcast slate. Reporting to the Senior Director of Podcasts, this role is responsible for the editorial strength, production quality and cross-platform growth of a specific subset of programming.

As a key leader within the department, you will manage a dedicated team of producers to execute high-impact journalism for both listeners and viewers. You will understand how to build a loyal audience across major audio platforms like Apple and Spotify, as well as video-centric destinations like YouTube and CNN's owned properties. This role requires a collaborative leader who can manage a diverse production slate while aligning with the broader strategic goals set by the Senior Director.

Your Role Accountabilities…
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of senior producers, producers, associate producers and editors. Provide consistent feedback on scripts, visual treatments, and final audio and video mixes. And contribute to the long-term strategic direction of the podcast department, reporting to the Senior Director.
• Talent and Expert Management: Work closely with CNN anchors, correspondents and external talent. Provide editorial direction for both on-camera video podcasting and traditional audio recording.
• Cross-Platform Strategy: Ensure all content is optimized for both video-first and audio-first distribution. Coordinate the production of long-form shows alongside short-form social content for maximum discovery.
• Show Development: Oversee the development and lifecycle of shows within your portfolio, from the pilot phase and launch to the iterative improvement of established flagship series.
• Growth and Performance: In collaboration with the Senior Director and analytics teams, use platform-specific data to refine content strategy and increase audience retention and reach.
• Operational Efficiency: Manage individual show budgets, production schedules and workflows to ensure high-quality output is delivered on time within a 24/7 news cycle.

Qualifications & Experience…
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in journalism, digital media or broadcasting, with at least 5 years in a management role overseeing podcast, audio or digital video production.
• Proven track record in managing a portfolio of successful content, with specific experience in video producing and video-specific distribution strategy.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and the ability to mentor teams in translating complex news into compelling, narrative-driven experiences for both eyes and ears.
• Sophisticated writing, scripting and story-editing skills, with a deep understanding of pacing and narrative structure across visual and audio formats.
• Extensive knowledge of video, lighting and audio production.
• Strong people management skills with experience leading hybrid teams through complex, end-to-end production workflows.
• Familiarity with professional production tools such as Adobe Premiere and Descript along with an understanding of podcast RSS management and video optimization.
• Ability to execute on a high-level vision provided by the Senior Director while managing the day-to-day tactical needs of multiple production teams.

Core Performance Traits…
• Innovation: Constantly iterating on show formats to find new ways for CNN's journalism to reach audiences on emerging platforms.
• Accountability: Taking full ownership of your portfolio's performance and fostering a culture of editorial excellence within your team.
• Agility: Balancing the needs of long-term series production with the urgency of the daily news cycle. Flexibility to work nights, weekends and holidays as deadlines warrant.
• Collaboration: Working seamlessly with other Senior Managers and the Senior Director to ensure a cohesive and unified podcast slate.