Director, Business Affairs, CNN

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Your New Role…

The Director of Business Affairs provides strategic support and guidance to all internal departments and outside partners in connection with the development, production, licensing, and distribution of content development for CNN.  The Director independently negotiates straight forward development, production, license and distribution deals. The Director gives direction and solves problems independently and makes recommendations for business decisions.  The Director works with the Group SVP to lead the distribution strategy and maximize revenue opportunities.

Your Role Accountabilities…

• Manages all business matters pertaining to the development and production of all CNN Originals and CNN Films content development, produced for CNN platforms. Includes the structuring, negotiation and documentation of all deals, including development agreements, production services agreements, license agreements, distribution agreements, acquisitions of underlying rights, and agreements with other individuals and entities associated with the development and production of CNN’s Originals content programming, financing and distribution arrangements.  Negotiates effectively on behalf of CNN to secure favorable terms while also ensuring CNN remains competitive. 

• Ensures deals are in line with WBD’s strategies and objectives.

• Advises and supports senior executives on key business issues, deal structures and business models.

• Works with Legal daily to review and assess all agreement drafts and comments prepared and/or received by Legal to confirm accuracy of negotiated deal terms and approve final drafts. 

• Prepares deal memos and other correspondence confirming material terms of agreements.  Drafts letters to authorize approved breakage for production budgets and approved packages for agencies.

• Liaises with 3rd party production companies, agents and attorneys throughout negotiation, development, production, and distribution stages. 

• Leads production kickoff calls to familiarize all parties with company processes and policies.

• Serves as primary liaison with distributor throughout the term of the agreement to maintain client relationship, summarize and review sales reports, and resolve any inquiries.

• Cultivates and upholds key industry relationships with agents, production companies, lawyers, and distributors.

• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of transactions and a broad understanding of development, production, acquisition, distribution, and licensing functions/operations.

• Attends and provides company representation at industry conferences and international markets to meet with decision makers with the goal of searching for potential distribution, co-production and licensing opportunities.

• Provides business guidance to and works closely day-to-day with various internal departments: Program Development, Post-Production, Legal, Program Scheduling, Finance, Accounting, Digital, Marketing, Publicity, Promotions, Standards, Music, Risk Management, and CNN Audio,.  Prepares and maintains reporting for these groups to ensure compliance with contractual terms and obligations.

• Works closely with Finance and Accounting to manage development and production budgets and incoming revenue; strategize revenue maximization. 

• Responsible for ongoing management and professional development of Business Affairs team; manages assignments and deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience…

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree preferred.

• Extensive experience in business affairs or media law.

• Minimum of 5+ years in negotiating and drafting a variety of development, production and content license deals; Distribution experience preferred. Theatrical deal experience helpdul.

• Strong understand of intellectual property law.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.