CNN Director, Ad Sales

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.

CNN Director, Ad Sales

Are you ready to lead at one of the most influential media brands in the world? As the Director of Sales at CNN, you'll take on a pivotal role in shaping the future of advertising for a network that defines global news. This is an unparalleled opportunity to spearhead high-impact initiatives, collaborate with elite cross-functional teams, and partner with the world’s most iconic brands, all while driving growth in the dynamic US media market.

This role isn’t just about achieving sales targets—it's about influencing the next era of advertising for CNN, a brand with unparalleled reach and influence.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and lead advertising and sponsorship initiatives across the region, partnering with top global brands and their agencies to maximize their business and brand-building potential on CNN’s platforms, targeting an elite audience of decision-makers.
• Oversee prospect, pitch, negotiation, and delivery phases of client initiatives to meet revenue goals, ensure competitive market positioning and client satisfaction.
• Inform and inspire a high-performing sales team across a matrix structure ensuring the achievement of both individual and collective goals.
• Advocate for key CNN initiatives and opportunities, taking into consideration market dynamics and how these fit into the broader WBD portfolio.
• Engage with creative, commercial, editorial, marketing, digital, programmatic, research, and sales operations teams to align strategies and deliver client success.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, sales representatives, and stakeholders to drive long-term growth and success.
• Facilitate clear, collaborative communication with clients, sales teams, and internal departments to ensure a seamless execution of strategies.

Qualifications:

• At least 7 years’ sales experience required; linear, digital video and/or custom content sales experience highly preferred.
• Proven track record of prospecting, negotiating, structuring, and closing complex brand partnerships.
• An entrepreneurial mindset – creative thinker, results-oriented, passionate, ability to thrive in an unstructured, new business environment.
• Ability to understand complex technology and convey it in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Passionate for brand storytelling in a News context.
• Strong organizational/project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This role is required in the office 3 days a week.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $140,013.00 - $260,023.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.