SVP, Communications - OWN

Position Summary:The Senior Vice President is responsible for managing national, trade and local market communications initiatives designed to drive OWN's business plan objectives. The Senior Vice President provides communications counsel to senior channel leadership on a broad range of business issues and initiatives and to develop and implement internal and external communications strategies. The Senior Vice President must partner closely with other internal departments, including research, ad sales, affiliate sales & marketing, corporate communications, new media, business affairs and legal among other departments. The position also involves employee communications, media relations, corporate reputation and crisis communications. The Senior Vice President must also work closely with outside producers, talent and agents for OWN, as well as with national media entities.OWN will be a new multi-platform venture designed to empower, entertain and uplift. Most notably, the venture will combine the 70-million Discovery Health Channel, which will debut in standard and high definition as OWN in 2009, and Oprah.com, one of the premier women's lifestyle websites. OWN staff and operations will be based in Los Angeles. OWN will debut in the second half of 2009 as a multi-platform media venture.Responsibilities:1.Develop and implement effective and innovative communications and outreach strategies to promote individual network programming, business initiatives, brand visibility and growth initiatives.2.Serve as chief press liaison and spokesperson for OWN and effectively prepare division executives for spokesperson roles. Work on major news announcements and crisis communications implementation with counterparts in the other company divisions and corporate communications; develop, strengthen and/or maintain relationships with the media and with top industry executives and representatives.3.Manage department budget and oversee all operational aspects of the group including details related to human resources, competition monitoring and analysis, press website, press database, and other systems including invoicing, vendors and contracts.4.Oversee major external news events including biannual Television Critics Association (TCA) presentation and the Discovery and Science Channel PR related to the annual Upfront presentations. Work with head of trade and business communications to create and implement news strategies on a daily basis as well as events at major industry conferences and conventions.5.Serves as media spokesperson. Create, oversee and execute multiple communications and program publicity campaigns, including development of press strategy for the channel, website and new media assets. Develop ongoing communications strategies to increase OWN's visibility among consumer and trade press. Manages media interviews and message training with business managers and senior executives.6.Initiates research, writing and production of executive and employee communications, including issues briefs, media talking points, speeches, presentations, digital online communications and overall company background information. Manages external resources, agencies, contractors, production houses, etc.7.Works closely with company-wide communications and other colleagues to leverage knowledge and resources, ensure consistency of messages and foster teamwork. Participates on relevant taskforces as communications expert.8.Oversee internal team and manage outside public relations agencies and consultants. Develop and manage department budget. Organize OWN press events, including seminars, press briefings, media tours and screenings. Requirements: * Minimum 15 years of senior level communications or PR experience including hands-on communications, with increasing levels of responsibility for media relations, crisis communications and people management within a media organization.* Outstanding strategic business, interpersonal, project management, and leadership skills.* Must demonstrate an ability to cultivate and nurture relationships with members of the media and other prospective partners.* Exceptional communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to build cross-functional relationships and translate business objectives into action.* Bachelor's or graduate degree in communications, and/or public relations or an equivalent combination of skills, training and hands-on experience. An advanced degree is preferred * Must have established relationships with key media contacts.* In-depth knowledge of media industry and related public policy issues strongly preferred.* Must have the legal right to work in the United States.***As a Discovery emloyee, if you accept a position with OWN you will no longer be eligible for any Discovery benefits. Your employment will end with Discovery and your length of service with Discovery will not be credited towards your new position with OWN for purposes of determining beenfits eligibility.***