Director - Editorial Strategy & Planning, MSNBC

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

Job Summary:

The Director, Editorial Strategy & Planning leads the editorial and production vision of network-wide special coverage of high-profile news events including primaries, election nights, political conventions, state funerals, presidential addresses, and major long-term trials. The Director, Editorial Strategy & Planning will also work to ensure impactful, accurate, and visually dynamic programming across platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Editorial & Planning Leadership:

• Lead cross-functional editorial planning processes for high profile news events.
• Develop and implement with the Director of Planning editorial calendar of special network coverage.
• Work with senior editorial leaders to shape storylines and key angles for major political and national events.
• Develop pre-event run-of-show, guest booking strategies, and talent assignments.
• Support show team leaders in the execution of special event on air coverage and coordinate with digital teams.

Production Oversight:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including multi-media journalists and technical staff.
• Supervise the look, pacing, graphics, and tone of live special coverage to ensure brand consistency and viewer engagement.
• Maintain high editorial and production standards under breaking or developing news conditions.

Logistical & Operational Management:

• Oversee remote setups, control room logistics, talent locations, feeds, and technical integration.
• Work with Director of Planning to manage field teams on location, ensuring coordination between engineering, satellite operations, and editorial units.
• Oversee rehearsals, studio configurations, and contingency plans for major events.

• Partner with digital and social media leaders to ensure cohesive storytelling across all network assets.

Talent & Team Leadership:

• Direct and mentor journalists, on-air talent, and behind-the-scenes personnel.
• Communicate a clear editorial vision while fostering a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.
• Evaluate performance and provide feedback post-event.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in journalism, communications, media production, or related field.
• 7+ years managing production of large-scale, high-impact national or global events.
• Deep editorial judgment with an ability to balance speed, accuracy, and storytelling under pressure.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a record of leading diverse production teams.
• High level management skills in the control room, including on-air large scale special events, remote broadcast technologies, and newsroom systems.
• Solid understanding of U.S. political systems, current events, and media law/ethics.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as events demand.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience leading coverage of national political conventions, election nights, or other major news events.
• Experience integrating social media and digital-first video into live programming.
• Ability to manage high-profile talent and navigate sensitive editorial terrain.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.