Strategic Operations Senior Manager, Communications (Contract)

The Strategic Operations Senior Manager will serve as the strategic "engine" of the Communications department, ensuring operational excellence across global external and internal functions. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Communications, this individual will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and day-to-day execution. You will be responsible for streamlining workflows, managing the department’s financial health, and building the systems that allow our storytellers to do their best work.

You will be a trusted partner to the Communications leadership. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record of collaborating cross functionally and has partnered deeply with stakeholders at all levels.

The Crunchyroll Communications team is a group of passionate publicists and communications professionals who love talking about anime, our brand, our employees and the broader streaming entertainment industry. We’re storytellers, and we connect our passionate fans to the content and fan-centric touchpoints they love (SVOD, theatrical, events, games, merchandise, and more). 

Strategic Support & Reporting

• Executive Support: Assist the SVP of Communications with HR planning, organizational design, and day-to-day departmental management.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) through standardized weekly and monthly reporting dashboards.
• Strategic Presentations: Lead the building of presentations and decks for internal and external leadership sessions, translating complex data into actionable insights.

Financial & Legal Administration

• Budget Management: Develop, monitor, and manage the annual communications budget, providing regular financial forecasts to leadership.
• Invoicing & Accounting: Process all purchase orders and invoices, conducting regular check-ins with Finance and Accounting to ensure timely reconciliation.
• Contract Oversight: Partner closely with the Legal department on the creation, review, and execution of contracts for vendors and agencies.
• Vendor Management: Oversee procurement processes and maintain relationships with external consultants to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.

Systems & Team Enablement

• Operational Infrastructure: Design and implement scalable team systems and tools to enhance productivity.
• Team Culture: Plan and execute team-wide meetings, offsites, and planning sessions to ensure clear objectives and a cohesive culture.
• Special Projects: Lead high-priority cross-functional projects as assigned by the SVP to address emerging business needs.

• 8+ years of experience, with at least 3 years focused on operations, project management, or strategic planning within a communications or marketing environment.
• Proven experience managing significant departmental budgets and navigating corporate procurement processes.
• Expert proficiency in project management tools such as Asana and Microsoft Project.
• Experience working across international teams and time zones, with the cultural fluency to support effective collaboration, planning, and operational coordination across regions.
• Prior experience supporting executive-level leadership in a global organization.
• Experience managing multiple high impact initiatives simultaneously in a collaborative and autonomous environment.
• Experience working in a dynamic environment with the ability to respond to crisis situations. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Passion for anime, pop culture, and the entertainment industry, along with familiarity with Japanese culture, is a plus