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Unscripted Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... or unscripted television industry . This individual will play a critical role in shaping the ... Collaborate with directors, producers, and editors to craft compelling story arcs for short-form ...

... directors, producers, actors, executive producers and key production personnel. * Lead the ... unscripted television projects. * Serve as one of the primary legal advisors to development ...

Overview We're building a growing direct-to-consumer content business with an expanding slate of ... As our content portfolio grows across live programming, long-form unscripted series, creator-led ...

Overview We're building a growing direct-to-consumer content business with an expanding slate of ... As our content portfolio grows across live programming, long-form unscripted series, creator-led ...

Director of Sales & Marketing

Boston, MA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Here, unscripted hospitality is more than a phrase; it's how we turn every interaction into ... Direct Sales & Market Development * Leads proactive sales initiatives including prospecting, sales ...

... unscripted conversations to help partners understand and implement EAB's advice. We deliver our ... Support sales in new partner development. Research Collaboration : Leverage terrain expertise to ...

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Unscripted Development Director information

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$21K

$93.3K

$180K

How much do unscripted development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for unscripted development director in the United States is $93,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an unscripted development director do?

An Unscripted Development Director is responsible for overseeing the creation and development of unscripted television content, such as reality shows, documentaries, and competition series. They identify new show concepts, scout talent, and work closely with producers, writers, and networks to shape ideas into successful programming. Their role includes managing the development process from initial idea through to pitching networks and pilot production, ensuring the content aligns with industry trends and audience interests. Strong creative vision, industry connections, and project management skills are essential for this position.

How does an unscripted development director typically collaborate with networks and production teams during the pitch process?

As an Unscripted Development Director, you’ll frequently work with both internal creative teams and external network executives to refine and present show concepts. Collaboration involves guiding writers, producers, and researchers in shaping compelling pitches and sizzle reels, then addressing feedback from network partners to tailor ideas for their audiences. Successfully navigating this process requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and a clear understanding of industry trends. Regular coordination meetings and brainstorming sessions are common, making teamwork a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unscripted development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unscripted Development Director, you need expertise in content development, storytelling, market analysis, and a strong track record in unscripted television production. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Final Draft, Avid, and research databases, along with knowledge of pitching and legal clearances, is typically required. Creative vision, networking skills, adaptability, and leadership are critical soft skills for generating original ideas and managing development teams. These competencies are essential to create compelling unscripted content, secure network buy-in, and lead successful projects in a competitive media landscape.

What cities are hiring for Unscripted Development Director jobs?

Cities with the most Unscripted Development Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Unscripted Development jobs?

The most popular types of Unscripted Development jobs are:

What states have the most Unscripted Development Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Unscripted Development Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Unscripted Development Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,350 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Director, Production & Development (National Geographic)

The Walt Disney Company

New York, NY

$176K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Director, Production & Development (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156074

Job Description:

The Director of Development and Production role oversees development, production, delivery, and broadcast of Unscripted linear and streaming content for National Geographic platforms, ensuring creative quality, strong storytelling, effective production partnerships, and sound budget management.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee Unscripted series and one-off development and productions from concept through delivery and broadcast across National Geographic platforms.
  • Develop baseline ideas into premium creative, financially viable television products in partnership with global content teams.
  • Collaborate with production companies and provide editorial guidance to support world-class, brand-defining storytelling.
  • Manage production partners to ensure programs meet creative expectations and ratings goals. Protect programming investments by ensuring budgets are reasonable and deliverables meet expectations.
  • Apply strong storytelling agility across the unscripted landscape to broaden and shape concepts.
  • Work closely with Production Management to maintain highest
  • editorial standards within budgetary requirements. Provide timely feedback to production companies to maintain production schedule and to make sure all contractual obligations are met. Deliver shows that are on budget and schedule.
  • Coordinate with Marketing, Ad Sales, Communications and Digital to provide necessary information and materials for the development and generation of Cross-Platform Content initiatives and strategy. Coordinate with all internal content departments (editorial, social, books, digital etc) to align additional content for individual departments to better monetize the natural history content

Basic Qualifications:

  • At least 10 years of experience in a range of unscripted TV across multiple genres is a must. Ideal candidate has lead development and production at a company or prior network. Field production experience would also be favorable - or at least a significant working knowledge in the entire production process from start to finish as an executive producer, series producer OR channel experience overseeing premium unscripted program production.
  • Excellent communication skills are a must. Director of Development and Production will be expected to function at a high level in a fast-paced 360-degree multi-platform corporate environment which includes close collaboration with external producing partners, internal partners including Channel production management and development, NG digital, NG print, live events and the National Geographic Society, NG's non-profit arm.
  • Solid foundational understanding and ability to work within software including Microsoft word suite (MS word, Excel, Power Point) or similar products. MS Outlook email and scheduling and any variety of internet functionality/familiarity is a core tool in this job.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Working Knowledge of Production Budgets and Ability to analyze ratings and other research data to better understand our own programming and the competitive landscape.
  • Channel Executives manage a varied slate of series and specials which requires a firm understanding of both linear and streaming audience sensibilities. In addition to excellence in creative execution, CE's should have a firm ability to manage budgets and schedules in order to deliver projects on budget and on time.
  • Candidate must be a team player and possess a managerial prowess that extends beyond the immediate production team to both external producing partners as well as the internal, corporate hierarchy. Candidates should be comfortable working closely with top industry professionals both in front of, and behind, the cameras in order to deliver on the utmost quality standards of the National Geographic, and Disney, brands.
  • NG Channel Executives are ambassadors and protectors of the National Geographic Brand. They will be expected uphold the standards and practices of the yellow border in all manner of professional environments

Required Education:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

The hiring range for this position in New York is $176,400 to $236,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Producing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-21

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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