Unscripted Programming Manager

This is a Full Time Job

Manager, Unscripted (ABC Entertainment & Hulu Originals)

Job Summary:

Overview

The Manager, Unscripted helps manage the development and production of reality and alternative programming for ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, while collaborating with partners across Disney Entertainment Television.

In this role, you will support the end-to-end creative lifecycle for unscripted projects-from idea generation and evaluation through development and current production-while partnering with internal stakeholders and external producers. You will manage projects through development or production, provide first-pass creative feedback, and build relationships with emerging creative talent.

This role is ideal for a highly self-directed and collaborative problem solver with a strong interest in unscripted storytelling, a deep understanding of the development-to-series pipeline, and a passion for pop culture and evolving audience trends.

Responsibilities
• Identify, evaluate, and develop unscripted ideas, IP, and talent aligned with Disney's brand and audience strategy
• Manage incoming submissions; track development pipeline and surface high-potential opportunities
• Provide first-pass creative notes on pitches, scripts, and cuts; support development of formats and series concepts
• Serve as a first or second creative lead on select projects, helping shape creative direction with guidance from senior executives
• Monitor the competitive landscape and emerging trends to inform development strategy
• Manage day-to-day creative workflows and guide projects through development and/or current production phases
• Support oversight of projects across pre-production, production, and post-production, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and creative expectations
• Maintain development trackers, status reports, and internal documentation to support decision-making and cross-team alignment
• Support greenlight processes, including coordination with Production, Business Affairs, and Finance partners
• Build and maintain relationships with producers, showrunners, writers, and emerging creative talent
• Contribute to talent identification, staffing discussions, and project packaging efforts
• Provide creative feedback to external partners with oversight from senior executives
• Serve as a point of contact and advocate for projects within the organization
• Partner closely with Programming, Production, Legal, Business Affairs, Marketing, PR, Research, and platform teams (ABC, Hulu, Disney+)
• Align projects with platform strategy, audience insights, and distribution plans across linear and streaming
• Influence internal stakeholders and external partners by leveraging data, market knowledge, and creative perspective

Basic Qualifications
• Minimum 8 years of experience in content development, unscripted/scripted production, or programming required.
• 4+ years of experience in unscripted is required.
• A deep knowledge of unscripted content development and production processes, including sourcing, evaluation, and editorial oversight required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with increasing autonomy and creative responsibility
• Experience providing creative feedback on pitches, development materials, and produced content
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with producers, talent, and industry partners
• Experience working cross-functionally to align creative output with platform and audience strategies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and influence stakeholders
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
• Collaborative approach with strong problem-solving, planning, and prioritization skills
• Passion for pop culture, non-fiction storytelling, and emerging formats
• Candidates must reside in a commutable distance to Burbank CA. This role requires someone onsite 4 days a week.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience developing or supporting unscripted programming for broadcast, cable, or streaming platforms
• Strong understanding of unscripted formats, current market trends, and competitive landscape
• Produced credits or equivalent experience supporting series or long-form projects

Education
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Film, Television, Media, Communications, or a related field