Development Director

This is a Full Time Job

Director, Development Job Details | Lionsgate

Summary of Position

The Director, Development will support the Development Department in identifying, developing, and selling unscripted programming for Lionsgate Alternative Television. Reporting to the SVP of Development, this role is responsible for managing a slate of development projects from initial concept through pitch and sale, overseeing the creation of development materials, and guiding junior development staff through the creative process.

The ideal candidate is a strong creative executive with deep knowledge of the unscripted marketplace, a proven ability to generate and shape compelling ideas, and experience developing and pitching projects to networks, streamers, and buyers.

Responsibilities
• Report to the SVP of Development on the status and progress of active development projects and pipeline opportunities
• Manage an active slate of development projects from concept through pitch and potential sale
• Generate original ideas and formats across a range of unscripted genres including documentary, competition, lifestyle, and true crime
• Source and evaluate pitches from external producers, creators, and talent to determine viability and development potential
• Track marketplace trends and buyer need to inform development strategy and pitch opportunities
• Write and oversee the creation of pitch materials including treatments, decks, and written proposals
• Oversee the production and post-production of development materials including sizzle reels and presentation videos
• Participate in and help lead pitches to networks, streamers, and other buyers
• Build and maintain relationships with talent, producers, agents, managers, and industry partners to generate new business opportunities
• Supervise and mentor Development Associates and other junior team members
• Collaborate with production and creative teams to shape stories, formats, and characters during the development process
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining organization and clear communication across teams
• Stay current on television, streaming platforms, documentaries, podcasts, books, news, and pop culture to inform creative development

Qualifications and Skills
• 8 years of experience in television development, preferably within unscripted or alternative programming
• Bachelor’s degree in film, Television, Media Studies, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Proven experience developing and pitching unscripted television concepts to networks, studios, or streaming platforms
• Strong storytelling instincts and the ability to shape compelling narratives and formats
• Experience writing treatments, pitch decks, and other development materials
• Working knowledge of production processes including shooting and post-production workflows for development materials
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate creative ideas clearly
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines
• Collaborative mindset with experience mentoring or managing junior team members

Nice to Haves
• Existing relationships with networks, streamers, production companies, agents, or talent in the unscripted space
• Experience developing projects that have been successfully sold or produced
• Background in producing or working in production on unscripted series
• Experience identifying and developing talent-driven projects or formats
• Familiarity with editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere) or production tools used in development