Director, Development (Disney Branded Television)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10117999 Location Burbank, California, United States Business Disney Entertainment Television Date posted Apr. 14, 2025Job Summary:
Disney Junior is seeking a highly creative, strategic, and collaborative Director of Development to join our team. This individual will help shape the next generation of animated storytelling for preschool audiences, overseeing projects from initial concept through pilot delivery. The ideal candidate brings a deep passion for animation and children’s content, strong industry relationships, and a track record of developing compelling, character-driven series.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support all phases of animated series development, from concept through pilot production.
Provide thoughtful, constructive feedback on pitches, scripts, animatics, storyboards, casting, music, and mixes.
Collaborate closely with key departments including Casting, Music, Production, Legal, and Finance to ensure creative and operational alignment.
Source and cultivate fresh creative talent from across the animation landscape, with a focus on emerging voices and underrepresented storytellers.
Champion Disney Junior’s creative vision and uphold brand values, network standards, and production guidelines across all development efforts.
Make strategic trade-off decisions to align with content objectives, timelines, and resources.
Influence creative direction while balancing artistic goals with business priorities.
Foster cross-functional collaboration, acting as a liaison between internal leadership, producers, and third-party partners.
Build trusted relationships across the industry with artists, agents, writers, executives, and studios.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of 8 years of experience in animation development and/or current series production.
Deep passion for storytelling, preschool content, and animated entertainment.
Strong working knowledge of animation production, story structure, and visual storytelling.
Established network of industry contacts across creative and production communities.
Demonstrated success in identifying and developing original content and talent.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
Highly collaborative, solution-oriented, and skilled at navigating a variety of personalities and creative styles.
Willingness to travel as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Background or education in early childhood development.
Interest in or knowledge of children’s media, pop culture, gaming, and publishing.
Prior experience managing or mentoring creative teams.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in media, film, animation, or a related field — or equivalent work experience.
The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $124,900 to $167,500 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.
About Disney Entertainment Television:
Disney Entertainment Television is a collection of renowned content brands at The Walt Disney Company creating original entertainment and news programming for the company’s streaming platforms Disney+, Hulu and Star, and its broadcast and cable networks. Its extensive portfolio is comprised of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content and Onyx Collective, in addition to Disney Television Studios, which include 20th Television, 20th Television Animation, ABC Signature and Walt Disney Television Alternative. Responsible for over 4,500 hours of programming a year across more than 300 programs of all genres, Disney Entertainment Television’s creative brands are at the forefront of groundbreaking storytelling, captivating audiences and generating critical acclaim. In 2023, Disney Entertainment Television’s programming excellence earned 163 Emmy® nominations across daytime, primetime, news & documentary, and children’s & family categories.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ABC Cable Networks Group, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment Television.
ABC Cable Networks Group is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.