Director, Development

1 Month ago • 8 Years + • Animation • $124,900 PA - $167,500 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

Disney Junior seeks a highly creative Director of Development to lead animated series development from concept to pilot production. Responsibilities include providing feedback on various aspects of production (scripts, animatics, etc.), collaborating with key departments, sourcing creative talent, championing Disney Junior's vision, and making strategic decisions. The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for animation and children's content, strong industry relationships, and a proven track record of developing compelling series. They will foster collaboration between internal and external teams, navigate diverse personalities, and maintain alignment with content objectives and resources. The role requires excellent communication, strategic thinking, and a solution-oriented approach.
Must have:
  • 8+ years animation development/production experience
  • Passion for preschool content & animation
  • Strong industry relationships
  • Excellent communication & presentation skills
  • Lead all phases of series development
  • Collaborate with various departments
  • Source and cultivate creative talent
Good to have:
  • Background in early childhood development
  • Knowledge of children's media/pop culture
  • Experience managing creative teams
Perks:
  • Bonus
  • Long-term incentive units
  • Full range of medical, financial, and other benefits

Job Details

Job 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.

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