Director, Production & Development (National Geographic)

Job ID 10156074 Location New York, New York, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Jul. 21, 2026

Apply Now

Job Summary:

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 $132,800 to $178,000 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.

Apply Now

About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

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 National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC 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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location New York, NY

With a globally recognizable skyline and 8.4 million people who call it home, New York City is bursting with diversity and excitement – from iconic attractions to hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.