Director, Development

The Role

We’re hiring a Director of Development to lead our short-form content development team. This is a role for a strategic thinker and creative powerhouse who knows how to build and scale development pipelines, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver content that connects with audiences and moves the needle.

You’ll oversee a team of producers developing short-form video content across TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and more. You’ll help shape the editorial voice, streamline workflows, track performance, and ensure our pipeline is packed with content that’s original, relevant, and ready to go. You’ll report to the Executive Producer and play a key leadership role in shaping NowThis’ next evolution in short-form storytelling.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development team, managing producers and ensuring high-quality, platform-native pitches and pilots
• Own the development pipeline: ideation, pilots, testing, and iteration
• Guide the creative vision for new shows, series, and formats across TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat
• Ensure content aligns with editorial and brand voice, audience trends, and platform algorithms
• Manage development calendars and production timelines to hit deadlines and engagement goals
• Partner with the Executive Producer and cross-functional teams (e.g. Current Series, etc.) to align development with broader content strategy
• Lead select shoots as needed, overseeing talent, crew, and postproduction to ensure editorial excellence
• Coach and mentor producers, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture within the Development team
• Analyze performance metrics to inform content development, A/B test ideas, and iterate quickly.
• Identify external creator and influencer collab opportunities to expand reach and impact
• Stay ahead of trends and platform shifts, bringing fresh formats and next-gen storytelling techniques to the table
• Other duties as assigned

Success Looks Like

• A high-performing team that consistently delivers platform-native content with strong audience engagement
• A well-managed, forward-looking pipeline that produces consistent hits and scalable franchises
• Smooth cross-department collaboration, especially with branded and production teams
• Smart, data-informed development decisions that reflect trends before they peak
• Demonstrable growth in audience engagement, shareability, and brand relevance across social platforms

Must Haves

• 6+ years of experience in short-form video production, content development, or digital storytelling—ideally at a publisher, platform, or production company
• 2+ years of experience managing creative teams, giving feedback, and overseeing project pipelines
• Proven track record of creating content that thrives on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, etc.
• Strong editorial instincts and visual storytelling skills, including scripting, pitching, producing, and shaping a compelling narrative in <90 seconds
• Excellent creativity, communication, project management, and leadership abilities
• Deep understanding of audience behavior, platform algorithms, the shortform studio space, and performance metrics
• Passion for pop culture, digital trends, and storytelling that pushes boundaries

Nice to Haves

• Comfort with tools like Adobe Premiere, Airtable, and/or Google Workspace.
• Ability to shoot via Sony cameras. 
• Experience working on branded content or creator/influencer partnerships.