JOBS WITH SCREEN AUSTRALIA
Head of development

Location: Sydney
Engagement Type: Contract, initial 2 years
Salary: Competitive + 15.4% superannuation
Department / Unit: Content & Operations / Narrative Content
Immediate Manager: Director of Narrative Content

ABOUT US

Screen Australia is dedicated to supporting and shaping Australia’s screen industry. Through strategic funding and industry partnerships, we champion diverse and compelling storytelling across feature films, television, and online platforms. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration ensures Australian stories thrive locally and internationally.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Narrative Content, the Head of Development will lead the Investment Manager team for Narrative Content Development. This role oversees funding programs, assessment processes, and slate management for development initiatives across feature drama, television drama, and direct-to-audience/online/interactive platforms.

You will collaborate with the Head of Production, Head of Market & Audience, and other stakeholders to design and deliver programs that support the creative development of projects. The position also involves representing Screen Australia at industry events and maintaining strong relationships with key players in the screen sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the Investment Manager team for Narrative Content Development, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Lead the assessment process and assess applications for Narrative Content Development Investment direct funding and other related funding programs and initiatives.
• Work closely with the Director of Narrative Content on funding programs, guidelines, budgets, resource allocation and policy and assist in reviews of programs.
• Collaborate across departments on program design, resource allocation, and delivery.
• Prepare Narrative Content decision funding recommendation papers, reports, and Board submissions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with producers, creatives, commissioners, and industry bodies.
• Monitor industry trends and contribute to policy reviews and process improvements.
• Contribute to the promotion of Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the screen sector.

About you

• Extensive experience and a strong track record in relevant roles such as development, production, financing, directing, distributing, and writing across feature drama, television drama, and direct-to-audience/online/interactive projects.
• Extensive experience in script development across diverse narrative projects and platforms and proven understanding of the fundamental principles of narrative screenwriting for all genres.
• A demonstrated understanding of production financing, budgets, and processes.
• Exceptional creative judgment and ability to evaluate ideas, scripts, and cuts.
• High-level knowledge of the Australian and international screen industry, the key players, practitioners and market trends.
• Proven ability to make fair, impactful decisions, outside of own personal taste using sound judgment.

The benefits

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Australian storytelling. In return, we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including 15.4% super.
• Professional development opportunities and industry engagement.
• The chance to contribute to diverse and compelling screen projects.

Screen Australia is committed to increasing workplace inclusion and diversity and encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Please note, while at Screen Australia, employees are unable to access any state or Screen Australia funding, in addition to freelancing on any Screen Australia productions.

How to apply

Applications must be received by 5pm Friday, 12 December 2025. 

Along with your resume, your application must include:

• A completed Applicant Particulars Form.
• A brief cover letter responding to the Selection Criteria (Qualifications and Experience) listed in the Job Profile.
• Confirmation of your availability.

Applications should be emailed to Recruitment.