Job Description: Head of Development

About Why Now
WhyNow, founded in 2019 by Gabriel Jagger, is a digital magazine, radio station and production studio, fuelled by a passion for and belief in celebrating British arts, music and culture and the iconic and pioneering talent who are creating it.

Role
We are looking for a Head of Development, with at least 3 years experience and development credits in fact ent, docuseries, feature docs and ideally drama (true crime) to grow our slate of premium shows for streamers and broadcasters, drawing on our unique company DNA.
We are a start-up, so are looking for someone who is highly motivated and can hit the ground running.

Reports To
Director of Content

Line-Manages
Archive Producer

Terms
Full time, permanent role. London based - Office/WFH split. Salary, dependent on experience.

Key Responsibilities

Run brainstorms, research and develop ideas that draw on our company DNA and talent relationships and turn these into compelling, fresh programming ideas that speak to the broadcast/streaming market

Source exciting talent (on screen and off) - personalities, writers, performers, directors - working with agents and alongside our Head of Talent

Find stories and develop formats and get them into shape to be commissioned by a TV channel or streamer

Identify and develop existing IP (screenplays/books) and work with our archive producer, to assess material for programming that can sell

Manage funded development, including recruitment and budgets

Write and design treatments and produce pitch materials to a high standard - shooting and editing sizzle reels

Secure access to organisations and institutions for programme ideas

Pitch ideas to commissioners with Director of Content and CEO

Work creatively alongside journalists, video and radio producers across our magazine, radio and branded content business to feed the pipeline for ideas

Key Skills, Specialisms and Experience

Passion for and interest in music, culture, arts and how these genres can firepower ambitious, and entertaining TV ideas

TV development credits in fact ent, docuseries, feature docs and ideally drama (true crime)

Trusted relationships with broadcasters and streamers

Extensive knowledge of and a passion for TV entertainment - understand programming and audience trends across platforms in the UK and globally

Strong agent/talent network - finger on pulse in terms of personalities, artists and social media creators on the rise, as well as strong relationships with established names

Powerful communication skills - ability to pitch effectively, persuade commissioners or producers of the merits of an idea, explain notes to writers/producers and work collaboratively

Ability to spot potential and see the possibilities in early drafts of formats or scripts, imagine the audience, and identify key production issues related to an idea and their impact on budget

Knowledge of screenwriting - know how to improve and edit scripts/give notes

Experience working in a startup environment - collaborative, 'make things happen' mentality