Industry Program Development Manager

Program Development Lead

The Industry Program Development Lead plays a crucial role in the conceptualization, execution, and continuous improvement of industry initiatives. This position delivers commercially relevant and skills-driven programming to enhance the screen industry's capabilities, market access, and member success.

Key Initiatives:

• Industry Conference – Australia's premier screen industry event and market
• Mentoring and Business Acceleration Program – A flagship program for early-career producers
• Pitch Initiative – A premium commissioner pitch platform
• Screen Innovation Forum – A future-focused forum on content innovation, emerging platforms, and technological disruption
• Expert-led Sessions – In-depth online sessions on legal, financial, production, and business issues for industry professionals

Responsibilities:

• Programming Strategy
  • Develop and implement comprehensive programming strategies that reflect the latest commercial and distribution trends in the screen industry.
  • Lead the design and planning of conference programming streams, collaborating with leading industry professionals.
  • Manage program timelines, scheduling, speaker logistics, CRM tracking, and production documentation.
  • Build session slates, produce sessions, and engage session producers and moderators.
  • Identify, negotiate, and secure high-profile speakers and strategic partners.
  • Deliver diverse, inclusive, and high-impact programs, maintaining strong engagement with underrepresented communities.
• Mentoring and Business Acceleration
  • Design and deliver the Mentoring and Business Acceleration Program annually, overseeing participant selection and tailored professional development content.
  • Evaluate applications and select a high-calibre final cohort.
  • Match participants with established producers aligned to their projects and growth ambitions.
  • Deliver targeted professional development content on real-world producing knowledge, financing, commissioning, and market strategy.
• Pitch Platform
  • Develop an end-to-end pitch platform rollout, securing participation and briefs from major commissioners.
  • Assess pitch submissions for relevance and support commissioners in finalising pitch meeting selections.
  • Coordinate across comms, marketing, and delivery teams to maintain consistent messaging and a seamless user experience.
• Screen Innovation Forum
  • Lead the strategic design and launch of the Screen Innovation Forum, positioning it as a future-focused platform dedicated to content innovation and emerging platforms.
  • Oversee event programming and identify high-calibre speakers while facilitating introductions to the partnerships team.
  • Guide the development and deployment of strategic communications and media campaigns to enhance event profile and maximise audience reach.
• Expert-led Sessions
  • Research and scope timely topics relevant to industry professionals, focusing on legal, financial, and business issues in the screen industry.
  • Source, secure, and brief expert speakers and hosts.
  • Coordinate all elements of Masterclass delivery, including session outlines, speaker materials, event logistics, and online platform setup.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Represent the organization at industry events and markets to build networks and inform program design.
  • Contribute and consult as required to additional events.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to direct reports.
  • Collaborate effectively across departments, ensuring alignment of program objectives and internal workflows.
  • Regularly evaluate program effectiveness, refining strategies based on participant feedback, stakeholder outcomes, and industry metrics.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A proven track record delivering high-impact industry events and programs for the screen sector.
• A deep understanding of the Australian and international screen landscape and the evolving role of producers.
• Strong project management, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Proven experience curating commercially relevant industry programs.
• Excellent communication skills across live events, digital delivery, and media platforms.
• Established networks across industry agencies, funders, streamers, and production companies.
• A background as a producer or screen sector creative.
• Familiarity with screen agency processes and funding cycles.
• Experience in web publishing, CRM systems, and digital tools to support event delivery.