Industry Programs Manager

The Industry Program Manager plays a key role in the design, execution, and continual improvement of SPA's flagship industry initiatives. This role delivers commercially relevant and skills-driven programming to strengthen the Screen industry capability, market access, and member success.

Key initiatives include:

• SCREEN FOREVER
  – Australia's premier screen industry conference and market
• ONES TO WATCH
  – A flagship mentoring and business acceleration program for early-career producers
• PITCH ON DEMAND
  – A premium commissioner pitch initiative
• GENR8
  – A future-focused screen innovation forum
• SPA Masterclass Series
  – In-depth, expert-led online sessions on legal, financial, production and business issues for SPA members.

Key Responsibilities

PROGRAMING & STRATEGY

SCREEN FOREVER

• Lead the design, planning and thematic direction of the overall SCREEN FOREVER conference programming streams that reflect the latest commercial and distribution trends, challenges and opportunities in the screen industry and involve the leading voices and decision makers.
• Set up and facilitate the Programming Advisory Board, curating session ideas in consultation with leading screen professionals.
• Manage comprehensive program timelines, scheduling, speaker logistics, CRM tracking and production documentation.
• Build detailed session slate, produce some sessions and identify and engage session producers and moderators.
• Identify, negotiate, and secure high-profile speakers and strategic partners locally and internationally.
• Deliver a consistently diverse, inclusive, and high-impact program, maintaining strong engagement with First Nations and underrepresented communities.
• Advise on media releases and social media communications.

ONES TO WATCH

• Design and deliver Ones to Watch annually, overseeing timelines, participant selection, and tailored professional development content.
• Evaluate applications, working with external assessors to select a high-calibre final cohort.
• Match participants with established producers aligned to their projects, needs, and growth ambitions.
• Deliver targeted professional development content focused on real-world producing knowledge, financing, commissioning, and market strategy.

PITCH ON DEMAND

• Develop end-to-end program rollout, securing participation and briefs from major commissioners
• Assess pitch submissions for relevance, supporting commissioners in finalising pitch meeting selections.
• Coordinate across comms, marketing, and delivery teams to maintain consistent messaging and a seamless user experience.

GENR8

• Lead the strategic design and launch of GENR8, positioning it as a future-focused forum dedicated to content innovation, emerging platforms, and technological disruption.
• Oversee event programming & identify and secure high-calibre speakers while also 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

SPA MASTERCLASS SERIES

• Research, identify, and scope timely, high-impact topics relevant to producers, focusing on legal, financial, and business issues in the screen industry
• Source, secure, and brief expert speakers and an appropriate host
• Coordinate all elements of Masterclass delivery, including session outlines, speaker materials, event logistics, and online platform setup.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively represent SPA at industry events and markets to build networks and inform program design.
• Contribute and consult as required to additional SPA events
• Provide leadership and mentorship to direct reports
• Collaborate effectively across SPA departments, ensuring alignment of program objectives and internal workflows.
• Regularly evaluate program effectiveness, refining strategies based on participant feedback, stakeholder outcomes, and member engagement metrics.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven track record delivering high-impact industry events and programs for the screen sector.
• 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, domestically and globally oriented industry programs.
• Excellent communication skills across live events, digital delivery, and media platforms.
• Established networks across industry agencies, funders, streamers, and production companies.

Desirable:

• 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.