Commissioning Editor, National Geographic

About The Role & Team 

The National Geographic Commissioning Editor is responsible for expertly guiding projects across the full lifecycle of production, from concept to creation, to delivery and broadcast for premium and non-premium global and international series, as well as special hours for both Disney+ and linear channels.   

This person should demonstrate a true storytelling agility through a deft application of the craft across a broad range of genres from adventure, science, history, docu-drama, hosted and premium factual.  

Some recent examples of projects that the Global team has worked on include: Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Tucci In Italy, Tsunami Race Against Time and Titanic: The Digital Resurrection, while EMEA projects include Car SOS, Europe From Above, Lost Treasures Of Egypt, Ice Road Rescue and Hitler’s Last Stand. 

The Commissioning Editor will collaborate closely with production companies to provide editorial guidance that enables producers to create compelling visual content with powerful storytelling, resulting in entertaining programs that meet/exceed ratings goals.  

This role will cover both EMEA projects as well as Global ones, working across both linear channels and Disney+. They will report to the SVP of Production, with a dotted line into the SVP Development.  

This is a permanent role, based in our Hammersmith office, 4 days a week. 

What You Will Do 

Create premium programming that exceeds ratings targets.  

• Collaborating with producers to implement the programming strategy. 

• Communicating channel needs and strategy to producers. 

• Working up proposals to take them through the greenlight process, pre-production, casting, scripting, rough-cuts, fine cut and final delivery.  

Deliver shows that are on budget and schedule.  

• Work closely with Production Management to maintain highest editorial standards within budgetary requirements.  

• Provide timely feedback to production companies to maintain production schedule and make sure all contractual obligations are met.  

Coordinate with Marketing, Ad Sales, Communications and Digital to provide information and materials necessary for the development and generation of Cross-Platform content initiatives and strategy.  

Work closely with Research to ensure factual accuracy and maintain the highest brand standards. Work with analytics/insights teams to strategize topics, titling, audience demographic in order to increase TSV and ratings.  

Experience 

• We are looking for a seasoned executive, with extensive experience working as a commissioning editor or executive producer.  

• Experience working across a broad range of unscripted genres. 

• A firm understanding of both linear and streaming audience sensibilities. 

• Working knowledge of production budgets and ability to analyse ratings and other research data to better understand NG’s own programming and the competitive landscape. 

Competencies 

• Excellent communication skills  

• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and manage relationships with both external producing partners as well as within NG’s internal corporate structure.  

• NG Channel Executives are ambassadors and protectors of the National Geographic Brand. They will be expected uphold the standards and practices of the National Geographic brand in a variety of environments. 

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.