Commissioning Editor, Scripted & Factual

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC); Sydney; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is seeking a Commissioning Editor, Scripted & Factual, to lead the development and delivery of high-quality Australian storytelling across platforms. You will work with senior leaders to shape the content slate and champion diverse voices, with a strong focus on First Nations perspectives.

This role demands creative editorial judgement, strategic thinking, and the ability to build trusted partnerships with producers, funding bodies, and the screen

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commissioning and delivering scripted and factual content.

Responsibilities

• Identify and commission high-quality scripted and factual programs for ABC platforms.
• Collaborate with the First Nations Content & Strategy team to embed perspectives across development, commissioning and production.
• Build relationships with producers, funding bodies and stakeholders to deliver innovative content.
• Provide strong editorial leadership balancing creative ambition with commercial and operational realities.

Job description

This vacancy is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, reflecting our commitment to the ABC's Reconciliation Action Plan, ABC Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan 2023 - 2026 and the Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987.

• Contract for 3 years

About The Role

As Commissioning Editor, Scripted & Factual, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the ABC's content slate, championing distinctive Australian storytelling that reflects the diversity of contemporary audiences. Working closely with the Head of Scripted and the Head of Documentary & Specialist, the Head of First Nations Content and the Head of First Nations Strategy, you will help drive the development and delivery of innovative scripted and factual programming across multiple platforms. You will identify and commission high quality scripted & factual programs for multiple ABC platforms for a broad audience; with an emphasis on premium, original, and diverse content.

You’ll work closely with the First Nations Content & Strategy team to help deliver a meaningful First Nations content strategy, ensuring First Nations perspectives, voices and leadership are embedded across the development, commissioning and production process.

You’ll also cultivate and strengthen relationships across the screen industry, collaborating with funding agencies, production companies and independent producers locally and globally to identify and deliver innovative, audience-focused content.

About You

You're an experienced and highly creative commissioning leader with a proven track record of developing, commissioning and delivering outstanding scripted and factual content. You combine strong strategic thinking with the ability to identify distinctive ideas, back emerging talent and shape programming that connects with audiences and delivers cultural impact.

This highly collaborative role requires outstanding creative judgement, strong editorial expertise and the ability to build trusted relationships across the industry.

With good working knowledge of local and international trends in productions, you are a skilled collaborator who builds trusted partnerships with producers, creatives, funding bodies and stakeholders. You thrive in complex environments, balancing creative ambition with commercial and operational realities to deliver high-quality outcomes.

You’ll bring a genuine commitment to authentic Australian storytelling and inclusive representation, with a strong understanding of First Nations cultures, perspectives and content-making. Passionate about the ABC's role in reflecting the diversity of Australian communities, you champion original voices and fresh perspectives that engage broad audiences.

Above all, you’re a values-driven leader who fosters collaboration, innovation and high performance, and who is committed to upholding the ABC Charter, Editorial Policies and Values in everything you do.

Working at the ABC

The ABC is the nation's most trusted and independent source of Australian conversations, culture, and stories. With more than 4,500 employees from diverse backgrounds across more than 60 locations around Australia and overseas, we are proud to create, curate and deliver high-quality content that informs, educates and entertains Australian communities.

The ABC's a great place to work; we provide various opportunities for First Nations staff, including attending the national Indigenous staff conference, activities during NAIDOC week, regular networking events and mentoring support.

You’ll have a friendly and supportive environment to learn and grow in, with a vibrant, dynamic and cohesive team and a manager who will help you with any questions and give you regular opportunities to talk about your progress. You’ll also have access to a network of Indigenous staff members through the employment network group ABC Mob and support from the Indigenous Employment Manager.

For further details on the role and requirements, please refer to the full position description: 50072301 COMMISSIONING EDITOR, SCRIPTED & FACTUAL.pdf

For further information on this position please contact Michelle Challans, Recruitment Lead, Screen and Audio via [e-mail]

To request recruitment and selection information in alternate formats, request adjustments, or if you have accessibility requirements please contact [e-mail]

We respectfully request that Recruitment Agencies do not submit applications for this position.

Applications Close: 11:55 pm, Wednesday 16 September