Director - Content Specials, JioHotstar, Telugu
Hyderabad
Content – Programming /
Full Time /
On-site
Summary:
This role will define and drive the Telugu content strategy for JioHotstar, leading the development of original fiction, non-fiction, and innovative formats. It will collaborate with creators, production houses, and internal teams to deliver compelling, high-quality content that resonates with Telugu audiences and fuels platform growth.
About the team:
This is the powerhouse behind JioHotstar’s Telugu content – a dynamic team of storytellers, creators, and strategists passionate about redefining entertainment. Bold in vision and rooted in culture, the team thrives on crafting disruptive, high-impact originals that resonate deeply with Telugu audiences across the globe.
Reporting To: Business Head - Star Maa
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and drive the creative vision and content strategy for Telugu-language originals across genres including fiction, non-fiction, web series, micro-dramas, and experimental formats.
- Identify whitespace opportunities and content gaps by understanding audience preferences across different Telugu-speaking regions and diaspora.
- Lead the end-to-end content lifecycle – from ideation and development to execution and post-launch performance – ensuring all content aligns with platform standards, cultural nuances, and brand identity.
- Collaborate closely with a network of production houses, writers, creators, and independent filmmakers to onboard breakthrough and exclusive Telugu content.
- Evaluate and review scripts, pilots, and final outputs to ensure high-quality storytelling, originality, and narrative consistency.
- Use data-backed insights and audience analytics to assess content performance, derive learnings, and sharpen future creative strategies.
- Maintain strong relationships with on-screen and off-screen talent and the broader creative ecosystem across the Telugu entertainment industry.
- Oversee content budgets, timelines, and resource planning to ensure creative excellence within commercial guardrails.
- Work in partnership with marketing, PR, and social media teams to position and amplify content effectively for maximum reach and impact.
- Ensure a robust and consistent content pipeline to support audience engagement, subscriber growth, and platform stickiness.
- Collaborate with platform operations, legal, compliance, and tech teams to ensure smooth execution and adherence to platform policies.
- Stay ahead of regional, national, and global OTT trends, audience behaviors, and technological innovations to continuously evolve the Telugu content offering.
- Experiment with new formats, storytelling techniques, and content technologies to deepen viewer engagement and brand differentiation in the Telugu OTT space.
Skills & Attributes for success:
- Deep understanding of Telugu audience preferences, cultural nuances, and entertainment trends
- Strong creative acumen with a proven ability to develop and assess compelling story ideas across genres
- Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to mentor and inspire creative teams
- Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to content development and performance evaluation
- Strong industry network and ability to collaborate with writers, directors, producers, and talent
- High ownership, agility, and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving OTT landscape
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills across creative, marketing, and product teams
Preferred Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in media, Communication, Film Studies, or a related field. 12+ years of experience in content development or programming, with a strong track record in Telugu entertainment across TV, films, or OTT. Prior experience in leading creative teams and managing original content pipelines is highly desirable.
About Us:
Perched firmly at the nucleus of spellbinding content and innovative technology, JioStar is a leading global media & entertainment company that is reimagining the way audiences consume entertainment and sports. Its television network and steaming service together reach more than 750 million viewers every week, igniting the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of million people across geographies.
