After graduating in Literature at La Sapienza University of Rome in 1989 and working as a journalist and committed critic, she joined Rai in 1992. Since 1993, she has worked on both radio and television programs as a writer-director, author, and host.

In 2000, she moved from the Educational Department to Rai 1, where she worked as Head of Network Secretariat, Project Manager, Head of Department, and Deputy Director. She was especially involved as an author in Daytime programming. In 2011, as Deputy Director, she oversaw the entire Daytime schedule of the network.

From 2014 to 2020, she was Director of Rai Teche. Between 2016 and 2019, she was also in charge of RaiPlay Content.
In November 2020, she was appointed Director of the Drama Department (Direzione Fiction). Under her leadership, Rai Fiction increased its production volume, reaching 71% of total annual programming hours. Among the most acclaimed series produced during her direction are the acclaimed series Mare Fuori and My Brilliant Friend. Maria Pia Ammirati also strengthened the focus on international co-productions, especially within the European Alliance (Rai, France Télévisions, ZDF).

In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter included her among the 35 most powerful women in international television.
She is also a novelist and author of numerous publications. She has received several nominations (Strega Prize 2001 and Campiello Prize 2011) and awards (Procida Prize and Basilicata Prize). She also received the Rodolfo Valentino Italian Excellence Award 2014, organized by the Rodolfo Valentino Foundation, thanks to her contribution to the entertainment industry.

She is a member of several literary juries, including the Strega Prize and the Viareggio Prize.

She is also part of the Board of Directors of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.