Sr. Director, Adult/4-Quad TV Animation

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. The Opportunity Mattel Studios is seeking a visionary, creatively driven Sr. Director of Adult / 4-Quad TV Animation to lead the studio’s strategy and slate of streamer‑first and global broadcaster animation for adult and broad family audiences. This executive will co‑lead creative development with the SVP Head of Animation, driving innovative storytelling that expands Mattel’s iconic brands and original IP into premium television experiences for global streamers as well as select international broadcasters. The Sr. Director balances creative excellence with franchise strategy, ensuring each project strengthens Mattel’s overall entertainment footprint while captivating audiences worldwide. Responsibilities Partner with the SVP Head of Animation to co‑create and articulate the creative vision for Mattel’s adult and 4‑quadrant TV animation slate. Lead development of series, specials, and limited events for global streamers and broadcasters, from concept through delivery with Head of Animation involvement. Champion bold, sophisticated storytelling that reflects Mattel’s heritage while breaking new creative ground. Provide creative direction and detailed notes on pitches, scripts, storyboards, animatics, and cuts. Take hands‑on creative leadership on adult projects and milestone oversight on 4‑quad content. Identify and nurture showrunners, writers, directors, and studios capable of delivering world‑class animation. Ensure all creative aligns with brand, franchise, and platform objectives while maintaining artistic integrity. Develop a streamer‑first content strategy, with secondary focus on premium broadcaster partnerships. Build and maintain relationships with global platform commissioning executives and co‑production partners. Evaluate and target IP for adaptation, re‑imagining, or franchise expansion across adult and family audiences. Balance both adult and 4‑Quad family content to contribute to network/platform goals. Monitor audience trends, competitive slates, and emerging genres in adult and 4‑quad animation. Collaborate with Marketing and Franchise leaders to ensure synergy between TV content and consumer engagement initiatives. Lead a cross‑functional creative team, including the Sr. Manager of 4‑Quad Kids and Family Animation and supporting creative staff. Foster an environment that values innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. Mentor future creative leaders and elevate creative excellence across the department. Partner with Animation team’s Supervising Producer to oversee schedules, budgets, and delivery pipelines across multiple series. Manage project and vertical‑level P&L to ensure financial discipline. Present creative and financial updates to the SVP and executive leadership. Use audience analytics and performance data to refine creative and platform strategy. Qualifications 12+ years of experience in animation development and production, including leadership of adult, young‑adult, or 4‑quad TV projects. Proven success developing and selling series to global streamers (Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.). Strong grasp of global content markets, co‑production financing, and distribution dynamics. Deep creative network of showrunners, studios, and talent within the adult animation and premium TV ecosystem. Demonstrated ability to balance creative excellence, brand strategy, and fiscal responsibility. Outstanding leadership, presentation, and negotiation skills. Core Competencies & Attributes Creative visionary: balances artistic ambition with audience insight and brand strategy. Strategic builder: navigates the evolving global streaming landscape with foresight and adaptability. Collaborative partner: works seamlessly with the SVP, Production, Marketing, and Franchise teams. Leader of leaders: inspires creative teams, empowers emerging executives, and sets high standards. Global storyteller: understands cultural nuance and appeal for international audiences. Success in the First 12–18 Months Launch a clear creative strategy and development pipeline for Mattel’s adult and 4‑quad TV content. Successfully greenlight at least one streamer‑commissioned series and one global co‑production. Build or expand platform relationships across key global streamers and broadcasters. Establish Mattel Studios as a premier partner for high‑quality, franchise‑driven animation. Deliver measurable growth in global awareness and brand perception through adult/4‑quad storytelling. *The pay range is indicative of the projected hiring range; base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s location, skills, and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mattel