Sr. Director, Kids & Preschool Animation, TV and Digital

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. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers. The Opportunity Mattel Studios is seeking a visionary and strategically‑minded Sr. Director, Kids & Preschool Animation to lead creative development, production, and brand storytelling for Mattel’s animated long and short form content slate. This leader will oversee the ideation, development, and execution of kids and preschool animated programming based on Mattel’s iconic toy and entertainment brands for global streamers, broadcasters and digital platforms. The Sr. Director will co‑lead the creative vision with the SVP Head of Animation, and collaborate closely with Toy Design, Franchise, and Marketing teams to ensure that storytelling both entertains global kid and preschool audiences and amplifies the reach and impact of Mattel’s toy and consumer product campaigns. What Your Impact Will Be Creative Leadership Lead the creative direction and development of all kids and preschool animated content to execute Mattel’s goal to create best‑in‑class kid and preschool entertainment first and foremost, while also magnifying brand excitement through 360 play. Collaborate with the SVP Head of Animation as a creative partner in shaping tone, style, and storytelling direction across all preschool and kids IP/toy brand related verticals (fashion dolls, vehicles, action figure play, etc.). Oversee development of both Hero Content (flagship series, specials) and Shoulder Content (short‑form companion pieces) designed to sustain audience engagement. Provide clear creative feedback and guidance to Directors, Managers, and external studios through each stage of development and production. Ensure content maintains a balance between entertainment‑first storytelling and brand authenticity, serving both narrative and commercial objectives. Strategic & Platform Leadership Partner with SVP Head of Animation to develop and implement a strategy that reflects global streamer, broadcaster and digital platform best practices for pacing, audience retention, and engagement, as well as commercial drivers for toy and consumer products. Identify opportunities to extend successful YouTube properties to streamers and broadcasters through commissions or licensing, and extend successful streamer/broadcaster series on YouTube. Maintain active relationships with YouTube Kids and global streaming partners and executives to anticipate trends and leverage promotional opportunities. Collaborate with Marketing and Franchise leadership to align content rollouts with toy and consumer product launch calendars. Work cross‑functionally to develop programming that builds awareness and love for Mattel’s toy‑linked brands. Team & Talent Leadership Lead and mentor a multi‑tier kids and preschool creative team, including two Sr. Managers (Vehicles & Action Figures / Fashion Dolls related content) and their respective teams of Managers. Foster a culture of creative excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Recruit and nurture emerging creative talent, writers, directors, and animation partners in the kids and preschool space (shared with Sr. Managers). Operational & Financial Management Partner with the Animation team’s Supervising Producer to oversee scheduling, resource allocation, and budget adherence across all projects. Manage the vertical’s annual budget, including development, production, and vendor costs. Evaluate creative and operational performance through analytics, audience insights, and ROI measures. Provide regular progress and performance reports to the SVP Head of Animation. What We’re Looking For 12+ years of progressive experience in animation development and production, with a focus on kids and preschool content. Demonstrated success in the global streaming and broadcast space; additional experience with YouTube or digital‑first animation a plus. Deep understanding of children’s entertainment audiences, developmental stages, and trends in preschool and kids media. Proven ability to translate IP and toy brands into story‑driven franchises. Strong network of writers, directors, and animation studios in the kids’ content ecosystem. Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills. Strategic thinker who thrives at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and audience insight. Core Competencies & Attributes Creative Visionary: Combines storytelling craft with an instinct for brand‑driven narratives. Collaborative Partner: Works seamlessly with Toy Design, Marketing, and Franchise to integrate creative with business goals. Platform Expert: Deep understanding of the global streaming, broadcast, YouTube and digital platform storytelling dynamics. Inspirational Leader: Builds, mentors, and motivates creative teams. Data‑Informed Storyteller: Uses performance analytics and insights to iterate and improve creative strategy. Success in the First 12–18 Months Establish and execute a clear Global Streamer/YouTube kids/preschool content strategy that integrates creative and commercial goals. Launch at least two flagship (Hero) animated series or special and one sustaining (Shoulder) content pipeline aligned to major toy launches. Develop new creative formats optimized for audience growth and engagement across YouTube and Global Streamers. Strengthen collaboration across Toy Design, Marketing, Franchise, and Production functions. Position Mattel Studios as an animation leader in the kids/preschool space globally. *The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. Equal Opportunity Employer Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. 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, and 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