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

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 Mattels animated long and short form content slate.

This leader will oversee the ideation development and execution of kids and preschool animated programming based on Mattels 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 Mattels 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 Mattels 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 (shortform 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 CP.
• 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 Mattels 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 teams Supervising Producer to oversee scheduling resource allocation and budget adherence across all projects.
• Manage the verticals 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.

Qualifications :

What Were 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 childrens 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 1218 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 candidates 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.

Additional Information :

Dont meet every single requirement At Mattel we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattels Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company our employees and our culture. Also interested in signing up for job alerts Do so here!

How We Work:
American Girl is subsidiary of Mattel a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT ) a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands including Barbie Hot Wheels Fisher-Price American Girl Thomas & Friends UNO Masters of the Universe Matchbox Monster High MEGA and Polly Pocket as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys content consumer products digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the worlds leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945 Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattels award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes Fast Company Newsweek Great Place to Work TIME and more.

Visit us at  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.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time