Sr Editor - Publishing

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, Inc. is seeking an experienced and self-motivated Senior Editor to join its publishing group. The team focuses on creating high-quality books and other publishing assets for brands including Barbie, Barney’s World, Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Little People, Masters of the Universe, Monster High, Polly Pocket, Thomas and Friends, and more.

The Senior Editor will primarily oversee original middle-grade and YA fiction for the vertical list. There will also be select opportunities to work on vertical picture books and adult nonfiction. The Senior Editor will also manage select YA and adult programs being developed by our licensees (mostly ongoing Partworks).

Reporting to and working closely with the Editorial Director, the ideal candidate will have robust agent and author contacts, be extremely creative, and possess the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Manage and independently edit a list of 10-15 titles for the vertical list plus oversee the development of several licensee programs.
• Work with the Editorial Director to identify new book opportunities for vertical and licensee publishing lists.
• Responsible for all stages of book development including brainstorming story and format ideas; sourcing and negotiating with agents, writers, and packagers; providing line and developmental editing; commenting on layouts and art; and corresponding with copyeditors.
• Collaborate with Design, Production, and Operations as needed to meet deadlines and ensure high quality.
• Liaise with Brand and Content teams to create original stories, vet or refine book concepts, and gather supporting info and assets.
• Ensure all materials have been routed to any necessary internal and external partners for approval at key milestones and make any appropriate changes.
• Maintain title information including metadata, pricing requests, and P&Ls.
• Represent the publishing team at internal cross-category brand meetings and speak to the publishing team’s asset needs and strategy.

What We’re Looking For: 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in children’s publishing, preferably licensed publishing.
• A thorough understanding of the publishing process and children’s book market.
• A creative and detailed-oriented person with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision with a wide degree of creativity and independent thinking.
• Ability to multitask, adjust quickly, organize, and re-prioritize.
• Openness to give and take creative direction and embrace change.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work calmly and maintain high standards in a fast-paced work environment and approach projects with flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Excellent attention to detail and proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook with a working knowledge of Excel, Powerpoint, and Teams. Familiarity with Smartsheets and Workfront is a plus.
• Optimistic attitude and love of toys appreciated.

The annual base salary range for this position is between $67,000 and $103,000.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are 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.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:

Mattel is 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 more than 195 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies.

Mattel is recognized as a Great Place to Work™ and as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2022.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers including minorities, females, veterans, military spouses, individuals with disabilities, and those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

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
Mattel Investor Highlights