Designer - 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 Designer to join its publishing group, reporting to Senior Designer. The team focuses on creating high-quality books and other publishing assets for brands including Barbie, Barney, Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Little People, Masters of the Universe, Monster High, Polly Pocket, Thomas and Friends, and more. The ideal candidate will be extremely creative and possess the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Manage and independently design a list of 30+ original and tie-in titles per year (may include board books, 8x8s, readers, activity books, workbooks, chapter books, middle grade, YA, novelty) plus the creation of assets to support licensees including art pools.
• Responsible for all stages of book design from sourcing and hiring artists/freelance designers to providing art direction, routing and making changes to layouts, creating title and series logo designs, and releasing final files to printer.
• Collaborate with Editorial, Production, and Operations as needed to meet deadlines and ensure high quality.
• Ensure all materials have been routed to any necessary internal and external partners for approval at key milestones and make any appropriate changes.
• Review creative development from licensees on a case-by-case basis.
• Identify new illustrator and format opportunities for vertical and licensee publishing lists.
• Represent the publishing team at internal cross-category brand meetings and speak to the publishing team’s needs and strategy as needed.
• Present asset development plans to global partners as well as covers at internal review meetings.

What We’re Looking For:

• 3+ years experience in children’s publishing, preferably licensed publishing.
• A thorough understanding of the entire publishing process and of the children’s book market.
• A strong portfolio of print work and outstanding book cover designs.
• Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Familiarity with Teams, Smartsheets, and Workfront is a plus.
• Experienced in prepress, particularly the 4-color printing process, and PDF workflow.
• 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.
• Ability 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.
• Optimistic attitude and love of toys appreciated.

*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. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t 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 Mattel's 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:
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.

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 collaboration with the world’s 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.

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

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

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.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy