Animation Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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, 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.

What Your Impact Will Be: 
Creative Leadership

• 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.
• Creative leadership: Hands-on with adult projects; milestone oversight on 4-quad. 
• 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.

Strategic & Platform Leadership

• 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 demos.
• Portfolio balance: Ensure both adult and 4-Quad family content 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.

Team & Talent Leadership

• 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.

Operational & Financial Management

• 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.

What We're Looking For:

• 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 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.

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