Sr. Director, Adult/4-Quad TV Animation

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

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 negotiat