Supervisor’s Title: Editorial Director

Summary:

Join a creative and dynamic team and help build and manage an innovative, high-end licensed publishing program at Candlewick Press, one of the most exciting and foremost children’s trade publishers. Responsibilities will include developing creative original content, formats, and stories that enhance and expand upon beloved brands and entertainment for children and teens, across all categories; seeking out exciting new opportunities, licenses, and partnerships; and working closely with counterparts in the UK on publishing programs for in-house characters including Maisy, Where’s Waldo?, Guess How Much I Love You? and other bestselling brands.

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

Oversee a licensed and character publishing program of approximately 20-25 titles per year, within schedule and budget
Manage editorial relationships with key licensing partners
Develop, nurture, and maintain new and existing relationships with authors, artists, agents, and industry professionals
Seek out and acquire exciting new licensing, entertainment, and partnership opportunities
Acquire and edit approximately 15 licensing projects per year across categories including novelty board books, fiction and series (chapter books, middle-grade, YA), graphic novels
Develop select brands/projects as well as help manage US character publishing program in conjunction with US and UK teams
Collaborate with Sales and Marketing on positioning and plans for titles and programs, as well as communication of plans and strategy to licensors/authors/illustrators/agents; be a strong advocate for titles and programs in terms of cross-promotional opportunities and support from licensors
Attend key trade and consumer conferences and cons as needed

Requirements:

A passion for pop culture and children’s entertainment
Proven ability to acquire and edit across age-groups and categories, including novelty books, fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels
Strong knowledge of the children’s and teen book and entertainment market, and an ability to identify strategic opportunities and spot future trends
Minimum of 8-10 years editorial experience in children’s book and/or entertainment publishing with a track record of success in delivering quality creative and commercially successful publishing preferred
Desire and ability to work collaboratively and positively in an environment where creativity and innovative thinking are highly valued
Demonstrated ability to envision an end product and bring that vision to fruition; experience in creating products from the ground up
Knowledge of the manufacturing and production process for novelty
Excellent licensing, agent, packager, and creator/writer contacts and relationships
Strong written and verbal communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders

This is a full-time position based in Somerville, MA or New York, NY with the option for hybrid work. The annual salary range is $82,000- $90,000 and is commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered including medical, dental, life and disability insurance; flex spending and 401k plans, voluntary benefits, generous paid time off and much more!

All children deserve to see themselves, their families, and their communities represented in the books they read. As children’s book publishers, it is our goal to ensure that the books and content we publish authentically and joyfully reflect the world around us. As an employer, we are committed to creating and maintaining a supportive working environment where everyone is included, valued, and empowered to do their best and most creative work. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, sex, or any other characteristic protected by law and those not yet protected by law.

To Apply: submit a resume and cover letter via e-mail to us-careers@walkerbooksgroup.com, referencing "Executive Editor, Entertainment and Licensed Publishing"

Candlewick Press

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Executive Editor, Entertainment and Licensed Publishing