Executive Editor, Entertainment and Licensed Publishing

Nashville Public Radio; Somerville (MA); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Candlewick Press in Somerville, MA (or New York, NY) seeks an Editorial Director to lead a high-end licensed publishing program for children and teens. You will develop original content, formats, and brands, while partnering with UK teams and licensing partners to expand opportunities.

The role requires 8–10 years of editorial experience, strong licensing contacts, and a collaborative leadership style. Hybrid work and a competitive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years editorial experience in children’s book and/or entertainment publishing with a track record of success.
• Proven ability to acquire and edit across age-groups and categories.
• Strong knowledge of the children’s and teen book and entertainment market, and ability to spot strategic opportunities.
• Desire and ability to work collaboratively in a creative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to envision an end product and bring that vision to fruition.
• Excellent licensing, agent, packager, and creator/writer contacts and relationships.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Licensing relations

Industry networking

Youth publishing

Cross-brand collaboration

Job description

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.