Hybrid Executive Editor, Children's Licensing & Brands

Candlewick Press, Inc.; 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

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.