Creative Director (Chicago)
3 days ago
Chicago
Company Overview: Kidsbooks is a privately held publisher specializing in high-quality fiction and non-fiction books for children. Known for incorporating fun as a learning tool, Kidsbooks creates educationally sound titles that cater to blue-chip retailers, schools, libraries, and special markets. With titles available at stores like Barnes & Noble, Costco, and TJ Maxx, the company publishes around 100 new books annually, complementing a vast backlist of over 500 timeless titles. Products include a variety of formats, such as softcover, hardcover, board, and lift-the-flap books. At Kidsbooks, we are passionate about fostering a love for learning through engaging content. Role Description: Kidsbooks Publishing is seeking an experienced and visionary Creative Director with a strong background in the book publishing industry to lead and elevate our global creative function. This executive-level role combines strategic leadership with hands-on creative direction, translating business objectives into compelling, market-leading products that drive commercial success. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Creative Director will oversee creative development across a portfolio of 150+ titles annually while leading a high-performing team of up to 8 direct reports. This is a hybrid role based in Chicago, IL, requiring 3 days per week in office. Key Responsibilities: Creative Leadership • Lead, coach, and develop a team of 5 to 10+ creative professionals, • Define and execute the overarching creative vision across all product lines, • Translate business strategy into clear, compelling creative direction, • Provide final creative approval across the full product portfolio Product Development and Execution • Oversee end-to-end creative development for 150+ titles annually, • Drive innovation across formats, categories, and age groups, • Ensure products are optimized for retail performance and consumer engagement, • Balance creativity with timelines, cost, and production constraints Manufacturing and Format Expertise • Apply expertise in novelty formats such as sound books, lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, and board books, • Partner with Production to ensure feasibility, cost efficiency, and scalability, • Align creative decisions with durability and margin expectations Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with Sales, Editorial, and Production teams, • Align creative output with commercial and retail strategies, • Contribute to product pipeline planning and long-term strategy Brand and Visual Identity • Own and evolve the global Kidsbooks brand identity, • Establish and maintain creative standards and guidelines, • Elevate product design and packaging for maximum shelf impact Process and Performance • Build scalable creative workflows for a high-volume environment, • Allocate resources effectively across projects, • Lead performance management and team development, • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence Qualifications: • Required: Strong experience in the book publishing industry, preferably in children’s or consumer publishing, • 15 to 20+ years of experience in senior creative leadership roles, • Proven success leading and scaling creative teams, • Experience managing high-volume product pipelines, • Deep understanding of retail-driven design and merchandising, • Knowledge of book manufacturing processes and specialty formats, • Exceptional portfolio demonstrating creative and commercial success, • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, • Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Marketing, or related field required, Master’s preferred Key Traits for Success: • Visionary thinker with strong execution discipline, • Commercially savvy with an understanding of consumer and retail dynamics, • Decisive and adaptable in fast-paced environments, • Detail-oriented with strong creative judgment, • Ownership mindset with a bias for action Why Join Kidsbooks Publishing? • Lead creative for a globally distributed children’s publisher, • Shape products experienced by millions of families worldwide, • Own and define the visual identity of a high-impact brand, • Partner directly with executive leadership on innovation and growth, • Work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with meaningful impact Compensation: • Salary range: $130,000 to $155,000 USD, based on experience and scope