Creative Director (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