Creative Director

Kidsbooks Publishing

Chicago, IL

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: