Overview
Creative Director Jobs in Chicago, IL at Kidsbooks Publishing
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
Title: Creative Director
Company: Kidsbooks Publishing
Location: Chicago, IL
Category:
