Job Abstract

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

Mattel is seeking a motivated, passionate, collaborative, and driven Standards and Practices (“S&P”) professional to review and advise on Mattel TV Studio productions, books, mobile apps and games, and/or other entertainment properties produced by other divisions at Mattel from an S&P perspective. The ideal candidate will have direct experience in an S&P or similar function within a studio and/or network and will be able to build and foster trusting relationships with executive and creative partners, handling all matters with diplomacy in an environment of changing technological and regulatory infrastructure, short turnarounds, and strict deadlines. 

This role reports into the Advertising, Marketing, and Content Review Legal Team, and will work closely with other divisions within the Legal Department.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Review and advise on all entertainment content across the Mattel portfolio (e.g., short-form/digital content, episodic programming, feature-length films, mobile apps and games, editorials and other publishing properties, and products and partnerships), and advertising and marketing of such properties, to ensure compliance with Mattel’s standards, practices, and policies, as well as industry best practices and internal standards.  Responsibilities include:
  • Review scripts, storyboards, animatics, cuts, etc.
  • Conduct and analyze research related to third party intellectual property and personal rights issues, as needed.
  • Manage and advise on, including, tracking, compiling, and analyzing, clearance reports from third party clearance vendor(s), and advise on issues noted in the clearance reports.
  • Identify intellectual property issues and have a clear understanding of intellectual property law, including fair use, public domain, and other doctrines, to be able to work with Intellectual Property Counsel to assess risks and advise the production team.
  • Manage, including drafting, negotiating, and advising on, stock footage and/or image library agreements and/or terms and conditions. 
  • Prepare and present summary reports and status updates.
  • Work closely with the Advertising and Marketing Legal Team to verify that marketing assets comply with the contractual requirements.
• Position involves daily direct contact with internal clients, colleagues, and supervising attorney, as well as some contact with outside counsel.
• Actively manage multiple matters simultaneously and respond to day-to-day questions and issues that often involve novel legal subject matter and evolving legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assist Managing Attorney in training new hires and ensuring alignment within the team, including mentoring/training/helping other team members.
• Assist Managing Attorney in maintaining and updating legal/compliance database, e.g., social media guidelines, product review guidelines, etc.
• Assist Managing Attorney in creation of training materials.
• Conduct internal client trainings in connection with processes and/or implement guidelines.
• Take lead on projects as required by department, company and/or Managing Attorney, e.g., audit of processes and policies.
• Conduct research and write memos regarding industry trends and best practices, as may be requested by Managing Attorney.

What We’re Looking For: 

• BA/BS degree .
• Must have the ability to:
  • Research, understand and apply regulations;
  • Identify and analyze issues and elevate as appropriate;
  • Take ownership of issues and matters through to their appropriate conclusion;
  • Prioritize and manage multiple matters, providing timely responses;
  • Communicate effectively in person and in writing;
  • Be a creative, positive, proactive, self-starter with the ability to work independently across multiple teams and consistently exercise great judgment;
  • Attend to detail, especially when communicating, analyzing, and applying legal and regulatory concepts;
  • Maintain a professional demeanor, in writing and in person;
  • Meet deadlines and demands of the business;
  • Be available to attend meetings and to counsel business partners during core business hours; and
  • Apply general standards and principles to specific cases logically, practically, and consistently.
• Preferably, at least 5 years in standards and practices, entertainment content policy, and/or other similar function in a studio and/or network, with at least 3 years in children’s programming.
• Candidate should possess the ability to perform in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, and time-sensitive environment, and be able to exercise independent judgment when advising on a wide range of issues affecting key initiatives across the Mattel portfolio of brands. 
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

Salaried: To be used for positions up to Director level:
The annual base salary range for this position is between $88,000 and $108,000
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in more than 195 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies.

Mattel is recognized as a Great Place to Work™ and as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2022.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers including minorities, females, veterans, military spouses, individuals with disabilities, and those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Mattel Investor Highlights