Head of Development

Thank you for considering the Head of Development role with Moonbug Entertainment, an award-winning global entertainment company inspiring kids everywhere to laugh, learn and grow.  The company is behind some of the biggest kids’ entertainment brands in the world including CoComelon and Blippi. Moonbug believes every child should have access to our entertaining and enriching content, which is why our shows are available on more than 150 video platforms globally including Netflix, Disney , BBC iPlayer and YouTube Kids. Moonbug is also a global leader in pre-school music and audio experiences, available on 100 audio platforms globally. Moonbug brands extend far beyond the screen to include streaming music, toys, games, books, live events, and even theme park exhibits.  

Moonbug is part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. By bringing together elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps to position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the current market and beyond.

This role reports onsite in our Los Angeles office full time. 

Moonbug Entertainment is seeking a Head of Development to lead the creative direction and execution of our development slate across original and existing IP-driven content. This role is both creative and operational, requiring someone who can champion strong ideas, manage a fast-moving slate, and partner cross-functionally to bring content from concept to greenlight.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial, data-informed environment — someone who balances storytelling instinct with audience insight and strategic alignment.

You will oversee a small but growing development team, partner closely with the Head of Creative, and collaborate daily with production, franchise, distribution, and marketing teams to ensure that our shows not only engage kids globally, but also deliver on business goals.

This is not a purely conceptual or development-only role — it’s a highly collaborative, cross-functional position that requires close partnership with production and senior leadership. The Head of Development will spend as much time shaping creative as ensuring that projects are structured, scoped, and ready to move forward efficiently.

If you love building world-class kids’ content, thrive on creative collaboration, and are ready to fully commit to what feels like your dream job, this role is for you.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the creative and strategic direction for Moonbug’s development slate across animation, live action, and music-based formats — spanning digital-first (YouTube) and long-form premium content.
• Shape and prioritize the slate in partnership with leadership, ensuring each project supports brand growth and global audience engagement.
• Guide and mentor the development team, providing clear feedback and helping translate high-level creative ideas into executable projects.
• Collaborate closely with production to scope projects accurately — balancing creative ambition with production realities, timelines, and budgets.
• Drive a culture of insight-led creativity, integrating audience data and YouTube learnings into the development process without stifling innovation.
• Partner with educational consultants to ensure content supports Moonbug’s learning and values-based mission.
• Build and maintain strong external relationships with streamers, platforms, production partners, and creative talent — supporting opportunities for greenlights and co-productions.
• Serve as a connective hub between development and other teams (production, franchise, marketing, distribution), ensuring smooth hand-offs and alignment on creative and business goals.
• Stay ahead of trends in kids’ media, storytelling formats, and global viewing habits to keep Moonbug’s pipeline fresh and relevant.

• Proven experience in a senior development role within live action, animation, kids, or family entertainment.
• A strong track record of shepherding projects from pitch through to greenlight — with examples of content that reached audiences on major platforms.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where collaboration and adaptability are key.
• An understanding of YouTube and digital-first content ecosystems, and a willingness to embrace data as a creative ally.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to balance creative vision with commercial strategy.
• Established relationships with buyers, streamers, and creative partners in the entertainment industry.
• A leadership style that inspires creativity, trust, and accountability across teams.
• Candidates with experience showrunning preschool series are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Wellness Resources
• and more!