Why This Role Matters: This role will help shape the future growth trajectory of Mattel163 by strengthening its strategic position across three critical areas: deepening partnership and alignment with Mattel; expanding influence with platform partners and the broader gaming ecosystem; identifying strategic growth opportunities through partnerships, talent, and corporate development. The successful candidate will play a direct role in helping define Mattel163's next chapter as it expands beyond its current portfolio and builds the future of Mattel's interactive entertainment business.

About Mattel163: Mattel163 is the internal game development studio of Mattel — born out of a joint venture between Mattel and NetEase Games, combining Mattel's iconic global brands with world-class game development and live operations expertise. Its portfolio includes UNO! Mobile, Phase 10 Mobile, Skip-Bo Mobile, UNO Wonder, and a growing slate of new gaming experiences across mobile, PC, console, and emerging platforms.

The Opportunity: The Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth will serve as a key liaison for the CEO and COO, acting as Mattel163's senior representative in North America — driving cross-functional initiatives with Mattel, cultivating relationships across the gaming ecosystem, spearheading strategic partnership efforts with various platforms, and identifying opportunities for internal and external growth.

What Your Impact Will Be:

Mattel Partnership & Strategic Enablement: Serve as primary NA liaison between Mattel163 and Mattel stakeholders; build trusted relationships across Brand, Franchise, Marketing, Digital, Consumer Products, Strategy, and Executive Leadership; accelerate decision-making and cross-functional alignment; identify growth opportunities and lead joint campaigns; support strategic planning and business cases.
Marketing & Branding Execution: Work on the ground in LA with Mattel Global Brand and franchise teams to execute franchise-level initiatives promoting Mattel163's games; advocate for Mattel163's digital game portfolio in cross-functional discussions; help secure resources for Global Mattel franchise support.
Strategic & Platform Partnerships: Build/maintain relationships across the global gaming ecosystem (developers, publishers, technology partners, licensors); identify strategic partnerships to accelerate product, technology, publishing, or growth objectives; represent Mattel163 at industry events and executive engagements in the U.S.

What We're Looking For:

10+ years of experience in gaming, technology, gaming corp dev, strategic partnerships, or business development
Deep understanding of the global gaming ecosystem across mobile, PC, console, and other platforms
Direct or adjacent experience in brand marketing activations and working with marketing teams on holistic campaigns
Demonstrated success building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders
Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving capabilities
Exceptional communication and presentation skills
Ability to operate independently in highly ambiguous environments
Preferred: experience with global/cross-cultural teams; familiarity with mobile F2P business models and live-service operations; Mandarin Chinese proficiency strongly preferred

Director, Strategic Partnerships & Growth, Mattel Game Studios