Managing Editor

We're looking for a Managing Editor, Character IP to lead Duolingo's manga and anime expansion in Japan. This isn't a role for someone who manages timelines and coordinates vendors from a distance. You'll get into the weeds — developing Duo's Japanese character voice, writing plots when needed, identifying the right manga artists, and building the studio and TV network relationships that turn a great concept into something millions of people actually watch. Our roadmap goes manga first, then anime, with a TV morning show slot (think Chiikawa) as the target format for animation. This role reports into the Director of Design Studio Brand team, with a dotted line to the Director of Country Marketing Japan and Korea team.

🧠 You will...

• Set and uphold Duolingo’s high quality bar across all creative projects in this pipeline
• Partner with Design Studio Creative Directors to define Duo's Japanese character profile — tone of voice, personality details, backstory — while staying true to his globally established character bible
• Write your own plots and lead original story development when needed
• Scout and brief manga artists and illustrators who match the look and feel we're going for
• Build and manage relationships with publishers and editors to get manga projects off the ground
• Select and manage anime production studios — handling contracts, budgets, schedules, and quality
• Pitch to and build relationships with TV networks, with the goal of securing a morning show slot
• Set visual quality standards appropriate to each format and platform (TV, streaming, short-form)
• Keep global and local stakeholders aligned and get buy-in at the right moments