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: 

At Mattel, we create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. The Talent Acquisition Associate, Early & Emerging Talent supports the execution of programs that build the next generation of talent to fuel that mission.

This role focuses on delivering high-quality university recruiting and internship experiences, while helping strengthen Mattel’s early talent programs. You will manage full-cycle campus recruiting, support internship programming, and build relationships with key university partners to attract diverse, high-potential talent. You’ll also contribute to MBA internship and rotational program efforts.

Based in El Segundo, CA at corporate HQ, and reporting to the Senior Manager, Early & Emerging Talent, this role requires strong execution, collaboration, and a passion for connecting early talent to a purpose-driven, creative brand.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Campus Recruiting Execution

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for undergraduate and MBA interns across key business functions
• Partner with hiring managers to understand hiring needs and support campus recruiting plans
• Deliver a high-quality, engaging candidate experience that reflects the Mattel brand

University Engagement & Employer Branding

• Build and maintain relationships with a core set of target universities and programs
• Represent Mattel at campus events, info sessions, and recruiting activities
• Support ongoing evaluation of school partnerships based on hiring outcomes
• Execute employer branding initiatives to promote early talent programs, including developing and sharing content across social media and campus channels to drive awareness and engagement year-round

Internship Program Support

• Support execution of the summer internship program, including programming and logistics
• Partner cross-functionally to deliver a positive, engaging intern experience
• Track intern performance and support conversion to full-time opportunities
• Capture and amplify intern experiences through social and digital content to enhance employer brand visibility

MBA Program Support

• Assist in the execution of MBA internship and rotational programs
• Partner with internal stakeholders to support program coordination and candidate experience

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with hiring managers and HR to support early career hiring needs
• Share market insights and candidate feedback to inform recruiting efforts

Offers & Onboarding

• Manage intern offer processes, including candidate communication and closing
• Support onboarding for internship and early career hires

Program Tracking & Reporting

• Track key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, school performance, diversity representation)
• Use data to identify areas for improvement and support program enhancements

Tools & Process Improvement

• Utilize platforms such as SmartRecruiters, RippleMatch, and Handshake
• Identify opportunities to improve recruiting processes and candidate engagement

What We’re Looking For:

• 3+ years of recruiting experience, preferably in university or early career recruiting
• Experience managing full-cycle recruiting and supporting internship programs
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience building relationships with stakeholders and candidates
• Exposure to MBA recruiting or rotational programs is a plus
• Comfort working with data and using insights to improve processes
• Experience with SmartRecruiters, RippleMatch, Handshake, or similar tools
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Passion for early career talent and inclusive hiring practices

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

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.

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 collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

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

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy