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.

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

Hands-on manga editing / directing experience at a publisher, editorial production company, or IP firm

Proven ability to develop original stories — you've written plots yourself, not just managed others who do

Managing Editor

Responsibilities

Qualification

Required

Benefits

Company

Duolingo

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