Art Director - Romance

About the role

As Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We’re a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we’ve been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of creative strategies for assigned titles, ensuring strong market positioning.
• Design and art direct compelling, high-impact book covers, from concept to final production, striking the balance between breakthrough creative and commercial design that is always at the forefront of market trends.
• Be deeply collaborative, prioritizing authors and readers while working with editorial, marketing, and sales teams to align creative vision with business goals.
• Research and recruit top illustrators, artists, and designers, ensuring innovative and competitive book designs.
• Manage the cover approval process, facilitating feedback and achieving timely resolutions.
• Check the data, evaluating workflow efficiencies and refining processes to enhance team productivity.
• Maintain accurate records, organized files, and updated design archives for all projects.
• Stay curious and engaged, keeping up with market trends, emerging design innovations, and industry standards.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in book publishing design or a related creative field.
• An exceptional portfolio demonstrating strong typography and design and proven expertise in art direction.
• High-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and strong understanding of bookmaking and printing processes including advanced printing specs.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines.
• Strategic problem-solving skills, balancing creative vision with budget, timeline, and business goals.
• Ability to be deeply collaborative, ensuring alignment across editorial, marketing, and production teams.

Qualifications

• Passionate about storytelling and book design.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with book design software such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Understanding of book manufacturing processes and print specifications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Book design and printing knowledge
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, health care, dependent care, flexible spending account, health savings account, 401(k), short and long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, and generous paid time off.

Pay

This is an exempt salaried position with a range of $70,000 - $80,000. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

Schedule

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin. This role includes some travel with occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL.