Associate Art Director, Union Square & Co.

About the role

Union Square & Co. is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and creative Associate Art Director to join our team. This person will carry each project through the design process, including conception, execution, approval, and transmitting files to Production.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs for UNSQ’s Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles
• Works closely with the Art Director to maintain the highest quality of design and production standards while keeping on track with deadlines
• Manages and advises small group of Senior and Junior level designers
• Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs
• Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review
• Maintains ongoing communications and schedules with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure timely execution and follow through from manuscript to bound book for all projects
• Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers when required
• Ensures that designs fulfill UNSQ’s high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution
• Attends weekly status and design meetings
• Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques that will improve the efficiency and creativity

Requirements

• 4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing
• Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
• Extensive experience designing book covers
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates, and rights usage
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements: 4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing
• Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
• Extensive experience designing book covers
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates, and rights usage
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

Skills

• Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs
• Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs
• Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review
• Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques
• Hires and oversees illustrators, negotiates rates, and manages rights usage
• Ensures designs fulfill UNSQ’s high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic and supplemental life
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Critical illness
• Health and dependent care FSA
• Commuter benefit plan
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Travel assistance
• 401(k)
• Discretionary bonus program
• PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave)
• Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services

Pay

$75,000 - $85,000

Schedule

Based on a hybrid work model, employees are expected to work on-site three days per week.