Senior Designer (Book Publishing / Academic Press)

Oakland, CA (Hybrid) | Full-Time | $80,785-$94,189/yrAbout the RoleOne of the most forward-thinking scholarly publishers in the country is hiring a Senior Designer to join its creative team and design compelling books for both academic and trade audiences. The press publishes work that influences public discourse, advances scholarship, and challenges the status quo.The Senior Designer manages the creative design and production of assigned books from initial concept through final files and printed copies. Approximately 75% of the role focuses on jacket and cover design, with the remainder dedicated to interior design, production, and freelance/vendor management. The position is based in Oakland with an on-site requirement of at least two days per week (Wednesday and Thursday). Candidates must live in California.What the Role CoversCreating original book jacket and cover designs for academic and trade titlesDeveloping interior book designs, page layouts, typographic systems, and detailed type specificationsAdapting existing design templates for books requiring customized treatments or special editorial elementsPreparing production-ready electronic files, mechanicals, and materials for printers and prepress vendorsCollaborating with acquisitions, marketing, editorial, production, authors, and other stakeholders to determine the right visual approach for each titleIncorporating feedback thoughtfully while maintaining strong design standardsReviewing proofs throughout the production process and inspecting printer proofs and finished booksEvaluating illustrations and determining sizing, placement, and reproduction requirementsDesigning complex or heavily illustrated page layoutsAdapting existing files for print-on-demand and electronic book formatsWriting clear design briefs and communicating specifications to composition and production vendorsArt directing and managing projects assigned to freelance designers and other creative vendorsSupporting occasional collateral, annual reports, journal covers, and other design projectsSharing expertise and helping train or support junior colleaguesQualificationsProficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and AcrobatAt least 2 years of experience designing or composing book interiors, developing design specifications, and adapting existing specifications for customized designsKnowledge of color proofing and printing methodsExperience developing comprehensive typographic specifications and communicating effectively with composition vendorsStrong design judgment with ability to solve complex design problems creatively and collaborativelyExcellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skillsStrong project-management and organizational skills with ability to manage numerous projects at different production stagesAbility to work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervisionAbility to work creatively within budget and schedule constraintsA portfolio demonstrating strong book design or comparable graphic design workBasic proficiency with Microsoft Word and ExcelHigh school diploma, two years of art training, and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combinationPreferredBook graphic design experienceKnowledge of printing and production processesExperience managing freelance designers or freelance creative workExperience creating coordinated materials within an established brand systemFamiliarity with Google WorkspaceAdditional DetailsCompensation is $38.69-$45.11 per hour (approximately $80,785-$94,189 annually), depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include access to the University of California's comprehensive benefits program covering health and welfare, retirement, and additional employee resources. First application review is October 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should be prepared to provide a portfolio of relevant design work.To ApplyVisit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions.