Associate Art Director, Union Square & Co.

Hachette Book Group • New York, NY

11d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Union Square & Co. is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and creative Associate Art Director to join their team. This role is integral to the group, carrying each project through the design process from conception to file transmission for production. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in book cover design across various genres. This position will manage 3 designers and report to the Art Director, Adult Books.

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
• Must be able to reliably commute to the New York office

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

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• basic and supplemental life
• short-term and long-term disability
• accidental death and dismemberment
• critical illness
• hospital indemnity
• long-term care
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree