Designer, Middle Grade and Chapter Books – Random House Children’s Books (Hybrid)

Bertelsmann-Jobs•New York, NY

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Random House Children’s Books middle grade and chapter book team is seeking a highly motivated, skilled Designer who wants to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Designer works on covers and interiors across RHCB’s imprints and executes all phases of book making, from initial concept through final art, mechanicals, and prepress. The role is responsible for designing heavily illustrated middle grade interiors, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Requirements

At least 3 years of trade book design experience.
Strong knowledge of current Adobe InDesign and Photoshop programs and at least a basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat.
A portfolio showcasing strong book design and typography, including children’s design.
Highly organized, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
Strong attention to detail, quality, and process.
Willingness to take on responsibilities and ability to ask for support or help.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desire to learn and work collaboratively.
Deep interest in middle grade, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Nice To Haves

Children’s design experience.
Experience with prepress, one-color and four-color printing processes, and PDF workflows.
Hand lettering skills.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support publishing programs.
Design assigned titles and sales materials to a high standard, from concept through final art and print-ready PDFs, using creativity, resourcefulness, and an understanding of project goals.
Research and hire illustrators and designers, including negotiating contracts and processing payments.
Present appropriate art samples and pitch design vision in meetings.
Art direct illustrators from initial concept and sketch development through revisions to final art for assigned covers.
Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production according to printing standards, maintaining attention to detail and schedules.
Problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness.
Track design trends in the middle grade and chapter book space, with an eye toward setting new trends.
Develop and maintain cultural competence to help ensure stories about people from marginalized backgrounds are represented sensitively and authentically.
Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with internal and external contacts.
Attend and participate in production, cover, team, and title-specific meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.