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

Bertelsmann•New York, NY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Random House Children’s Books middle grade and chapter book team is seeking a highly motivated, skilled Designer to contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Designer works on covers and interiors across RHCB imprints, handling the book-making process from initial concept through final art, mechanicals, and prepress. The role focuses on designing heavily illustrated middle grade interiors, chapter books, and graphic novels. The Designer collaborates with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support publishing programs. Responsibilities include producing design and sales materials, researching and hiring illustrators and designers, negotiating contracts and processing payments, presenting art samples and concepts, and art directing illustrators through final cover art. The role also prepares cover and interior mechanicals for approvals and production, tracks design trends, and applies cultural competence to represent people from marginalized backgrounds sensitively and authentically. This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities. Candidates must be within a commutable distance of the company’s offices at 1745 Broadway, including the tri-state area (NJ, CT, and PA). The stated salary is $70,500.00. Positions are eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results. Applications are accepted through October 30, 2026, or until the role is filled.

Requirements

At least 3 years of trade book design experience; children’s design experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of current Adobe InDesign and Photoshop programs.
At least a basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat.
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, 1-color and 4-color printing processes, and PDF workflow.
Hand lettering skills.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively 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.
Research and hire illustrators and designers, including negotiating contracts and processing payments.
Present appropriate art samples and pitch a vision in meetings.
Art direct illustrators from initial concept and sketch development through revisions to final cover art.
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.