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

Bertelsmann-Jobs•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 who wants to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Designer works on covers and interiors across RHCB imprints, handling bookmaking from initial concept through final art, mechanicals, and prepress. The role focuses on 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, and creates design and sales materials for assigned titles from concept through print-ready PDFs. The role includes researching and hiring illustrators and designers, negotiating contracts and processing payments, presenting samples and design concepts, and art-directing illustrators through sketches, revisions, and final cover art. The Designer also prepares cover and interior mechanicals for approvals and production, tracks design trends, and works to ensure sensitive and authentic representation of people from marginalized backgrounds. This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities. Candidates must be able to commute to the company’s offices at 1745 Broadway, including from the tri-state area (NJ, CT, and PA). The annual salary is $70,500. Applications are accepted through October 30, 2026, or until the role is filled. The position is full-time; eligible employees may receive an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

Requirements

At least 3 years of trade book design experience; children’s design experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of current Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and 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, one-color and four-color printing processes, and PDF workflow.
Hand-lettering skills.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support publishing programs.
Design high-quality materials and sales materials for assigned titles, from initial concept through final art and print-ready PDFs.
Research and hire illustrators and designers, negotiate contracts, and process payments.
Present appropriate art samples and pitch design vision in meetings.
Art direct illustrators from initial concept and sketch development through revisions and final cover art.
Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production in accordance with printing standards and schedules.
Problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness.
Track design trends in middle grade and chapter books, 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.