Print Production Coordinator

Karsh Hagan Madden • ,

10d • $42,000 - $60,000 • Remote

About The Position

As our Print Production Coordinator, you'll serve as the strategic hub for our magazine production process-managing every stage from creative files to final delivery. This role blends technical expertise with operational excellence. You'll oversee vendor relationships, advertising assets, press specifications, production schedules, mailing compliance, and distribution logistics while protecting client budgets and ensuring exceptional quality every step of the way. Success in this role requires someone who enjoys solving complex production challenges, thrives in a deadline-driven environment, and takes pride in delivering polished, high-quality print products.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in print production, magazine publishing, direct mail, or a related production environment.
• Strong understanding of print production workflows, including CMYK color management, PDF/X standards, preflight procedures, and press-ready file preparation.
• Working knowledge of USPS mailing regulations and postage optimization strategies.
• Experience managing print vendors, negotiating estimates, and coordinating production schedules.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues before they become production delays.
• High attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work.
• A process-oriented mindset focused on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete print production lifecycle from creative files through press and delivery.
• Keep production schedules on track by coordinating with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ensure projects meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards and budget expectations.
• Source and evaluate printers based on quality, capabilities, timelines, and cost.
• Solicit, compare, and negotiate vendor bids while identifying potential cost savings and minimizing risk.
• Manage vendor agreements, production schedules, delivery timelines, and quality expectations.
• Understand how paper stock, binding methods, coatings, trim sizes, and other production specifications affect both quality and cost.
• Manage advertiser communications and creative submission deadlines.
• Review incoming advertising materials for production readiness, including bleed, trim, and safe zones, resolution requirements, CMYK color mode, and PDF/X compliance.
• Partner with designers to ensure proper ad placement and accurate color reproduction, including Pantone matching when required.
• Perform technical quality control throughout the production process.
• Manage preflight reviews and resolve file issues before they reach press.
• Verify proper CMYK workflows, ICC profile usage, and PDF/X standards.
• Coordinate digital and physical proof reviews before final press approval.
• Maintain consistent quality from proof through finished product.
• Develop cost-effective shipping and packaging strategies.
• Apply USPS Periodical and Marketing Mail regulations to optimize mailing costs.
• Understand how production specifications-including page count, paper stock, coatings, and trim size-impact postage rates.
• Coordinate fulfillment vendors, mailing houses, co-mailing programs, and distribution logistics.
• Identify opportunities to improve production workflows, vendor relationships, and operational efficiencies.
• Analyze previous production cycles to reduce cost, risk, and complexity over time.
• Help build repeatable processes that support consistent quality across every issue.

Benefits

• Opportunities to grow your skillset through training, new challenges, and learning experiences.
• A team that's got your back and is ready to help you thrive.
• A workplace culture that values intelligence, ambition, authenticity, and a willingness to learn.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed