Production Coordinator

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor. The University of Chicago Production and Design Department is responsible for the design, production, and manufacturing of new books and reprints, in print and electronic form, for the Press Books Division.

The Production Coordinator is responsible for all book production functions required for new books and reprints in various stages of production. Manage approximately 65-80 new and reprint book projects at any time, including monographs in all disciplines, trade books, illustrated books in art/architecture, science, anthropology, among others.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• High degree of organization and the ability to handle many projects.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and to changes in internal processes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in relating to peers and supervisors.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Basic understanding of book design and typography.
• Must be able to work cordially and effectively with managers, peers, and vendors to ensure publication schedules are met.
• Must have flexibility to deal with last-minute changes on projects.
• Must be interested in learning about and applying new technologies as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two years of production experience in book publishing.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly PhotoShop, and Microsoft Access, Adobe Acrobat, and Filemaker.
• Experience with POD/SRDP manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Establish schedules for new books and reprints, prepare cost estimates and reports, and work with in-house staff on assigned new books and monthly reprints.
• Maintain production schedule for each title.
• Manage typesetting, pre-press, and printing vendors to maintain costs and schedules, and resolve manufacturing problems.
• Purchase manufacturing and typesetting for both new and reprinted titles; issue purchase orders, process invoices.
• Inspect and approve delivered books for release.
• Calculate and distribute final costs for each printing.
• Educate press staff on production and manufacturing standards and methods and advise on best options for publication needs.
• Assist with departmental administrative tasks, at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Assists with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher level guidance and skills.
• Coordinates events, researches logistics, assists with planning and preparing presentations, event outreach, and post-event write ups.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level