Associate Art Director

Hachette Book Group; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Union Square & Co. is seeking an Associate Art Director to lead adult and select gift cover design from concept through production. You will mentor a small design team, partner with the Art Director, and collaborate with editorial to deliver market-ready designs.

Requirements include 5–7 years in book publishing, strong pre-press knowledge, and proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Hybrid work in New York, three days onsite weekly with a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years design experience in book publishing
• Extensive experience designing book covers for nonfiction, fiction, and gift-related products
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press for print, including manufacturing, proofing, and color correction
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates and rights
• Experience managing designers and senior designers
• Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and generate creative cover designs for Adult list and select Gift titles
• Partner with the Art Director to maintain high quality design and production standards
• Manage and advise a small group of Senior and Junior designers
• Collaborate with editorial on market-appropriate designs
• Oversee end-to-end prep including prepress, color correction, and proof review
• Coordinate with Editorial and Production on schedules from manuscript to bound books
• Research and oversee freelance illustrators and designers as needed
• Ensure designs meet UNSQ standards and push creative boundaries
• Attend weekly status and design meetings
• Stay current with publishing industry changes and trends
• Supervise 3 direct reports with staffing, performance, and action decisions
• Use independent judgment across all stages of employee life-cycle
• Attend and contribute to design reviews and feedback sessions
• Maintain strong communication with internal teams to ensure timely execution

Skills

Book cover design

Team leadership

Pre-press knowledge

Freelancer management

Time management

Deadline mindset

Education

4-year college degree

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Acrobat

Job description

Union Square & Co. is hiring an Associate Art Director to lead adult and select gift cover design from concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and generate creative, innovative cover designs for UNSQ’s Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles
• Partner with the Art Director to maintain high quality design and production standards while meeting deadlines
• Manage and advise a small group of Senior and Junior designers
• Collaborate with the editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs
• Oversee end-to-end preparation, including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review
• Coordinate with Editorial and Production on schedules and communications to ensure timely execution from manuscript through bound books
• Research and oversee freelance illustrators and designers when required
• Ensure designs meet UNSQ standards, represent the brand in the market, and push creative and execution boundaries
• Attend weekly status and design meetings
• Stay current with publishing industry changes, design trends, and new techniques that improve efficiency and creativity
• Supervise 3 direct reports, including:
  • Set priorities and assign/direct work
  • Manage performance, including formal performance reviews and informal evaluation
  • Make or recommend staffing decisions, including disciplinary action, promotion, or suspension
• Use independent judgment to manage and direct an employee through all stages of the employee life-cycle

Requirements

• Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing
• Extensive experience designing book covers for nonfiction, fiction, and other gift-related products (examples: tarot cards, stationary)
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press for print, including manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, including negotiating rates and rights usage
• Experience managing designers and senior designers
• Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
• 4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong time management skills to manage deadlines and delegate work
• Experience working with freelancers

Technologies

• InDesign
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Acrobat

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Critical illness
• Hospital indemnity
• Long-term care
• Health and dependent care FSA
• Commuter benefit plan
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Travel assistance
• 401(k)
• Discretionary bonus program
• PTO: 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays, and generous sick leave
• Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services

Location

• New York, NY (hybrid)
• Based in the New York office
• Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with the hybrid work model
• Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office

Compensation

• USD 75,000 - 85,000 per year
• Salary may vary based on skills, experience, and location

Mission Statement

• Union Square & Co. publishes books and gift products with a point of view
• Distinguished by independent, entrepreneurial spirit
• Collaborates with bestselling, award-winning, and debut authors and creatives
• Publishes at the highest quality across categories
• Focus on entertainment, discovery, and fun through objects you can cherish