Associate Art Director, Book Covers (Hybrid NYC)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) and retirement plan

Discretionary bonus

PTO and holidays

Group discounts

Job summary

Union Square & Co. is seeking an Associate Art Director to shape the visual identity of our publishing program, leading cover design from concept to production and elevating authors' voices with bold, market-driven artwork.

You'll mentor three designers, collaborate with editorial and production teams, and guide projects across fiction, nonfiction, and gift titles. This New York-based role operates on a hybrid schedule, with oversight of timelines, reviews, and creative direction to strengthen

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing.
• Extensive experience designing book covers (nonfiction, fiction, and gift products).
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, color correction.
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates, and rights usage.
• Experience managing designers and senior designers.
• Proficient 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.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs for UNSQ's Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles.
• Works closely with the Art Director to maintain the highest quality of design and production standards while keeping on track with deadlines.
• Manages and advises small group of Senior and Junior level designers.
• Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs.
• Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review.
• Maintains ongoing communications and schedules with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure timely execution and follow through from manuscript to bound book for all projects.
• Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers when required
• Ensures that designs fulfill UNSQ's high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution
• Attends weekly status and design meetings
• Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques that will improve the efficiency and creativity

Skills

Book cover design

Creative leadership

Mentoring

Editorial collaboration

Education

Graphic Design degree

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Acrobat

Job description

Union Square & Co. is seeking an Associate Art Director to shape the visual identity of our publishing program, leading cover design from concept to production and elevating authors' voices with bold, market-driven artwork.

You'll mentor three designers, collaborate with editorial and production teams, and guide projects across fiction, nonfiction, and gift titles. This New York-based role operates on a hybrid schedule, with oversight of timelines, reviews, and creative direction to strengthen