Designer-Compositor

University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska Press seeks a Designer-Compositor to lead design and typesetting for frontlist books and journals.

You will select and craft cover art, design interiors, and prepare print-ready files for vendors while coordinating with editors and production staff to meet schedules.

Applicants should have a graphic design degree, proficiency in Adobe CC (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and a strong eye for typography and color.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field; additional education/experience may substitute year-for-year.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, especially InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Knowledge of typography and page layout; strong sense of composition and color.
• Strong communication skills and ability to meet deadlines; coordinate schedules with others.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and typeset full-length journals and books per year, cover and interior.
• Select cover art, design cover layout, and determine interior type specs.
• Create line art, tables, charts; produce final print-ready PDFs for vendors.
• Coordinate with staff to obtain information and maintain schedules.
• Conduct quality-control checks of typeset files and related reviews.

Skills

Typography

Page layout

Color theory

Deadline management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Designer-Compositor

Working Title | Designer-Compositor

Department | University Press-0933

Requisition Number | S_260627

Posting Open Date | 08/05/2026

Application Review Date | 08/19/2026 (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Posting Close Date |

Open Until Filled | Yes

The University of Nebraska Press (UNP), founded in 1941, is the largest university press between Chicago and California. It publishes scholarly and general-interest books (with more than 5,000 titles in print and an additional 120 new titles released each year) and journals (with more than 30 different journals published each year) in topics ranging from anthropology and literary criticism to history and sports.

This position will be part of the UNP’s Editorial, Design, and Production (EDP) department, which oversees the editing, design, and production of approximately 120 frontlist books and 30 different journals each year. Responsibilities include: Design and typeset assigned number of full-length journals and books per year, both cover and interior, and other projects as assigned, to include: select cover art, design cover (front and back), determine type specifications for interior, conduct art review and adjustments, create line art as needed (tables, charts, etc.), create typeset pages, input proof corrections, create final print-ready PDF for print vendors, and export files for ebook production as appropriate. Consult and coordinate with other staff (lead senior designer, project editors, and print production coordinator) to obtain information and maintain schedules. Conduct quality-control checks of typeset files produced by others; conduct other design and typesetting reviews as required.

This position may be considered for remote work in accordance with the University of Nebraska’s Alternative Worksite program. More information is available at https://nebraska.edu/alternative-worksite.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Retirement plans with university match

Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field plus; additional years of relevant experience or completed relevant education may substitute on a year-for-year basis. Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, esp. InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; knowledge of typography and page layout; and a developed sense of composition and color. Strong communication skills. Demonstrated experience in setting and meeting deadlines, ability to coordinate schedules with others, and work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in designing book covers and producing typeset book or journal files using the Scribe XML Well-Formed Document Workflow. Experience in producing graphic design materials. Experience in purchasing and obtaining permission for cover art. Broad knowledge of book or journal publishing industry. Familiarity in cover art research and book cover design. Knowledge of typesetting and file preparation demands using Scribe Well-Formed Document Workflow.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is familiar with the design, layout, and typesetting of books and/or journals and is able to navigate multiple, varied projects.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required | No

Physical Required | No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. | No

Criminal History Background Check Required | Yes

Posted Salary | $35,568/yr. minimum

Job Category (old) | Managerial/Professional

Job Type | Full-Time

Work Location (City, State) | Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? | No

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead, Office of Research and Innovation, [e-mail]