Designer-Compositor

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarships

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a full-time Designer-Compositor within the University Press, Editorial, Design, and Production department. You will design and typeset journals and books, including covers and interior layouts, and prepare print-ready and ebook files.

Ideal candidates will have a graphic design degree, strong Adobe Creative Cloud skills, and a proven ability to meet deadlines while coordinating with editors and production staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field; additional education/substitution allowed year-for-year.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; typography and layout skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, coordinate with staff, and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and typeset a number of journals and books per year, including cover design and interior layout.
• Coordinate with senior designers, editors, and production staff to maintain schedules.
• Conduct quality-control checks of typeset files and support additional design/drafting tasks.

Skills

Deadline management

Coordination of schedules

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Designer-Compositor

Department

Department University Press-0933

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260627

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/05/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

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

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

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. Responsibilites 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

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.
• 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

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

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

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Posted Salary $35,568/yr. minimum

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
[e-mail]

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

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

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).