Designer, PRPG Adult Imprints

Readerlink Distribution Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans -Medical, Dental & Prescr

Flexible Spending Accounts -Health &/n

Life and Accident Insurance

Vacation Pay & Paid Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Author Events

Publisher-sponsored Book Club

Job summary

ReaderLink in San Diego, CA is seeking a skilled Design Manager to lead children’s book design from concept through production. You will create cover and interior art, oversee illustrators, and collaborate with editorial, production, and design teams to meet schedules.

You will manage multiple projects, present concepts in meetings, and ensure print-ready deliverables while staying current on market trends and publishing formats. Strong communication and organization are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required.
• 3–5 years in publishing preferred; 5+ years managing demand/fulfillment teams preferred.
• Experience with Adobe and other creative software systems preferred.
• Strong to advanced experience in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
• Knowledge of preparing and posting print files preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop children’s books and products.
• Create compelling cover and interior designs aligned with project goals and brand standards.
• Create physical and/or digital mock-ups to support concept development and presentations.
• Oversee illustrators and communicate with agents to source and manage artwork.
• Collaborate with editorial, production, and design teams throughout development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

What You Will Be Doing:

• Design and develop children’s books and products.
• Create compelling cover and interior designs aligned with project goals and brand standards.
• Create physical and/or digital mock-ups to support concept development and presentations.
• Oversee illustrators and communicate effectively with agents to source and manage artwork.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, production, and design teams throughout all stages of development.
• Participate in brainstorming and format development, contributing creative ideas and solutions.
• Identify design challenges and proactively implement improvements independently or through collaboration.
• Maintain ownership of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and schedules are met.
• Follow established processes for book development, including schedule adherence, routing passes, and reviewing key project information with a high degree of organization.
• Be comfortable presenting titles, concepts, and updates clearly in meetings.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate within a larger creative team while also working independently.
• Prepare detailed design specifications and communicate clearly with production teams, illustrators, freelancers, and agents.
• Track schedules and maintain awareness of budgets across assigned projects.
• Research and source illustrators and visual references for both branded and non-branded titles.
• Stay current on market trends, illustration styles, and children’s publishing formats.
• Prepare press-ready files, including preflighting and final production deliverables.
• Route materials through appropriate review channels and incorporate feedback efficiently.
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve design or production issues as they arise.
• Support additional projects and tasks as assigned.
• Monitor market trends, competitor products, and emerging brands.
• Continue developing knowledge of book production and materials.
• Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field is required.
• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of experience within thepublishing field is preferred.
• Five (5) plus years of experience managing a demand and/or fulfillment team is preferred.
• Experience with Adobe and other creative software systems is preferred.
• Strong to advanced experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
• Knowledge of preparing and posting print files is preferred.
• Strong understanding of book design and publishing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a very fast-paced environment.
• Passion for children’s books and awareness of current market trends.
• Strong interpersonal skills; collaborative and personable.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to speak with all levels of the organization and outside partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and remain open to feedback.
• Clear and effective verbal communication in a variety of settings.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• A methodical and organized approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely and effective manner.
• The work performed is in an office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at low decibels.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, team environment.

Salary: $70,000 - $78,000

Employee Benefits Include:

• Health Plans -Medical, Dental & Prescription
• Flexible Spending Accounts -Health & Dependent Care
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Vacation Pay & Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Author Events
• Publisher-sponsored Book Club

ReaderLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

ReaderLink is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans.If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please email your request to info@read erlink.com, or call: [phone]