Jr Designer, Little Simon/Simon Spotlight

Simon and Schuster Books; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster in New York is seeking a Junior Designer to support the Executive Art Director and design team for children's books across formats. You will gain hands-on experience, contribute to concept development, and grow within a fast-paced, creative environment.

You'll design covers and interiors, collaborate with editors and illustrators, and help prepare layouts and production-ready files while tracking multiple projects with strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating design typography and composition.
• Strong conceptual thinking and visual storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Design book covers and interiors from concept to production.
• Develop age-appropriate design concepts for books.
• Conceptualize cover directions and present to internal reviews.
• Collaborate with editors, licensors, artists, and fellow designers.
• Research and commission illustrators and other talent as needed.
• Art direct illustrators and review artwork to meet project needs.
• Prepare layouts and production-ready files with accuracy.
• Partner with Production on proofing and color-correction stages.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and stay organized across projects.
• Provide design and administrative support to Executive Art Director.
• Stay informed about trends in children’s publishing and design.

Skills

Design

Typography

Composition

Conceptual thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America’s Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Junior Designer, Little Simon / Simon Spotlight

The Junior Designer supports the Executive Art Director and design team while developing the creative, technical, and project-management skills needed to grow within children’s book design. The role combines hands-on design ownership with collaboration and mentorship in a fast-paced, highly creative environment.

The Junior Designer is responsible for designing up to 30 unique titles per year across a wide range of formats, including novelty and board books, early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Key Responsibilities

• Design book covers and interiors from initial concept through final production.
• Develop thoughtful, age-appropriate design concepts that support each book’s content, audience, and position in the marketplace.
• Conceptualize cover directions and prepare presentations for internal review.
• Collaborate closely with editors, licensors, artists, and fellow designers throughout the creative process.
• Research, identify, and commission illustrators and other creative talent, as appropriate.
• Art direct illustrators and review sketches and final artwork to ensure the work fulfills the creative vision, publishing needs, and production requirements of each project.
• Prepare layouts, mechanicals, and production-ready files while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Partner with the Production team throughout proofing, prepress, and color-correction stages to ensure the quality of the finished book.
• Incorporate feedback from creative, editorial, licensors, production, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail.
• Provide design and administrative support to the Executive Art Director and other members of the design team as needed.
• Stay informed about trends in children’s publishing, illustration, typography, and design.

Qualifications

• A portfolio demonstrating strong design, typography, composition, and conceptual-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in varying stages of development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A genuine interest in children’s books and visual storytelling.
• Previous publishing, internship, or related design experience is preferred.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression), age, citizenship status, marital status, and Veteran status where protected by law or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Unrelated emails, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.