Lead Associate Art Director, Book Covers (Hybrid NY)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Union Square & Co. is seeking an Associate Art Director to lead adult and select gift cover design from concept through production. You will mentor a small design team, partner with the Art Director, and collaborate with editorial to deliver market-ready designs.

Requirements include 5–7 years in book publishing, strong pre-press knowledge, and proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Hybrid work in New York, three days onsite weekly with a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years design experience in book publishing
• Extensive experience designing book covers for nonfiction, fiction, and gift-related products
• Detailed knowledge of pre-press for print, including manufacturing, proofing, and color correction
• Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates and rights
• Experience managing designers and senior designers
• Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and generate creative cover designs for Adult list and select Gift titles
• Partner with the Art Director to maintain high quality design and production standards
• Manage and advise a small group of Senior and Junior designers
• Collaborate with editorial on market-appropriate designs
• Oversee end-to-end prep including prepress, color correction, and proof review
• Coordinate with Editorial and Production on schedules from manuscript to bound books
• Research and oversee freelance illustrators and designers as needed
• Ensure designs meet UNSQ standards and push creative boundaries
• Attend weekly status and design meetings
• Stay current with publishing industry changes and trends
• Supervise 3 direct reports with staffing, performance, and action decisions
• Use independent judgment across all stages of employee life-cycle
• Attend and contribute to design reviews and feedback sessions
• Maintain strong communication with internal teams to ensure timely execution

Skills

Book cover design

Team leadership

Pre-press knowledge

Freelancer management

Time management

Deadline mindset

Education

4-year college degree

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Acrobat

Job description

Union Square & Co. is seeking an Associate Art Director to lead adult and select gift cover design from concept through production. You will mentor a small design team, partner with the Art Director, and collaborate with editorial to deliver market-ready designs.

Requirements include 5–7 years in book publishing, strong pre-press knowledge, and proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Hybrid work in New York, three days onsite weekly with a generous benefits package.