Prepress Coordinator

Phoenix International Publications, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix International Publications, Inc. in Chicago is seeking a Prepress Coordinator to join our fun, creative team.

This full-time role reviews book and packaging layouts, preflights files, and ensures production readiness for printers. You will use InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, coordinate with overseas printers and licensing partners, and maintain complete project information with attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of professional production experience.
• Proficient with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator for printing.
• Knowledge of production specs, resolution, and file formatting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Review book and packaging layouts for production and printer issues.
• Create print-ready PDF files and preflight, output color proofs.
• Upload plate-ready PDF files and proofs to printers and review proofs.
• Coordinate with overseas printers and licensing partners; update files.
• Maintain complete project information and timelines.
• Stay up-to-date with printing standards and processes.

Skills

Production experience

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Independent work

Biblio knowledge

German language

Spanish language

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Biblio

Gracol7 color calibration

Job description

At Phoenix International Publications, Inc., we’re committed to crafting engaging, educational, and entertaining books for young readers to encourage a lifelong love of story time! Together with our licensing partners, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Baby Einstein, World of Eric Carle, and more, we create award-winning sound books, song books, picture books, board books, and novelty books that provide a unique, interactive reading experience for children and their families around the world.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Prepress Coordinator. This full-time position is based in our Chicago office. Are you ready to join our fun and creative team?

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• For all assigned projects, review book and packaging layouts for proper production and printer issues, such as bleed, foil and embossing layers, taglines, pagination, template, and construction.
• Receive and check all final project files, create print-ready PDF files, preflight files,and output color proofs to route using Gracol7 color calibration standards.
• Upload plate-ready PDF files and proofs to printers, receive and review soft proofs for each project, request and review cover treatments via pressproofs, and give printers the final OK to proceed to bulk printing.
• Assist when issues relating to advance book samples arise by communicating directly with the printer.
• Communicate daily with overseas printers on current projects.
• Maintain complete project information, including all transactions and communication with printers.
• Order, manage, and approve foil stamping and embossing tools for cover treatments.
• Provide and communicate with team in Shenzhen regarding sew-in plush tags, hang tags, or other items not produced at our regular printers’ location.
• Work closely with our Licensing team to submit files to licensing partners for review and approval. Update files accordingly.
• Work closely with Publishing Operations to ensure title milestone dates are met.
• Supply files to international vendors for translation and typesetting as needed.
• Revise files for international title reprint updates, as needed.
• Attend department meetings where the discussion is focused on new projects, delivery dates, and the status of current projects.
• Ship proofs and other materials to vendors in conjunction with mailroom staff.
• Stay up-to-date with current printing standards and processes.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 1-2 years of professional production experience
• Professional experience with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator in a production capacity, including preparing files for printing
• Knowledge of production specs, resolution, and file formatting
• Proactive, detailed-oriented, and highly motivated
• Time management, multitasking, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of Biblio is a plus
• Knowledge of German, Spanish, or other languages is a plus (but not required)

Salary Range:$50,000 to $55,000 commensurate will experience and qualifications.