Production Coordinator

The Atlantic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 69,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Atlantic in Washington, D.C. seeks a Magazine Production Coordinator with strong consumer-magazine production, layout, and pre-press expertise.

You will translate high-quality journalism from screen to printing press and ensure consistency across digital, e-readers, and online versions. This role works across art, copy, editors, ad sales, circulation, and finance, often under tight deadlines and in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in consumer magazine production, design, or a related field.
• Print-layout and pdf-prepress fluency in InDesign and Acrobat Pro.
• Understanding of image editing, CMYK file prep, and preflight tools.
• Familiarity with ad materials traffic and versioning.
• Experience with editorial workflow and digital content management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage editorial preflight and prepare pdfs for press.
• Traffic and approve print advertising materials and proofs.
• Coordinate occasional print projects including varnish plates, gatefolds, inserts, etc.
• Work closely with the Production Director and external vendors to ensure accuracy on press.
• QA and distribute full-issue pdfs for internal stakeholders, subscribers, and vendors.
• Assist with converting print articles for online publication.
• Support Consumer Strategy and Growth team in meeting postal, auditing, and bulk distribution requirements.
• Update schedules and print-specification documentation.
• Maintain tracking and operations documents in Excel and Google Workspace.
• Support as needed with other general layout and production needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Tools

InDesign

Acrobat Pro

Excel

Google Workspace

HTML basics

K4 workflow

Job description

The Atlantic is seeking a magazine Production Coordinator with a strong understanding of consumer-magazine production, layout, and pre-press. The Production Coordinator will support the production director and the magazine team in translating the highest-quality images and journalism from screen to printing press, and maintaining quality standards across digital versions, e-readers, and online.
This role is highly cross-functional and works with teams across The Atlantic, including art, copy, editors, ad sales, circulation, and finance. It requires comfort working in fast-moving environments and resolving problems with curiosity, initiative, and creativity.

This role will at times involve night, early-morning, and weekend work.

Responsibilities will include:

• Manage editorial preflight and prepare pdfs for press

• Traffic and approve print advertising materials and proofs

• Coordinate occasional print projects including varnish plates, gatefolds, inserts, etc.

• Work closely with the Production Director and external vendors to ensure accuracy on press

• QA and distribute full-issue pdfs for internal stakeholders, subscribers, and vendors

• Assist with converting print articles for online publication

• Support Consumer Strategy and Growth team in meeting postal, auditing, and bulk distribution requirements

• Update schedules and print-specification documentation

• Maintain tracking and operations documents in Excel and Google Workspace

• Support as needed with other general layout and production needs

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:

• At least 2 years of experience in consumer magazine production, design, or a related field

• Print-layout and pdf-prepress fluency in InDesign and Acrobat Pro

• Understanding of image editing, CMYK file prep, and preflight tools

• Familiarity with ad materials traffic and versioning

• Experience working with editorial workflow and digital content management systems.

• K4 workflow and file transfer experience preferred but not required.

• Familiarity with converting print stories to online templates. Basic HTML a plus.

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace

The ideal candidate also demonstrates:

• Proven ability to meet fast-moving deadlines and switch gears as needed

• Close attention to detail and the highest standards for accuracy

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Agility to troubleshoot issues, learn new systems quickly, and take initiative

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently

• An ability to coordinate tasks effectively across departments

Salary minimum: $69,000; salary maximum: $80,000

This position is based in Washington, D.C.

This is a Guild position.

About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

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The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC (\"The Atlantic\") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.