Production Coordinator

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

Job summary

The Atlantic, based in Washington, DC, seeks a Production Coordinator to support the production director and magazine team in translating top-quality journalism from screen to press and across digital versions. The role involves cross-functional collaboration with art, copy, editors, ad sales, and finance, with occasional night and weekend work.

Responsibilities include editorial preflight, traffic of print materials, coordinating print projects, and assisting with online conversions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in consumer magazine production, design, or related field.
• Fluency in print layout and pdf prepress with 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.
• K4 workflow experience preferred.
• Familiarity with converting print stories to online templates.
• Basic HTML is a plus.
• Strong Excel and Google Workspace skills.

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

Preflight & prepress

InDesign

Acrobat Pro

CMYK prep

Excel

Google Workspace

HTML

Editorial workflow

Tools

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

• 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

• 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.

Ideal Candidate Demonstrations

• 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.

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.

Culture and Values

At The Atlantic, our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our commitment to advancing ideas that matter and sparking global conversation, but most importantly, it's our people. Our employees are generous, hardworking, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference. The Atlantic looks for three “pillar gifts” in you, and everyone else. In all of us, these are more aspirational than actual, but they are central in our intentions.

SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY: The Atlantic seeks in its ranks a spirit of generosity—a natural disposition in each colleague toward service and selfless conduct.

FORCE OF IDEAS: At the center of The Atlantic is a belief in the power of ideas. Our highest work is bringing rigor, insight, and honesty to their examination. We endeavor to cultivate new ideas, challenge existing ones, and seek out those that otherwise might go unheard. We do this because ideas have consequences—the power to shape our lives, our work, and the world around us.

SENSE OF BELONGING: The Atlantic was founded in 1857 as a home for intellectual debate, but also in opposition to the great moral injustice of its time. More than a century and a half later, we continue to believe our purpose is larger than ourselves. At its best, our culture reflects this calling. It is characterized by goodwill and a deep sense of mutual concern. Our goal is not consensus—on the contrary, our best work may be born of spirited exchange and a diversity of views. What brings us together is a commitment to the mission of the Atlantic, to our readers, and to one another.

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