Art Director, Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster is seeking an experienced and highly creative Art Director to collaborate with the Lead Art Director across the Simon & Schuster, Summit, and 37 Ink imprints. This role is responsible for designing and art‑directing compelling front‑list book covers for a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles within the adult trade market.

The ideal candidate is a strategic visual thinker with a strong editorial design background, exceptional typographic skills, and the ability to guide projects from initial concept through final production. The role requires close collaboration with editors, production teams, designers, illustrators, and photographers to deliver market‑driven, visually distinctive covers while maintaining deadlines and workflow efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Design and art direct frontlist book covers across multiple imprints

Develop original visual concepts for fiction and nonfiction titles

Collaborate with freelance and in‑house designers, illustrators, and photographers

Oversee projects from concept development through final production

Partner closely with editorial, managing editorial, and production departments to ensure smooth workflow and timely delivery

Maintain awareness of publishing trends, competitive titles, and adult trade market aesthetics

Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high creative standards

Present and communicate design concepts clearly to internal stakeholders

Adapt quickly to creative feedback and shifting project priorities

Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of experience in publishing, specifically within the adult trade market

Strong portfolio demonstrating diverse design sensibilities across fiction and nonfiction categories

Advanced typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills

Ability to work independently while managing complex creative projects

Excellent organizational, communication, and project management abilities

Strong understanding of print production and publishing workflows

Proficiency in Mac‑based design environments, including Adobe Creative Cloud

Experience with photo retouching and image compositing preferred

Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven creative environment

Preferred Attributes

Deep understanding of current publishing and cover design trends

Strong creative leadership and collaborative mindset

Ability to mentor or guide junior designers when needed

Passion for books, storytelling, and visual branding

Detail‑oriented with a strong sense of time management and prioritization

Please note that candidates seeking either in‑house, hybrid or fully remote employment will be considered.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. 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. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

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.

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.

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