Senior Designer, UC Press – Hybrid

University of California Office of the President · Oakland, CA, USA · Remote · 2 hours ago

Pay:: $80,785-$94,189/yr
Job type:: Full Time

Senior Designer, UC Press – Hybrid
University of California Press | Oakland, CA
Job ID: 89073
Hybrid: On-site in Oakland at least 2 days per week

Join UC Press and Help Shape Books That Matter

University of California Press is seeking an experienced Senior Designer to join our creative team and design compelling books for both academic and trade audiences.

UC Press is one of the most forward-thinking scholarly publishers in the country, publishing work that influences public discourse, advances scholarship, and challenges the status quo. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to bring books to life through distinctive cover and interior design while collaborating with editors, marketers, authors, production colleagues, freelancers, and external vendors.

If you are an accomplished designer who loves books, typography, visual storytelling, and the craft of print and digital publishing, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

The Senior Designer manages the creative design and production of assigned UC Press books, from initial concept through final files and printed books.

Your work will include:

Creating original book jacket and cover designs for academic and trade titles.
Developing interior book designs, page layouts, typographic systems, and detailed type specifications.
Adapting existing design templates for books requiring customized treatments or special editorial elements.
Preparing production-ready electronic files, mechanicals, and materials for printers and prepress vendors.
Collaborating closely with Acquisitions, Marketing, Editorial, Production, authors, and other stakeholders to determine the right visual approach for each title.
Incorporating feedback thoughtfully while maintaining strong design standards.
Reviewing proofs throughout the production process and inspecting printer proofs and finished books.
Evaluating illustrations and determining sizing, placement, and reproduction requirements.
Designing complex or heavily illustrated page layouts when needed.
Adapting existing files for additional uses, including print-on-demand and electronic books.
Writing clear design briefs and communicating specifications to composition and production vendors.
Art directing and managing projects assigned to freelance designers and other creative vendors.
Supporting occasional UC Press collateral, annual reports, journal covers, and other design projects.
Sharing expertise and helping train or support junior colleagues.

Approximately 75% of the role focuses on jacket and cover design, with the remainder focused on interior design, production, and freelance/vendor management.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

We're looking for a collaborative, highly organized designer who can manage multiple projects while producing thoughtful, sophisticated work.

You should bring:

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.
At least 2 years of experience designing or composing book interiors, developing design specifications, and adapting existing specifications for customized designs.
Knowledge of color proofing and printing methods.
Experience developing comprehensive typographic specifications and communicating effectively with composition vendors.
Strong design judgment and the ability to solve complex design problems creatively and collaboratively.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to explain design concepts clearly and respond constructively to feedback.
Strong project-management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage numerous projects in different stages of production.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
Ability to work creatively within budget and schedule constraints.
A portfolio demonstrating strong book design or comparable graphic design work.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

Book graphic design experience.
Knowledge of printing and production processes.
Experience managing freelance designers or freelance creative work.
Experience creating a coordinated suite of materials within an organization's established brand system.
Familiarity with Google Workspace.

Education & Experience

High school diploma, two years of art training, and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the role.

Work Location & Hybrid Schedule

This position is based at the University of California Office of the President in Oakland, California.

The successful candidate must live in California and currently is expected to work on-site in Oakland at least two days per week, Wednesday and Thursday.

There is no required travel for this position.

Compensation

$38.69–$45.11 per hour

Approximately $80,785–$94,189 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

UC considers factors including experience, skills, knowledge, education, and organizational needs when determining compensation. Offers are not typically made at or near the top of the posted range.

Benefits

As part of the University of California, employees have access to UC's comprehensive benefits program, including health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and additional employee resources.

About the University of California

The University of California is one of the world's leading public research university systems, encompassing 10 campuses, six academic medical centers, and three national laboratories.

At the UC Office of the President, employees support work that reaches across the entire UC system and contributes to UC's missions of teaching, research, and public service.

How to Apply

Please submit online: UCOP Job Board

Resume
Cover letter

Candidates should also be prepared to provide a portfolio demonstrating relevant design work.

First application review: October 15, 2026

The position will remain open until filled.

Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of a background check is required for this position.

Finalists will also be required to comply with applicable University of California employment policies, including UC vaccination requirements as amended from time to time, and UC requirements regarding disclosure of certain findings or

investigations involving workplace misconduct.

The University of California Office of the President is a smoke- and tobacco-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.