Associate Art Director Job at Hachette Book Group in New York

Union Square & Co. is hiring an

Associate Art Director

to lead adult and select gift cover design from concept through production.

Responsibilities

Conceptualize and generate creative, innovative cover designs for UNSQ’s Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles

Partner with the Art Director to maintain high quality design and production standards while meeting deadlines

Manage and advise a small group of Senior and Junior designers

Collaborate with the editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs

Oversee end-to-end preparation, including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review

Coordinate with Editorial and Production on schedules and communications to ensure timely execution from manuscript through bound books

Research and oversee freelance illustrators and designers when required

Ensure designs meet UNSQ standards, represent the brand in the market, and push creative and execution boundaries

Attend weekly status and design meetings

Stay current with publishing industry changes, design trends, and new techniques that improve efficiency and creativity

Supervise

3 direct reports , including:

Set priorities and assign/direct work

Manage performance, including formal performance reviews and informal evaluation

Make or recommend staffing decisions, including disciplinary action, promotion, or suspension

Use independent judgment to manage and direct an employee through all stages of the employee life-cycle

Requirements

Minimum

5-7 years

design experience in book publishing

Extensive experience designing

book covers

for nonfiction, fiction, and other gift-related products (examples: tarot cards, stationary)

Detailed knowledge of

pre-press

for print, including manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction

Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, including negotiating rates and rights usage

Experience managing designers and senior designers

Proficiency in

InDesign ,

Photoshop ,

Illustrator , and

Acrobat

4-year college degree

preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Strong time management skills to manage deadlines and delegate work

Experience working with freelancers

Technologies

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Acrobat

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Basic and supplemental life

Short-term and long-term disability

Accidental death and dismemberment

Critical illness

Hospital indemnity

Long-term care

Health and dependent care FSA

Commuter benefit plan

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Travel assistance

401(k)

Discretionary bonus program

PTO: 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays, and generous sick leave

Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services

Location

New York, NY (hybrid)

Based in the New York office

Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with the hybrid work model

Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office

Compensation

USD

75,000 - 85,000

per year

Salary may vary based on skills, experience, and location

Mission Statement

Union Square & Co. publishes books and gift products with a point of view

Distinguished by independent, entrepreneurial spirit

Collaborates with bestselling, award-winning, and debut authors and creatives

Publishes at the highest quality across categories

Focus on entertainment, discovery, and fun through objects you can cherish

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