Assistant Designer

We are seeking a creative and organized Assistant Designer to join our team. In this role, you will support the Adult & YA creative team by assisting in the design and production of visually compelling covers across categories. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about design, eager to contribute original ideas, and looking to grow in a collaborative, agile and fast-paced environment.
This is an hourly non-exempt position with a range of $21.63 - $25.48 (pay to commensurate with experience) and can be remote in the following states ONLY: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin
Assistant Designer Responsibilities:

• Provide design support to the creative team, assisting in the creation of book covers across all adult & YA imprints, and other visual assets.
• Manage file check-ins from freelancers, maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.
• Maintain cover trend reports, staying on top of design trends and industry aesthetics.
• Attend weekly design meetings, assist in meeting prep and follow-up by managing agendas and minutes by imprint.
• Ensure accurate and complete materials for testing, internal meetings and sales, maintaining the most up-to-date materials throughout the entirety of the cover development process.
• Assist in designer and artist research, and moodboard development, ensuring high-quality visuals are sourced for projects.
• Support the full cover production process, from concept to final product, contributing creative input and technical skills to ensure all elements meet final print-ready specifications.
• Track progress of assigned projects and manage time effectively to meet creative and production deadlines.
• And other duties as assigned.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong typography skills and an eye for design, with the ability to create visually appealing layouts.
• Proficient in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop (Mac-based environment), with a strong understanding of design tools and techniques.
• Understanding of graphic arts processes, including preflight and file QC, with the ability to troubleshoot technical design issues.
• Knowledge of book production and printing processes, especially for covers and jackets, including color management and print specifications.
• Ability to work across multiple projects with tight deadlines, demonstrating flexibility and creativity under pressure.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to take creative feedback constructively to improve designs.
• Consistent involvement with industry trends in design and technology, with a passion for staying current with creative developments.
• Ability to optimize designs for print and digital formats, ensuring quality across different media.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team, contributing creative ideas and collaborating effectively.
• Growth mindset with a focus on quality and continuous improvement, eager to learn and develop new skills.

What You Bring:

• A degree in graphic design or relevant experience. Publishing experience is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of and experience working in the Adobe Creative Suite.
• A portfolio showcasing an eye for visually compelling layouts, design hierarchy and strong typography.
• And a love for books!

Please include a strong cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position. Only those including cover letters, a portfolio, and salary requirements will be considered.
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
 
As Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We’re a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we’ve been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. Story by story, book by book we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more.