Freelance Book Cover Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Square & Co. is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and creative Associate Art Director to join our team. As an integral part of our group, this person will carry each project through the design process, including conception, execution, approval, and transmitting files to Production. They should have extensive experience in book cover design and feel comfortable focusing on a range of genres. The Associate Art Director will personally manage 3 designers and will report to the Art Director, Adult Books.

Duties include:

Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs for UNSQ's Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles

Works closely with the Art Director to maintain the highest quality of design and production standards while keeping on track with deadlines

Manages and advises small group of Senior and Junior level designers

Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs

Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review.

Maintains ongoing communications and schedules with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure timely execution and follow through from manuscript to bound book for all projects

Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers when required

Ensures that designs fulfill UNSQ's high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution

Attends weekly status and design meetings

Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques that will improve the efficiency and creativity

Minimum requirements:

4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience

Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing

Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

Extensive experience designing book covers

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

Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction

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

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to be considered for this position.

This role is based in our New York office. Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with our hybrid work model. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office.

The compensation for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, 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) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Mission Statement

Union Square & Co. publishes books and gift products with a point of view. What distinguishes us is our independent, entrepreneurial spirit. We collaborate with bestselling, award-winning, and debut authors and creatives to publish at the highest quality across categories. We strive to bring you entertainment, discovery, and fun through objects you can cherish.