Union Square & Co. is hiring an Associate Art Director to lead adult and select gift cover design from concept through production.

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

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

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

Associate Art Director

Job Description