Associate Art Director

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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Hachette Book Group