Art Director, Custom & Proprietary

Job Description

Job Description

Sourcebooks is looking for an Art Director to lead the creative execution of some of our most exciting and fast-moving projects—custom and proprietary books and products built to meet a customer’s unique vision, land at retail, and resonate with readers. If you thrive at the intersection of beautiful design and airtight project management, this one's for you!

This an exempt salaried position with a range of $70,000 - $80,000.  We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.   

The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.   This role includes some travel with occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL.

What you’ll do:
Reporting directly to the Senior Art Director, Custom & Proprietary, you'll conceive and execute high-impact covers and interiors, own projects from kickoff to final files, and mentor the next generation of designers all while collaborating closely with sales, editorial, manufacturing, and production to get it right and get it done.

Key Responsibilities
Creative Leadership

• Conceptualize and execute visually engaging mock-ups quickly based on account and associate publisher vision
• Design high-impact covers and interiors that meet the specific needs of each sales opportunity
• Elevate projects through mastery of composition, color theory, typography, and innovative design treatments
• Preview and troubleshoot format, template, and pre-press issues to ensure print and digital outputs meet the highest quality standards
• Maintain a thorough understanding of contracts and terms around art and photography use

Project Management & Workflow Development

• Own comprehensive project schedules, tracking milestones from kickoff through final delivery
• Manage the approval process for all project components, facilitating timely resolution of internal and external stakeholder feedback
• Implement and refine standardized workflows, documentation, and best practices to streamline reviews, approvals, and handoffs
• Coordinate cross-functional teams — associate publisher, sales, editorial, manufacturing, and production — to maintain alignment and hit all deadlines

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Anticipate design and production challenges; develop proactive solutions to keep projects on track
• Analyze recurring bottlenecks and lead initiatives to optimize processes, tools, and communication channels
• Stay current on industry trends, digital innovation, and publishing standards to inform product development and design direction

Mentorship & Team Development

• Coach and mentor junior designers, providing actionable feedback and guiding professional growth
• Lead design critiques and knowledge-sharing sessions to foster a collaborative, learning-oriented environment
• Advocate for a growth mindset, encouraging experimentation and peer support within the team

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with associate publisher, sales, editorial, manufacturing, and production to translate creative briefs into cohesive book and custom product designs
• Prepare and present design concepts and mock-ups to internal stakeholders and accounts
• Balance creative vision with market insights and company objectives to ensure designs resonate with target audiences
• Pivot quickly from stakeholder and customer feedback, taking initiative and maintaining quality under shifting priorities

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field required
• 10+ years of experience in book design or a closely related field
• Proven track record managing multiple concurrent projects end-to-end in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or coaching designers and contributing to team development
• Experience working cross-functionally with sales, editorial, production, and manufacturing teams

Design Expertise

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat
• Deep understanding of print production including offset printing, spot colors, and coatings
• Strong command of composition, color theory, typography, and visual storytelling
• Experience with pre-press workflows and troubleshooting format, template, and file preparation issues
• Solid understanding of art and photography licensing terms and usage rights
• A genuine love of books and an understanding of what engages readers

Project Management & Process Skills

• Skilled in schedule creation, resource allocation, and risk mitigation across simultaneous projects
• Strong analytical mindset; experienced in diagnosing workflow inefficiencies and implementing scalable solutions
• Proven ability to document, refine, and improve design workflows and cross-departmental handoff processes
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills; comfortable presenting to and influencing stakeholders at all levels

Technology

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Basecamp, or similar)
• Openness to exploring AI-powered design and workflow tools to improve efficiency and creative output within Sourcebooks guidelines
• Willingness to experiment with emerging design technologies and evaluate their impact on quality and speed

Why Sourcebooks?
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!

 
Ready to Apply:

Please submit your resume, portfolio, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter and portfolio will not be considered.

Show us your passion and creativity — we’re looking for someone who’s as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are! 

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. 

 

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