Book Designer - Hybrid/Remote at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Book Designer - Hybrid/Remote




University Press



Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.



Job Summary

Responsible for the interior and exterior design of assigned books and journals published by the University Press. Typeset and lay out occasional design-intensive books. Design social media and website graphics and other marketing materials as needed. Requires a thorough knowledge of typography and design standards.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Design approximately 25-35 complete book covers/jackets per year. Provide, in most cases, multiple design sketches for each front cover. Provide InDesign and Photoshop files. Present cover designs to Senior Design Coordinator, design committee, and authors for selection and approval. Work must conform to design standards, marketing needs, schedules, and budgets.
• Search for appropriate cover images for assigned book covers/jackets. Work with authors, acquisitions editors, IP Manager, and Senior Design Coordinator to ensure permissions are cleared and high-res image files are purchased.
• Design approximately 2-3 book interiors per year. Provide InDesign templates and layouts with thorough type specifications for each interior. Typeset and lay out 1-2 design-intensive books per year. Provide suitable electronic files with graphics in place. Provide preliminary castoffs and as needed, rough design sketches for complex or design-intensive projects, to be used in obtaining production estimates.
• For interior designs, check page proofs for accuracy of design implementation, resolve design queries, and make proof corrections. Perform quality control check in design layouts/templates, sample pages, repro, and printers' proofs.
• Review and assess art programs and provide guidance on art preparation to authors and acquisitions staff as needed.
• Design marketing materials in relation to books and journals, including social media and website graphics, for both marketing and authors, as well as marketing print materials as relates to conferences and book promotions. Design journal interiors and covers, catalog covers, and additional promotional materials as needed.
• Collaborate with Senior Design Coordinator in establishing departmental design strategy and philosophy. Oversee and monitor freelance designers and freelance graphic services as assigned. Assist with training of students and interns.
• Keep abreast of design trends and developments in relevant computer technology and software applications.
• Foster innovation and cross-departmental collaboration at the Press. Contribute to Press-wide initiatives.
• Other duties appropriate for a Book Designer.

Minimum Qualifications



1. Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below:


A. Credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- 60 semester hours equals 12 months
- 90 semester hours equals 24 months
- 120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
B. work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design


2. Twenty-Four (24) months of graphic design experience comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series


*** A Master's degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets the requirements of this Minimum Acceptable Qualification.



Preferred Qualifications



Preferred:
1. Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field.
2. Two years of full-time equivalent experience in book design.
3. Portfolio of interior and cover designs.
4. Experience in higher education, or a broad academic background.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1. Experience with and awareness of print publishing developments and issues.
• 2. Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite for the latest Macintosh OS, especially InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Illustrator.
• 3. A thorough knowledge of typography and design standards for trade books and for specialized scholarly manuscripts.
• 4. Attention to detail.
• 5. Independent decision-making ability that reflects good judgment and discretion.
• 6. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines.
• 7. Strong computer skills, including the ability to effectively use additional software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Safari.
• 8. Superior interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with University staff and external agencies.
• 9. Excellent problem-solving skills to address difficult, complex issues.
• 10. Excellent organizational skills.
• 11. Experience with and awareness of electronic publishing developments and issues.
• 12. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with manuscripts containing such diverse elements as mathematical formulas, sidebars, historical photographs, color illustrations, and foreign languages (including Greek).
• 13. Demonstrated knowledge of the rules of typographical style and the specifics of page makeup.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1006 - Graphic Designer position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 9/25/2024. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program. Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.


Salary range is $50,000-$55,000, salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 20th, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bree Smith at cbsmith@uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1027084
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now