Designer, Middle Grade and Chapter Books – Random House Children’s Books (Hybrid)

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

The Random House Children’s Books middle grade and chapter book team is seeking a highly motivated, skilled individual with a desire to learn and contribute to the team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Designer will work on covers and interiors across all RHCB’s imprints, executing all phases of book making from initial concept through final art, mechanicals, and prepress and will be responsible for designing heavily illustrated middle grade interiors, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support the publishing programs overall.; Responsible for effective, high-quality design of and sales materials for assigned titles from concept to final art to print-ready PDFs using creativity, resourcefulness, and understanding of goals.; Research and hire illustrators and designers including contract negotiation and payment processing. Present appropriate art samples and pitch vision in meetings.; Art direct illustrators from initial concept and sketch development through revisions to final art for covers of assigned titles.; Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production per printing standards, with attention to detail, and in a timely manner to maintain schedules and meet deadlines.; Problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness.; Track design trends in MG and chapter book space, with an eye toward setting new trends.; Develop and maintain cultural competence to ensure stories about people from marginalized backgrounds are represented sensitively and authentically.; Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with all internal and external contacts.; Attend and participate in production, cover, team, and title-specific meetings.; Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years trade book design, children’s design preferred; Strong knowledge of Adobe Suite’s current InDesign and Photoshop programs and at least basic understanding of Adobe Suite’s Illustrator and Acrobat programs; Portfolio showcasing strong book design and typography including children’s design; Highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, to prioritize and manage time efficiently; Strong attention to detail, quality, and process; Willingness to take on responsibilities and an ability to ask for support or help; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Desire to learn and work collaboratively; Deep interest in middle grade, chapter books, and graphic novels; Experience with pre-press, 1-color and 4-color printing processes, and PDF workflow preferred; Hand lettering skills a plus