Department

Press Books Design And Production

About the Department

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor. The University of Chicago Production and Design Department is responsible for the design, production, and manufacturing of new books and reprints, in print and electronic form, for the Press Books Division.

Job Summary

The Book Designer is responsible for the design of approximately 40 book projects per year, mostly print and some electronic. This includes the interior and jacket design of monographs in all disciplines; trade books; illustrated books in art/architecture, science, and anthropology

Responsibilities

Texts design for new manuscripts, including preparation of typographic specifications and layouts, which includes the implementation of interior design templates and the review and approval of all stages of proofs throughout the typesetting and printing process.
Covers design, including preparation of comprehensive sketches and cover mechanicals in Adobe InDesign, hiring of illustrators, original illustration as appropriate, image research and negotiation of related permissions and fees.
Coordinates projects that are assigned to freelance designers.
Typesets books using Adobe InDesign, with print-ready PDFs and well-formed XML as final deliverables.
Assists with departmental tasks (e.g. maintaining design library; assisting with design department archive; maintaining template program) at discretion of Design + Production Director.
Works within defined processes to ensure that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction.
Assists in coordination of all graphic production scheduling, including preparing final layouts for print.
Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor's degree.

Experience:
Two years of experience in art/graphic design.
Monograph, trade, and illustrated book design experience with portfolio of typographic and illustrated text and jacket design examples.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe PhotoShop.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent typographic sense and skills.
Up-to-date knowledge of current typesetting and graphics arts processes.
Demonstrated conceptual and design ability.
Experience with Macintosh platform.
Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Adobe PhotoShop, and Adobe Illustrator.
Knowledge of Quark Xpress and XML workflows.
Ability to work creatively within limited budgets.
High degree of organization and the ability to handle a number of overlapping projects.
Excellent interpersonal skills in relating to peers and superiors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Documents

Resume
Cover Letter

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.