| Description: |
The Design Manager oversees a dynamic, creative team of designers who specializes in creating illustrated how-to books for specific hobbyist. The Design Manager manages the workflow for design team, including covers, interiors, sales and marketing material and other assignments. Responsible for budgets, brand consistency and integrity, leading photo shoots and communication among design team members. Responsible for working with Editorial Director and Community Leader to provide the design and editorial team with a consistent design vision for the community.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Work with Editorial Director and Community Leader to develop, execute and maintain a unique brand identity for the line.
- Manage staff of 3-6 designers and associate designers (co-ops and interns as well); make sure they meet their goals, provide evaluations and training on design and internal procedures.
- Coach and counsel employees in order to assist in achievement of their career objectives.
- Work with design team members so they have effective art direction skills for photo shoots, and so that a brand photography quality is established and maintained.
- Manage freelance designers and vendors (photographers, photo stylists, illustrators, etc.) when they are used.
- Concept and execute book covers and interiors for 3-5 illustrated how-to instruction books per year that are well-designed, creative, appealing and current. The number depends on the imprint/line and difficulty of the design.
- Meet sales and marketing and editorial goals and objectives.
- Deliver on time, efficiently executed and produced within budget product.
- Set quality standards that meet productivity goals.
- Work closely with editorial team members to make sure books meet the above goals and maintain the overall design and brand of line.
- Troubleshoot design/editorial issues with team leaders, working closely with the team’s Managing Editor.
- Work closely with the Production and Prepress Departments to make sure books are produced efficiently and with high quality standards on time.
- Deliver files correctly prepared for separation and printing.
- Review color proofs (using soft-proofing system) for quality before designed books go to the printer.
- Work with Photo Studio Manager to schedule shoots and ensure quality of work.
- Direct art photography and/or illustration for covers and interiors that is beautiful and cost-effective.
- Create and be responsible for photo budgets to maximize resources.
- Design and execute sales materials (BLADS) for up to 8 books per year that accurately reflect the content of the book.
- Educate in house staff about design trends.
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| Requirements: |
Skills:
- Strong design skills and attention to detail.
- Creative conceptual thinking and willingness to push boundaries.
- Experience managing multiple projects, adapting to changing schedules and meeting deadlines.
- Experience in managing people.
- Computer skills to include advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Expertise with multi-page documents, master pages and style sheets and proven typographic skills required.
- A thorough knowledge of print production is essential.
- Expertise in working with photographers and photo shoots required.
- Exceptional problem solving skills.
- Demonstrated relationship building across departments and within departments.
Education:
Degree in graphic design or related field with 5 years experience in book or magazine design
Extensive knowledge of Adobe CS-2, especially InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator preferred
Job Specifications:
Must be able to sit at computer for extended periods of time
Some travel may be required
Must be able to travel to photo shoots at various locations
Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
For immmediate consideration, email your resume, cover letter, design samples/portfolio, and salary requirements to: careers2@fwmedia.com
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