Graphic Designer and Print Production Specialist
Ascension Publishing Group, United States

The Graphic Designer and Print Production Specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining a high-quality of product design in an enthusiastic and collaborative way with Ascension’s product teams. S(he) is responsible for the manufacturing aspects of the physical book process and managing relationships with printers and DVD manufacturers and the on-time delivery of DVDs, printed and bound books. This role works with the product manager, editorial, and design teams to guide the selection of printing specifications and with the production team in identifying and addressing production issues. This role needs to demonstrate strong attention to detail and quality control of pre-press files, the ability to work together with diverse teams, to maintain a detailed knowledge of the book manufacturing process and product components, and to search for external vendors and to build and maintain relations with them, and to work with external vendors to obtain pricing, to award jobs, to transfer files, and to deliver finished products as scheduled. This role adheres to and promotes Ascension’s values by performing all duties in a manner that supports and contributes to the achievement of Ascension’s goals while providing continuity and creative innovation in support of the Company’s marketing message.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Graphic Designer:

• Working across teams in the PSSG unit to design and layout various print pieces including, direct mailings, books, covers, DVD inserts and labels, workbooks, catalogs, packaging materials, flyers, posters, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Prepare files, including pre-flighting, for printers and other outside vendors and requests, including performing quality control checks on all deliverables.
• Review printer proofs and correct or approve as needed.
• Attend weekly meetings for print production status.
• Prepare online graphics such as social media graphics, website graphics, and ebooks.
• Color correct and alter artwork and photos as needed in Photoshop.
• Create and maintain file organization.
• Create and maintain print production specs files.
• Work with the project manager to schedule, assign, and track new projects and reprints, using Smartsheet.
• Prepares visual presentations by designing art and copy layouts for both print and web using Adobe Creative Suite applications in a Mac environment.
• Collaborate with all teams in the PSSG unit to collect information for specific projects and keep a project in motion to completion.
• Work closely with team members to meet deadlines with a high volume of changes.
• Ability to interact with editorial, design, production, and logistics staff on a consistent basis

Print Production Specialist:

• Obtain and assign ISBN and UPC codes to each product
• Upload final press-ready pdfs to Brand Folder
• Working with product managers to keep the reprint changes organized and current
• Obtain paper and print samples. Route printer proofs to appropriate personnel
• Secure best pricing contracts for both components and finished goods
• Responsible for providing manufacturing cost estimates for the potential development of new titles, reprint decisions, special sales, and custom publishing opportunities
• Guides the selection of printing specifications, cover and end sheet materials, and printer options
• Tracks and reports all changes in manufacturing costs against approved purchase orders for each title as the book progresses through the development process
• Monitors and keeps to a minimum all alterations done at the printer once a file has been released from the editorial team
• Works with project and product managers and the supply chain and inventory teams in establishing manufacturing plans according to release schedules and to address delays by working with the print vendor to accelerate the prepress process and/or shifting press dates to deliver finished books on schedule.
• Search for new print vendors and maintain good relationships with existing vendors
• Manages relationships with printers and DVD manufacturers and resolves any issues that arise
• Reviews advance copies of printings and works with vendors shipping timelines based on warehouse dates.
• Tracking the number of printing events

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

• Graphic Design
• Image Editing
• Layout Design
• Print Production
• Graphic Design Software
• Project Management Software
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop

• Good Stock Photos Smartsheet
• Powerpoint
• Presentations/Presenting
• Vendor Management
• Order Tracking
• Managing editorial changes to layouts
• Adobe InDesign

Requirements

• BS/BA in graphic design, v

Job Rewards and Benefits