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Jr Designer, Little Simon/Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster

DesignFull Time$55k
Location
New York, NY
Posted
October 1, 2026

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Job Description

The Junior Designer supports the Executive Art Director and design team while developing the creative, technical, and project-management skills needed to grow within children's book design. The role combines hands-on design ownership with collaboration and mentorship in a fast-paced, highly creative environment.

The Junior Designer is responsible for designing up to 30 unique titles per year across a wide range of formats, including novelty and board books, early readers, chapter books, and graphic novels.

Responsibilities

  • Design book covers and interiors from initial concept through final production
  • Develop thoughtful, age-appropriate design concepts that support each book's content, audience, and position in the marketplace
  • Conceptualize cover directions and prepare presentations for internal review
  • Collaborate closely with editors, licensors, artists, and fellow designers throughout the creative process
  • Research, identify, and commission illustrators and other creative talent, as appropriate
  • Art direct illustrators and review sketches and final artwork to ensure the work fulfills the creative vision, publishing needs, and production requirements of each project
  • Prepare layouts, mechanicals, and production-ready files while maintaining accuracy and consistency
  • Partner with the Production team throughout proofing, prepress, and color-correction stages to ensure the quality of the finished book
  • Incorporate feedback from creative, editorial, licensors, production, and other stakeholders
  • Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail
  • Provide design and administrative support to the Executive Art Director and other members of the design team as needed
  • Stay informed about trends in children's publishing, illustration, typography, and design

Qualifications

  • A portfolio demonstrating strong design, typography, composition, and conceptual-thinking skills
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in varying stages of development
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • A genuine interest in children's books and visual storytelling
  • Previous publishing, internship, or related design experience is preferred

Compensation and Benefits

  • The hiring salary range for this position is $55,000 USD
  • Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education
  • Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program, and PTO
  • Employees have access to the Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in shared success

Application Information

  • Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof
  • If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact ssrecruitment@simonandschuster.com
  • Unrelated emails, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response