Senior Designer, Illustrated - Union Square & Co.
Hachette Book Group
DesignFull Time$62k - $70k
- Posted
- October 20, 2026
Get Started
Sign inJob Description
The Senior Designer, Illustrated supports the design and production for 40 to 50 projects annually for the Union Square & Co. Adult Illustrated publishing program. The projects range from 2–4 color non-fiction titles, heavily illustrated and photo-driven books. This is a rapidly growing area of Union Square & Co. Publishing, working with top-tier author/illustrator talent.
The Designer will report to the Senior Art Director of Illustrated Publishing.
Responsibilities
- Develop cover and interior design from mood board and design concept through final file delivery
- Creative collaboration within design as well as with editorial staff and publisher to manage multiple book projects from start to finish
- Research, commission, and oversee freelance illustrators and designers
- Support photo shoot planning by researching photographers, developing mood boards and shot lists, and coordinating with external photo teams
- Timely routing of cover and interior passes to hit seasonal deadlines as well as project planning and tracking
- Prepare cover mechanicals, from initial layout to final production (working with production managers on materials and setup; prepress, color correction, and file setup; reviewing, correcting, and approving proofs; and providing final files for print)
- Experience with prepress production, preparing files for 4-color printing using a PDF workflow
- Work with UNSQ production manager to ensure quality control and title-by-title consistency; review of all printer proofs for title quality and excellence
- Collaborate with the UNSQ marketing and publicity team for exclusive edition content and supplying creative assets for ad/marketing materials
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
- At least 5–7 years of design experience, primarily focused in book publishing
- A strong portfolio demonstrating an eye for design, typography, and color, as well as sharp conceptual thinking and visual storytelling
- 5–7 years of experience in Illustrated and/or trade 4c publishing design
- 4-year college degree or equivalent work experience
- Proven track record for working with high-profile authors and illustrators and generating high-end, design-forward work
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple titles at a time in a fast-paced environment, while adhering to creative vision and production schedule deadlines
- Expertise in Adobe Design Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat), and other related technologies
- Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print, manufacturing processes and proofing
- Excellent communication skills with internal and external partners, key collaborators, and outside talent
- Demonstrates flexibility and strong creative problem-solving skills by thoughtfully incorporating design feedback from partners and stakeholders
- Highly organized with a strong attention to detail
Location
- New York City (Hybrid – three days per week in the office)
Application Information
- Please provide your resume, cover letter and portfolio to be considered.
Compensation and Benefits
- The compensation for this position is $62,000 – $70,000
- Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more
- There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Long-term care
- Health and dependent care FSA
- Commuter benefit plan
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Travel assistance
- 401(k)
- Discretionary bonus program
- PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave)
- Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services
- Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment
- Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms
