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.

Job Summary

The Design and Production Specialist is responsible for maintaining the digital workflows of approximately 250 new book projects per year, and performs technical, design, and production-related tasks that facilitate Design and Production operations.

Responsibilities

Manage digital file archiving and version control according to established standards, which includes coordinating with vendors and the in-house design and production team.

Fulfill file requests, which includes research on file availability and rights status of cover images.

Obtain cover image permissions; generate barcodes; perform image sizing and cover mechanical design.

Assist with departmental tasks and special projects at the discretion of the Design and Production Director and Assistant Managers.

Analyze and approve final manuscripts from MS Editing to ensure compliance with Production and typesetting requirements.

Coordinate production on new books and reprints that go into our SRDP (short-run digital printing) program and all related tasks.

Assist with the interior art review process.

Archive ScML/XML, according to established standards.

Maintain design template program and assist with the development of new templates on an ongoing basis.

Manage and maintain procedural database in coordination with the Design and Production team.

Assists with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher level guidance and skills.

Maintains website (including but not limited to: employment page, news page, staff page, project pages, innovation challenge page).

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree .

Experience:

Two years of experience in book production and/or book design.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

Expert knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe PhotoShop in a Mac environment.

Experience with databases.

Preferred Competencies

High degree of organization and the ability to handle many projects.

Adapt to new technologies and to changes in internal processes.

Up-to-date knowledge of current typesetting and graphics arts processes.

Excellent interpersonal skills in relating to peers and supervisors.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Basic understanding of book design and typography.

Experience with Macintosh platform.

Competence with Adobe InDesign, Adobe PhotoShop, and Adobe Illustrator.

Quark XPress, Oxygen, Sublime.

Knowledge of XML workflows.

Ability to work creatively within limited budgets.

Experience with POD/SRDP manufacturing.

Must be able to work cordially and effectively with managers, peers, and vendors to ensure publication schedules are met.

Able to manage multiple tasks in fast-paced environment. Must have flexibility to deal with last-minute changes on projects.

Must be interested in learning about and applying new technologies as needed.

Working Conditions

Requires extended periods of time at a computer.

Must be able to lift boxes of manuscripts, proofs, and books.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

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

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

​
FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

​
Pay Range

$22.85 - $29.57

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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.