Graphic Designer And Print Production Specialist

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:

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

Print Production Specialist:

• Obtain and assign ISBN and UPC codes to each product
• 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
• Tracking the number of printing events
• Secure best pricing contracts for both components and finished goods
• Monitors and keeps to a minimum all alterations done at the printer once a file has been released from the editorial team
• Tracks and reports all changes in manufacturing costs against approved purchase orders for each title as the book progresses through the development process
• 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
• Guides the selection of printing specifications, cover and end sheet materials, and printer options
• Obtain paper and print samples. Route printer proofs to appropriate personnel
• Reviews advance copies of printings and works with vendors shipping timelines based on warehouse dates
• Responsible for providing manufacturing cost estimates for the potential development of new titles, reprint decisions, special sales, and custom publishing opportunities
• Working with product managers to keep the reprint changes organized and current
• Upload final press-ready pdfs to Brand Folder

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

• Image Editing
• Adobe Photoshop
• Graphic Design Software
• Vendor Management
• Powerpoint
• Managing editorial changes to layouts
• Graphic Design
• Layout Design
• Presentations/Presenting
• Print Production
• Good Stock Photos Smartsheet
• Adobe InDesign
• Project Management Software
• Adobe Illustrator
• Order Tracking

Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to take creative direction and communicate effectively
• Experience with web design, digital photography, Photoshop, and Illustrator, including retouching and creation of custom graphics
• Print design and production expertise
• Familiarity with creating PowerPoint presentations
• Ability to work efficiently within a team and independently
• Image search (stock and royalty-free) and purchasing
• Occasional travel to Exton, PA is required.
• BS/BA in graphic design, visual arts, communications, or related field
• Understand, practice, and exemplify the values and mission of Ascension
• Familiarity with creative briefs
• InDesign expertise, as well as familiarity with best practices
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills