Designer, Children's

Chronicle Books is looking for a Children’s Designer to join either our San Francisco or New York City office. Our Designers are the keepers of Chronicle Books’ aesthetics, helping to produce some of the most innovative, well-designed titles available in the market. Designers manage multiple projects simultaneously, developing creative, appropriate, and marketable solutions. They guide complete projects, from covers to interiors, from conception through manufacture. They are also active members in focused publishing groups, helping them achieve creative and financial goals 

Key Responsibilities: The Children’s Designer will art direct and design books that span a diverse spectrum of subject areas. We are seeking a generalist to handle a range of Children’s categories (board books, picture books, YA, non-fiction, interactive books, etc). However, a specific interest in, and experience with, graphic novels and/or licensed/brand-focused publishing art preferred. The Designer’s job includes, but is not limited to: scouting, hiring, and art directing external illustrators and photographers; project-managing and designing projects; collaborating with in-house editorial, production, and marketing team members; and engaging and knowledge-sharing with the in-house design team across all Children’s and Adult Trade categories. The Designer will also participate in the Children’s Publishing Group in the capacity of: building and voicing expertise; helping to develop and implement strategy for Children’s Publishing; and developing new ideas for publication.

Hiring Salary Range: $68,000 – $78,000/yr. This range represents the anticipated low and high ends of the expected salary for this position and will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, an applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is eligible for our profit share plan.

Benefits: Chronicle Books offers a full suite of benefits, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, a profit share plan, three weeks of paid vacation to start, two weeks of sick time per year, and company holidays, including a paid winter break between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, paid family, maternity, and paternity leave, commuter benefits, long-term disability insurance, annual tuition assistance, annual wellness stipend, and more.

Schedule: Employees at Chronicle Books will follow a regular hybrid schedule in our San Francisco or New York City office of at least three (3) in-office days per week and up to five (5) in-office days per week, depending on project and business needs. Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all the activities required of the employee. 

To Apply: Please follow the link to submit a resume and cover letter via our career site. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We look for candidates who will add to our culture and support the company’s vision of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative workplace, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply.

About Us: Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists, writers, and business partners who represent the diversity of our world and to fostering an inclusive company culture that respects and promotes diverse backgrounds and points of view. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com.

Applicants will need at least 4 to 5 years of work experience in graphic design, including initial concept generation, through comps, presentations, and preparation of electronic pre-press files. Portfolio pieces that demonstrate an appropriate sensibility for and interest in children’s design are also required. A focus on print-based design is essential, and an emphasis on publication design and product design is preferred. Experience in a Macintosh environment and a command of Adobe InDesign, as well as a strong working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, are needed, along with an ability to prepare files for press according to print specifications.  A knowledge of offset printing techniques, in particular color balance, is important, and candidates must possess strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. The person in this role will champion teamwork, collaboration, negotiating with fellow workmates, and the ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments simultaneously. Sound critical judgment skills toward the design of Chronicle’s publishing is essential.