Senior Art Director-Publishing Experience required

Overview

You must be in NY, NY or Seattle, Washington for this hybrid opportunity. Fully remote is NOT an option.

Are you passionate about books and book covers? Our global technology client’s publishing team is looking for a creative, talented, and customer-obsessed Senior Art Director for a 6-month contract to join our team in Seattle/NYC and help us build great experiences for authors, readers, and internal teams. Ideal candidate will have experience with adult commercial fiction​.

Who We Are
A  full-service publishing arm. We publish emerging, bestselling and critically-acclaimed authors in digital, print, and audio formats. Our mission is to invent new avenues for connecting authors and readers worldwide.

Who You Are
We are seeking a highly creative, innovative, and conceptual team member who has a proven record of creating and managing world-class book covers and interiors with commercial appeal. The Senior Art Director will direct designs that are high-concept, commercial, and iconic and ensure that the designs can translate into multiple formats and across different marketplaces. They will have a deep understanding of the marketplaces and the ability to partner with external book designers and illustrators to develop covers that demonstrate versatile and conceptual usage of photography and illustration, advanced techniques with typography and fonts, and a flexible and explorative design sensibility. They will understand the complexity of physical and online marketing, drive visual standards for different genres CPI through and conduct data-driven design analysis. They will have strong communication skills and be able to work effectively with internal stakeholders to navigate the multifaceted publisher requirements for a successful cover asset.

Job Responsibilities:

• Create and evolve imprint-level design strategies with strong commercial focus. Develop and strengthen imprint branding, including style and usage guides.
• Introduce creative processes or procedures to simplify creative workflows where possible.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams such as the design, editorial, production and marketing teams.
• Present cover designs and creative to partner teams for stakeholder sign-off.
• Research and remain aware of trends in book design in the commercial space – boost team and stakeholder knowledge of current visual trends and drive towards innovative and forward-thinking inclusive design.
• Understand and respond to marketing and merchandising performance data.
• Work in a deadline driven environment with production to adhere to the cover and interior design schedule.
• Commission and manage the creation and delivery of cover and interior artwork.

Job Qualifications:

• Experience in book cover design
•  5+ years experience PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE is required
• Have an available online portfolio
•  Experience art directing motion designers, illustrators, writers and content creators
• Experience partnering with technical partners for design implementation
• BA degree in related field

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $49.83 to $55.37 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.