Harvard University is hiring a Senior Book Jacket Designer to create visually compelling covers and interiors for Harvard University Press. You will oversee design projects from concept to completion, managing 10–15 titles per season, and collaborate with editors, illustrators, and production teams to bring scholarly works to life.
What You'll Do
- Create visually striking and captivating book covers, presenting multiple design concepts for feedback and approval.
- Work closely with editors, illustrators, photographers, authors, and the production team to communicate the essence of each book through design.
- Direct freelance illustrators and photographers to produce high-quality designs.
- Incorporate editorial feedback to ensure final designs align with creative and production standards.
- Ensure final designs and mechanicals meet production requirements, including preparing print-ready files and overseeing mechanicals.
- Stay current with design, art, and technology trends to produce innovative, market-leading book designs.
- Design several interior design titles per season.
- Design marketing projects connected to book covers and interiors.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum of 7 years of design experience.
- At least 5 years of experience in book jacket design or book publishing.
- A strong portfolio showcasing a variety of design work in book publishing.
Nice to Have
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, After Effects).
- A fine-tuned sense of design, with an emphasis on typography and visual storytelling.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- A collaborative mindset and passion for books and design.
- Knowledge of printing and prepress processes.
- Interior design experience.
- Experience collaborating with freelancers (illustrators, photographers) to execute high-quality artwork.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Hand lettering and illustration skills are a bonus.
Technical Stack
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, After Effects)
Team & Environment
You will collaborate with the Creative Director and the design team.
Benefits & Compensation
- Generous paid time off including parental leave.
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
- Retirement plans with university contributions.
- Wellbeing and mental health resources.
- Support for families and caregivers.
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.
Work Mode
This role is remote. You must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state.
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
