Princeton University Press (PUP) seeks a Studio Coordinator to join the Creative Media Lab team. Reporting to the Assistant Creative Director of Books, the Studio Coordinator is focused on compiling and tracking freelance designer materials and preparing paperback mechanicals. This is an entry level role and ideally suited for an individual with a graphic design background who has prior hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Cloud. The Studio Coordinator must be organized and able to adapt quickly to changes in schedules, possess fundamental design skills, and an interest in book design. The ability to learn on the job and to work with others toward creative solutions is essential to success in this position.

Core Responsibilities

• Learns how to compile and organize the materials needed for freelancers to complete jacket and/or paperback mechanicals. This includes the understanding of how to read schedules in the database and ensure the freelancers meet those deadlines.
• Carefully reviews freelancer-generated proofs to ensure printer specifications and logo guidelines have been met.
• Acquires ability to read editors proofreading marks on printed proofs and to communicate those changes clearly using the mark up tools in Adobe Acrobat.
• Learns to convert jacket files from jacket format to paperback format and prepare them so that they are printer-ready.
• Follows the jacket and/or paperback approval protocols. Keeps all people involved in the project up-to-date on status.
• Develops business communication skills in order to navigate successfully within a professional environment, minimizing misunderstandings and maximizing workflow.
• Tracks essential prep materials (ex. copy and layouts) and ensures they are available for key dates.
• Adjusts original mechanicals and covers for international and audio editions.
• Depending on level of experience and skill set, may design some original book jackets.
• Completes photo research for book jackets to assist other in-house designers.
• Creates 3D versions of the front and back cover, as requested by our Asia office.

• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat on a Mac platform is required.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud on a Mac platform is required.
• Preferred education - an undergraduate degree in graphic design or a closely related field.
• Excellent organization skills with the ability to multitask and efficiently track multiple projects in multiple stages of progress at one time.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, effectively with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well both independently and with others and to synthesize feedback.
• An affinity and agility for working heavily in databases and report-writing.
• Process-oriented, analytical problem-solver who enjoys making systems run efficiently.
• While the Princeton, NJ office is currently closed due to the pandemic, once the office reopens interested candidates need be able to work from the Press’s NJ office.

PUP is a strong advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the university press community. Individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in academic publishing (which is, according to research by Lee & Low, historically a majority white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled industry) are encouraged to apply. The Press provides a comprehensive and affordable benefits package and is located in a historic building on Princeton University’s campus that is walking distance from downtown Princeton with easy car access to Route 1 and walking distance from the Princeton train station.

Base Salary: $45,000/year plus comprehensive benefits package. Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience.

Application Instructions: Submit cover letter* and resume at PUP’s application website at the direct apply URL listed below.

*Please include in your cover letter salary requirements and a description of what you are currently reading and what’s on your “to read” list.

Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/.