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University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Associate Book Designer
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Position Number: 4712499
Location: Urbana, IL
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Graphic Design

Associate Book Designer
University Press

Job Summary
Responsible for the interior and exterior design of assigned books and journals published by the University Press. Design marketing materials for the University Press.
Duties & Responsibilities

1. Design approximately 10-20 complete book/journal covers per year. Provide, in most cases, multiple design sketches for each front cover. Provide InDesign and Photoshop files. Work must conform to design standards, marketing needs, schedules, and budgets.
2. Design marketing materials for books and journals including social media graphics and print materials.
3. Search for appropriate cover illustrations for assigned jackets and covers. Work with authors, acquisitions editors, IP manager, and Art Director to ensure permissions for and purchase art.
4. Typeset one book per year. Provide suitable electronic files with graphics in place. Make proof corrections.
5. Convey cover designs to Art Director and design committee for selection and approval.
6. Advise authors on art preparation. Review and assess art programs. Convert, size, and repair art as needed.
7. Keep abreast of developments in relevant computer technology and software applications.
8. Keep abreast of design trends.
9. Contribute to Press-wide initiatives and foster innovation and cross-departmental collaboration at the Press.
10. Other duties appropriate for an Associate Book Designer.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below*:
A. credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design

60 semester hours equals 12 months

90 semester hours equals 24 months

120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
B. work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
2. Twenty-Four (24) months of graphic design experience comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series

*A Master's degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets the requirements of this Minimum Acceptable Qualification.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with and awareness of electronic publishing developments and issues.
2. Experience in book design and portfolio of cover design.
3. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with manuscripts containing such diverse elements as mathematical formulas, sidebars, historical photographs, color illustrations, and foreign languages (including Greek).
4. Demonstrated knowledge of the rules of typographical style and the specifics of page makeup.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. A thorough knowledge of typography and design standards.
2. Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite for the latest Macintosh OS, especially InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Illustrator.
3. Attention to detail.
4. Independent decision-making ability that reflects good judgment and discretion.
5. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines.
6. Strong computer skills, including the ability to effectively use additional software packages such as Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
7. Superior interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with University staff and external agencies.
8. Problem-solving skills and organizational skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1006 - Graphic Designer position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on November 2, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Johanna Mayer at johannam@uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1020979
Job Category: Technical

To apply, visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8419?c=illinois