Location: NYC

Job Summary

The Art Director, Children’s books works with the Creative Director to oversee the creative concepting, design, illustration, and execution of all UNSQ Children’s titles from inception to bound book – over 100 titles per year – to meet the brand mission of delivering high-quality, surprising books that reflect the needs and interests of modern young readers. They will supervise the full Children’s book team in the creation of packages that drive product sell-through with retailers, wholesalers, and consumers, in a variety of channels both trade and proprietary. From picture books, to workbooks, to middle grade and YA novels, graphic novels, and nonfiction, the Design Director will oversee the full scope of the list—and help shape the visual look of the UNSQ Children’s book list through the selection of illustrators, designers, and material and package selections. The Art Director works in close cooperation with the Executive Managing Editor and the Creative Operations Director to ensure projects are kept to schedules, are released on time and correctly, and deliver the best in quality and design.

An employee in this position can expect an annual starting rate between $110,000 and $120,000.

What You Do

• Oversees and mentors senior designers, and designer on creative assignments and establishes and maintains visual standards for design, photography, illustration, prepress, and other manufacturing as required.

• Sets requirements for Creative Briefs and/or what information is required from Authors, Illustrators and Editorial in order to design products for highest sales, at best price and speed.

• Makes assignments for all titles on the list; works with Managing Editorial to ensure all deliverables are met in a timely manner, whether by staff or freelance designers.

• Set standard for meeting all deadlines for covers, routes of pass, exit dates

• Conducts retail market research on consumer / retail needs for product packaging, pricing, and visual design and functionality.

• Defines UNSQ visual brand for the market and defines specific product packaging creative vision for Cover, Interiors, and/or Sales and Marketing materials – in coordination with Editorial Director, Creative Director, and Publisher.

• Defines and communicates creative direction for UNSQ to key direct reports – i.e. senior designers, designers – to enable them to implement the above at a title level consistently and productively.

• Manages design and art budgets; recommends budgets and royalty levels for illustration, budgets for freelance design and production.

• Reviews all author/illustrator submissions for art quality.

• Seeks out best illustration options for each product on the Sterling Kids list as needed; provides options, works with illustrators and agents to negotiate fees and rights; fills out deal memos for contracts; oversees deadlines and deliverable schedules.

• Attends Creative Planning Meetings, Launch meetings, Editorial, Production, and other planning forums with Editorial Directors and/or others as required.

Knowledge & Experience

• 4-year college degree or equivalent work experience.

• Demonstrated management experience.

• Demonstrated experience overseeing budgets.

• 5 to 10 years of experience in publishing, with a primary focus in Children’s book publishing.

• Connections to a variety of illustrators and designers in the field of Children’s book publishing.

• Experience in working with Editorial resources to concept and design printed book products.

• Experience hiring and managing third party vendors, packagers, and/or freelancers.

• Experience designing and overseeing the visual identities of picture books, middle grade, early chapter books, YA and nonfiction titles, both covers and interiors. Experience with series and franchise publishing.

• Experience managing illustrators on picture books, middle grade and YA covers, and graphic novels.

• Experience in managing creative workflows, schedules, and/or using technologies that manage these processes.

• Expertise in Adobe Design Suite (In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator and PDF), and other related technologies.

• Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print.

• Detailed knowledge of the manufacturing process and proofing.

EEO Statement

Barnes & Noble is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Contact (800) 799-5335.