Designer, Middle Grade and Chapter Books – Random House Children’s Books (Hybrid)

Description

The middle grade and chapter book team is looking for a motivated designer who wants to grow, learn and contribute in a busy, team-based setting.

You will design covers and interiors for all the children's imprints, taking projects from first concept through final art, mechanicals and prepress. The work centers on heavily illustrated middle grade interiors, chapter books and graphic novels.

The company is a leading adult and children's publisher in North America, the UK and other regions, with nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints.

Responsibilities

• Partner with art directors, publishers and editors on covers and the wider publishing program.
• Design covers and sales materials for your assigned titles, from concept to print-ready PDFs, bringing creativity and a clear grasp of each title's goals.
• Find and hire illustrators and designers, negotiate their contracts and handle payments. Show suitable art samples and present your creative vision in meetings.
• Art direct illustrators from first concepts and sketches through revisions to final cover art for your titles.
• Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing, approval and release to production, following printing standards, with close attention to detail and on schedule.
• Solve problems thoughtfully and with self-awareness.
• Follow design trends in the middle grade and chapter book market, aiming to set new ones.
• Build and maintain cultural competence so stories about people from marginalized backgrounds are depicted sensitively and genuinely.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and courteously with internal and external contacts.
• Attend and take part in production, cover, team and title meetings.
• Take on other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of trade book design experience; children's design experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of the current InDesign and Photoshop, and at least basic skill in Illustrator and Acrobat.
• A portfolio that shows strong book design and typography, including children's work.
• Highly organized, able to juggle several tasks and set priorities to manage your time well.
• Meticulous about detail, quality and process.
• Willing to take ownership and comfortable asking for support when needed.
• Clear and effective written and spoken communication.
• Eager to learn and to work closely with others.
• Genuine interest in middle grade, chapter books and graphic novels.
• Experience with prepress, 1-color and 4-color printing and PDF workflows preferred.
• Hand lettering skills a plus.

Conditions

Salary is $70,500.00.

Hybrid role with in-office work at the company's offices at 1745 Broadway. Candidates who can commute to the offices are considered, including those in the tri-state area (NJ, CT and PA).

Applications close November 7, 2026 or when the role is filled, and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is encouraged.

Submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio.

Candidate information is kept confidential under EEO guidelines.

Benefits

• Full-time staff receive a broad benefits package, covering medical and prescription drug cover, dental, vision, a health care flexible spending account and a dependent care flexible spending account.
• Also included: a health savings account, pre-tax and Roth 401(k), short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, commuter benefits, student loan repayment, educational assistance and generous paid time off.
• Eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, depending on company performance.