Job description

The Random House Children’s Books middle grade and chapter book team is seeking a highly motivated, skilled individual with a desire to learn and contribute to the team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Designer will work on covers and interiors across all RHCB’s imprints, executing all phases of book making from initial concept through final art, mechanicals, and prepress and will be responsible for designing heavily illustrated middle grade interiors, chapter books, and graphic novels.   Specific responsibilities include:  • Work collaboratively with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support the publishing programs overall. • Responsible for effective, high-quality design of and sales materials for assigned titles from concept to final art to print-ready PDFs using creativity, resourcefulness, and understanding of goals. • Research and hire illustrators and designers including contract negotiation and payment processing. Present appropriate art samples and pitch vision in meetings. • Art direct illustrators from initial concept and sketch development through revisions to final art for covers of assigned titles. • Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production per printing standards, with attention to detail, and in a timely manner to maintain schedules and meet deadlines. • Problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness. • Track design trends in MG and chapter book space, with an eye toward setting new trends. • Develop and maintain cultural competence to ensure stories about people from marginalized backgrounds are represented sensitively and authentically. • Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with all internal and external contacts. • Attend and participate in production, cover, team, and title-specific meetings. • Perform other related duties as assigned. • Minimum 3 years trade book design; children’s design preferred • Strong knowledge of Adobe Suite’s current InDesign and Photoshop programs and at least basic understanding of Adobe Suite’s Illustrator and Acrobat programs • Portfolio showcasing strong book design and typography including children’s design • Highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, to prioritize and manage time efficiently • Strong attention to detail, quality, and process • Willingness to take on responsibilities and an ability to ask for support or help • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Desire to learn and work collaboratively • Deep interest in middle grade, chapter books, and graphic novels • Experience with pre-press, 1-color and 4-color printing processes, and PDF workflow preferred • Hand lettering skills a plus The salary for this position is $70,500.00. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.   This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA). Applications for this role will be accepted through October 30, 2026 or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we review applications on a rolling basis. Please include your resume, cover letter, and portfolio for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page. Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications. Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off. Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Disclosure requirements pertaining to the collection of your personal data: Responsible for processing the information provided in your application is the company specified in the job advertisement, with its registered office as indicated. The company processes your data for the purpose of establishing an employment relationship on the basis of Art. 6 (1) b GDPR / Section 26 (1) sentence 1 BDSG. The retention period for your data is determined by the statutory time limits applicable in the respective country, beginning upon completion of the recruitment process. You can find these here . You can contact the company’s Data Protection Officer at the above-mentioned postal address. Further information on data protection and your rights can be found here . We value the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Recruiting-Platform powered by SmartRecruiters .

Requirements

Must-haves

Work collaboratively with art directors, publishers, and editors to develop covers and support the publishing programs overall.
Responsible for effective, high-quality design of and sales materials for assigned titles from concept to final art to print-ready PDFs using creativity, resourcefulness, and understanding of goals.
Research and hire illustrators and designers including contract negotiation and payment processing. Present appropriate art samples and pitch vision in meetings.
Art direct illustrators from initial concept and sketch development through revisions to final art for covers of assigned titles.
Prepare cover and interior mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production per printing standards, with attention to detail, and in a timely manner to maintain schedules and meet deadlines.
Problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness.
Track design trends in MG and chapter book space, with an eye toward setting new trends.
Develop and maintain cultural competence to ensure stories about people from marginalized backgrounds are represented sensitively and authentically.
Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with all internal and external contacts.
Attend and participate in production, cover, team, and title-specific meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Strong knowledge of Adobe Suite’s current InDesign and Photoshop programs and at least basic understanding of Adobe Suite’s Illustrator and Acrobat programs
Portfolio showcasing strong book design and typography including children’s design
Highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks, to prioritize and manage time efficiently
Strong attention to detail, quality, and process
Willingness to take on responsibilities and an ability to ask for support or help
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desire to learn and work collaboratively
Deep interest in middle grade, chapter books, and graphic novels
This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA).

Nice-to-haves

Minimum 3 years trade book design; children’s design preferred
Experience with pre-press, 1-color and 4-color printing processes, and PDF workflow preferred
Hand lettering skills a plus
The salary for this position is $70,500.00. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

sketch

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Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off