PrePress Specialist

Prepress Specialists are responsible for preparing and verifying customer-submitted files and providing graphic design when needed. They ensure all print files meet technical specifications, including correct colors, resolution, fonts, and layout, and process mailing data per USPS regulations. These specialists merge variable data into Adobe InDesign files, preflight and impose them using HP Smart Stream Designer, and output them for various print machines.

Their responsibilities also include organizing digital files, uploading necessary documents to Postal One, and meeting daily production and mailing goals. Additionally, they may update product websites and develop Visual Basic macros.

Read job ticket and all other pertinent notes and instructions to understand job specifications (e.g. customer notes, digital paperwork, etc.). Use Adobe Create Cloud software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat) to check incoming files to determine if all elements of the job conform to specifications. Ensure that we have all fonts needed for the job and resolve font conflicts. Check for type reflow.

Identify missing or low-resolution images. Identify spot color issues and whether customer needs to fix them. Identify page layout issues (missing or short bleeds, text too close to trim, incorrect document size, incorrect page count, etc.) Perform basic file and font troubleshooting before asking customer for replacement files. Communicate preflight problems to Project Manager, customer, and/or production personnel. Work directly with Project Manager and customer as necessary to resolve preflight problems or other issues.

Work with the HP Smart Stream Designer plug-in for InDesign to create press-ready files for production (impose, add crop marks, export as correct file type). Work with Excel data files and link variable data InDesign art files to corresponding databases (also be familiar with endorsement codes, barcode fonts and mailing specs for variable mailing pieces). Upload mail.dat files and other postal paperwork to Postal One for all mailing going to the post office each day.

Working knowledge of or ability to learn Infigo, our web to print software, in order to create/update products on our student and faculty/staff websites. Working knowledge of or ability to learn Visual Basic, in order to modify/maintain the Excel macros which streamline our daily mail production. Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

This is a non-supervisory role.

Education and Experience

• Working knowledge of the Windows operating system.
• Working knowledge of the following software:
  Adobe Acrobat Adobe InDesign Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop HP Smart Stream Designer HP Smart Stream Production Pro Print Server Dropbox Microsoft Office Visual Basic Infigo
• Working knowledge of email, FTP and Dropbox file transfers.
• Working knowledge of font handling and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of bindery, press and mail specifications (safety margins, bleeds, address block clearances, etc.).
• Working knowledge of PDF creation.
• Understanding of printing process.
• 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

Communication and Comprehension

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.

Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and…