Art Director, Simon & Schuster

Job Overview

Simon & Schuster is seeking an experienced and highly creative Art Director to collaborate with the Lead Art Director across the Simon & Schuster, Summit, and 37 Ink imprints. This role is responsible for designing and art directing compelling front‑list book covers for a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles within the adult trade market.

The ideal candidate is a strategic visual thinker with a strong editorial design background, exceptional typographic skills, and the ability to guide projects from initial concept through final production. The position requires close collaboration with editors, production teams, designers, illustrators, and photographers to deliver market‑driven, visually distinctive covers while maintaining deadlines and workflow efficiency.

• Design and art‑direct front‑list book covers across multiple imprints.
• Develop original visual concepts for fiction and nonfiction titles.
• Collaborate with freelance and in‑house designers, illustrators, and photographers.
• Oversee projects from concept development through final production.
• Partner closely with editorial, managing editorial, and production departments to ensure smooth workflow and timely delivery.
• Maintain awareness of publishing trends, competitive titles, and adult trade market aesthetics.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high creative standards.
• Present and communicate design concepts clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Adapt quickly to creative feedback and shifting project priorities.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in publishing, specifically within the adult trade market.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating diverse design sensibilities across fiction and nonfiction categories.
• Advanced typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing complex creative projects.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project‑management abilities.
• Strong understanding of print production and publishing workflows.
• Proficiency in Mac‑based design environments, including Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience with photo retouching and image compositing preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven creative environment.

• Deep understanding of current publishing and cover design trends.
• Strong creative leadership and collaborative mindset.
• Ability to mentor or guide junior designers when needed.
• Passion for books, storytelling, and visual branding.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong sense of time management and prioritization.

Candidates seeking either in‑house, hybrid, or fully remote employment will be considered.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal‑opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. We are proud to be an affirmative action employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay depends on a variety of job‑related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance, disability benefits, tuition assistance, paid time off, and access to our Broad Based Ownership program.