Senior Designer, UC Press - Hybrid

Job Summary Senior Designer, UC Press – Hybrid   University of California Press | Oakland, CA   Job    Hybrid:
On-site in Oakland at least 2 days per week      Join UC Press and Help Shape Books That Matter      University of California Press is seeking an experienced Senior Designer to join our creative team and design compelling books for both academic and trade audiences.
UC Press is one of the most forward-thinking scholarly publishers in the country, publishing work that influences public discourse, advances scholarship, and challenges the status quo. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to bring books to life through distinctive cover and interior design while collaborating with editors, marketers, authors, production colleagues, freelancers, and external vendors.
If you are an accomplished designer who loves books, typography, visual storytelling, and the craft of print and digital publishing, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do      The Senior Designer manages the creative design and production of assigned UC Press books, from initial concept through final files and printed books.
Your work will include:
- Creating original book jacket and cover designs for academic and trade titles.
- Developing interior book designs, page layouts, typographic systems, and detailed type specifications.
- Adapting existing design templates for books requiring customized treatments or special editorial elements.
- Preparing production-ready electronic files, mechanicals, and materials for printers and prepress vendors.
- Collaborating closely with Acquisitions, Marketing, Editorial, Production, authors, and other stakeholders to determine the right visual approach for each title.
- Incorporating feedback thoughtfully while maintaining strong design standards.
- Reviewing proofs throughout the production process and inspecting printer proofs and finished books.
- Evaluating illustrations and determining sizing, placement, and reproduction requirements.
- Designing complex or heavily illustrated page layouts when needed.
- Adapting existing files for additional uses, including print-on-demand and electronic books.
- Writing clear design briefs and communicating specifications to composition and production vendors.
- Art directing and managing projects assigned to freelance designers and other creative vendors.
- Supporting occasional UC Press collateral, annual reports, journal covers, and other design projects.
- Sharing expertise and helping train or support junior colleagues.
Approximately 75% of the role focuses on jacket and cover design, with the remainder focused on interior design, production, and freelance/vendor management.
What We're Looking For      

Required Qualifications      We're looking for a collaborative, highly organized designer who can manage multiple projects while producing thoughtful, sophisticated work.
You should bring:
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.
- At least 2 years of experience designing or composing book interiors, developing design specifications, and adapting existing specifications for customized designs.
- Knowledge of color proofing and printing methods.
- Experience developing comprehensive typographic specifications and communicating effectively with composition vendors.
- Strong design judgment and the ability to solve complex design problems creatively and collaboratively.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to explain design concepts clearly and respond constructively to feedback.
- Strong project-management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage numerous projects in different stages of production.
- Ability to work both independently…