Senior Designer, HQ, Penguin Young Readers; Remote

Job Description

Penguin Workshop, an imprint in the Penguin Young Readers division of Penguin Random House, is seeking a Designer for the #1 New York Times best-selling Who HQ series. You will help build on our previous successes in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment and lead design for approximately 30–40 new titles per year, covering covers and interior art for the mainline non‑fiction series.

As the lead Designer you will work directly with the Associate Publisher, editors, other designers and freelancers, and collaborate with top artists to bring covers and interiors to life while maintaining strict brand guidelines and deadlines.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Art‑directing and designing covers and interiors for approximately 30–40 new titles per year.
• Working directly with the Associate Publisher, designers, and editorial staff.
• Hiring and art‑directing illustrators.
• Effectively communicating art direction to artists.
• Working with off‑site freelancers on interior layouts.
• Strict adherence to the brand guide and templates.
• Creating, maintaining, and strictly adhering to schedules.
• Trafficking materials for approval with multiple stakeholders.
• Preparing press‑ready files and approving proofs.
• Remaining current on illustration, design, and publishing trends.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a design role in publishing; children’s publishing strongly preferred.
• A portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of illustration, book making, and typography skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment with strict timelines.
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to rough‑sketch complex cover compositions.
• Knowledge of pre‑press, four‑color, two‑color, and specialty printing processes.

The salary for this position is $73,500. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

Full‑time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, prescription drug, 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, and generous paid time off.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.