Associate Art Director

Description:

Zando, a dynamic and independent book publisher, is seeking a creative and highly experienced Associate Art Director to join its growing team. This is a full-time, on-site position based in New York, NY, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. The Associate Art Director will work closely with the Art Director and other departments to design compelling book covers and marketing materials that elevate the visibility and impact of the publisher’s diverse catalog.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering original, high-quality design solutions across a variety of genres, and will play a key role in managing creative workflows, freelance relationships, and prepress production processes. This position is ideal for someone with a strong design portfolio in the publishing industry and a passion for visual storytelling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design visually compelling and original book covers across all genres

• Collaborate with the Art Director, editors, and publisher to manage book projects from concept to final production

• Source, commission, and manage freelance illustrators for select projects

• Prepare cover mechanicals, including layout, color correction, file setup, and production coordination

• Oversee galley cover development and manage the full process through prepress and print

• Work closely with the marketing team to produce promotional assets, including social media visuals and branded materials

• Maintain brand consistency across all creative outputs and contribute to Zando’s visual identity

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in book publishing design

• A portfolio showcasing a strong eye for typography, color, layout, and conceptual design

• Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

• Deep understanding of prepress production and experience preparing print-ready files using a PDF workflow

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to receive and incorporate feedback

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines independently in a fast-paced setting

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $85,000 annually ($7083/month)

• Benefits Include:

  • Health insurance

  • Dental coverage

  • 401(k) plan

About the Organization:
Zando is an independent, forward-thinking publisher that champions storytelling across genres and voices. Committed to publishing books that reflect diverse perspectives, Zando works closely with authors and partners to create a strong impact in the literary world. Known for its innovative publishing strategies and creative culture, Zando provides a collaborative environment where ideas thrive.