Production Specialist

Are you seeking a career that offers an opportunity to see your work in print? Do you desire an organization that offers career development and a wide variety of projects? Sourcebooks is a fast-growing entrepreneurial company seeking impact players and difference makers. 

Reporting to the Director of Publishing Operations Technology, we are seeking a mid-level Production Specialist to join our department. The ideal candidate will exhibit versatility in handling a wide range of frontlist titles, emphasizing quick turnaround and accuracy. 

This Production Specialist role is dedicated to the precise production and management of intricate book layouts. The position entails close collaboration with various teams and authors to support their creative visions, ensuring that titles are produced accurately and efficiently while balancing quality and author care. The role requires maintaining frequent communication with editorial staff and authors and may demand flexible availability to meet strict deadlines and uphold high-quality standards.
This position can be hybrid in Naperville, IL or NYC, or fully remote in the following states ONLY: AZ, CT, LA, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, AND WI. 

This is an hourly, non-exempt position $24.03 - $28.84/hourly with the final offer dependent on experience and qualifications.

Production Specialist Key Responsibilities:

• Adaptability in Workflows: Navigate diverse workflows to align with the specific demands of each project, showcasing agility and flexibility while maintaining focus and composure in high-pressure situations.
• Complex Page Corrections: Perform detailed page corrections and layout tasks for complex titles.
• Template Utilization: Efficiently use existing page templates for production purposes and assist with new template development as needed.
• XML Workflow Maintenance: Ensure XML workflows are maintained, and titles are preflighted for error-free delivery to printers.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Editors, Production Editors, and Design and Marketing departments to align on project schedules, priorities, and production needs.
• Quality Assurance: Uphold quality standards by ensuring accurate design and layout across all assigned titles.
• Documentation and Improvement: Maintain detailed records of production processes and schedules, continually identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and support the development of best practices.

What You Bring: 

• Degree in a graphic design-related field, extensive knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Creative Suite applications.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience in a publishing production environment, with expertise in managing high-quality production processes.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with team members and coordinate across departments.
• Proficient in Macintosh platform and Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Experience with additional book formatting tools like Vellum is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills for clear and concise interaction with cross-functional teams.

Our culture demands driven, energetic thinkers who possess leadership qualities and the desire for aggressive personal growth. If you possess these qualities, we encourage you to apply.

Please include a strong cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position.  Only those including cover letters and salary requirements will be considered.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. 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.

As Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace in 2024 and a recognized leader in innovation by Fast Company (2024 Most Innovative Companies, 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators), we use a mission-driven, data-centered approach to drive success for our authors and their books. We’re a thriving entrepreneurial company that creates books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we’ve been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are passionate book lovers dedicated to connecting books to readers in innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more.


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