Publications Designer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Publications Designer guides and executes the overall visual style, layout, and graphic design, and production of ISTE+ASCD’s monthly member magazine. This position also plays a key role in creating the layout and design of supplemental reports and in conceptualizing, selecting, and preparing images and other design elements for the web site and other digital assets, including videos. In all this work, the Publications Designer helps shape and maintain the graphic identity of the publication and related organizational assets. The position works closely with editors and other stakeholders in planning and executing design concepts. The Publications Designer is involved with developing projects from inception and is responsible for managing the design phase of the development process, including visual concept, design, layout, illustration, photo selection and manipulation, and preparing digital files for print or web use.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determines the layout and overall design vision for each magazine issue and related organizational publications, working closely with editors and other stakeholders. 
• Collaborates with the editorial team to determine how to best visually represent articles and other content pieces.
• Negotiates purchase of art images with vendors and interfaces with vendors to communicate project information and solve production problems.
• Lays out and designs all articles and publication elements, aiming to represent complex education concepts or subjects through the interplay of multiple elements (color, form, photography, etc.) from diverse sources.
• Monitors schedules, budgets, and print specifications for accuracy and feasibility.
• Finalizes completed publications assets to prepress files for the printer.
• Selects and prepares digital images for the organizational website and other digital platforms; manages digital asset management system.  
• Provides design solutions, planning, and expertise on multimedia projects.   
• Commissions and manages freelance photographers and illustrators as needed for ISTE+ ASCD publications, including reviewing portfolios, recommending artists to hire, and supplying thumbnail sketches.
• Acts as a design consultant to staff. Answers design and production questions and offers advice to project managers in the process of conceptualizing new programs, products, or services.

SALARY RANGE: $70,000.00 to $75,000.00 depending upon experience.

PRIORITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO CANDIDATES LIVING IN THE DC METRO AREA (MD, DC, or Northern VA); you will be REQUIRED to come into the Arlington, Virginia, office one day per week.

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of graphic design theories and techniques and state-of-the-art print production methods.
• In-depth knowledge of publication layout processes and strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of publication production processes and requirements.    
• In-depth knowledge of online publishing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of photography, illustration, and video.
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with emerging design tools and platforms.

Skills and Abilities

• Highly creative and innovative artistic talent, imagination and skills, quick conceptual thinking abilities.  
• The ability to self-manage large and multiple projects.  
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and organizational skills
• The ability to set production and design schedules and monitor and meet deadlines.
• Must be expert in using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator, InCopy) other illustration and design tools, including AI platforms.
• Ability to use and manage a digital asset management system.  
• Video design and editing skills a plus.

Experience

• Three to five years of publications design experience, including layout, graphics selection, and production responsibility.
• Strong portfolio of professional graphics design and/or illustration projects.
• A four-year degree in a relevant field of study, or education and experience equivalent to a degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid working arrangement, including extensive remote-work options.
• Normal demands associated with a deadline-driven office environment.
• Regular meetings (mostly via Zoom) with editorial staff.  
• The noise level is generally quiet to moderate.
• Daily contact with external customers, vendors, colleagues, associates, supervisors, and staff at all levels of the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to remain at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information with others.
• Ability to move about to coordinate work in areas of varying heights.
• Ability to perceive and inspect records in a document management system.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Ability to travel to off-site meetings.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, or position objects weighing up to 10 pounds.