UW Press EDP Specialist – Art Director
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
23523 (ES 8 SEIU 925 Libraries Non Supv)
23522 (NE S 8 SEIU 925 Libraries Non Supv)
23525 (ES 8 SEIU 925 Libraries Supv)
23524 (NE S 8 SEIU 925 Libraries Supv)
CLASS SERIES CONCEPT
Within University of Washington Press (UW Press), perform specialized work related to the editing, design and production of titles published by UW Press. Projects range in book type and complexity from standard scholarly monographs to highly illustrated art history, visual culture, and regional trade titles. Other kinds of books include key regional reference works for scientists, translations of important literary works, and books about social justice topics written by scholar activists and for course use.
BASIC FUNCTION
Exercise art direction responsibility for designing, or oversee the design of, all books published by UW Press.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Reporting directly to the Editorial, Design, and Production Director (EDP Director), perform art direction by creating innovative and unique design solutions for producing highly complex and/or illustrated book interiors and exteriors; provides creative direction on a broad range of projects including books, websites, presentations, and collateral materials for marketing and advancement; and supervise a Design Assistant and student assistants. Work with a broad range of contacts outside the press, including authors, project editors, freelance designers, typesetters, photographers, and cartographers.
In addition, exercise responsibility for developing and maintaining an attractive and cohesive look for all UW Press products and communications, in both print and digital formats. Work collaboratively with all press departments and advise on technical issues related to design and creative software. Also work with UW Press staff and authors to develop and implement inclusive and culturally appropriate design standards for all press publications.
Positions performing the work of this job profile that supervise at least 1.0 FTE regular, non-temporary PLE positions must be placed in the appropriate supervisory bargaining unit job code.
TYPICAL WORK
Design covers and interiors for complex art, scholarly, and trade books. Use problem-solving skills and creativity to determine appropriate layout, look, and feel to meet high aesthetic standards. Adhere to budget and contractual stipulations;
Compose pages and enter author corrections;
Coordinate with EDP Director and departmental staff to prepare cover mechanicals and final printer files on a rolling schedule as books are sent to press;
Manage freelance cover and interior design and production;
Generate initial design concepts; place projects with suitable freelancers; provide constructive criticism; coordinate communication and feedback from authors, editors, and press staff; and manage schedules to ensure timely delivery of front covers for seasonal catalogs, proofs to project editors, and final files to printer;
Manage and review proofs at every stage of design and production to ensure accuracy;
Develop and maintain a cohesive look for press marketing, communications and advancement;
Supervise part-time Design Assistant and departmental assistants (students and fellows);
Develop and maintain a diverse and inclusive pool of qualified freelance staff for all design-related projects; and
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the humanities or social sciences and at least 4 years working as a book designer.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
CLASS SERVICE EXEMPTION
Graphic Arts and Publications.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
- New to SEIU 925 02-01-2022 per PERC Case No. 133181-E-20.
- Prior to 02-01-2023, this work in UW Press was in professional staff job code job code 11698, Graphics Designer (E S 8); overtime eligible counterpart was 19215 (NE S 8).