Production and Design Manager - 525068

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)

Department/Organization: 219801 - University Press

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:45 pm

Note to Applicants: This is a department only search. You must be a current UA employee working in the University Press Department to be considered.  Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Production and Design Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all manufacturing and design activities of the Press, preparing specifications and estimates, and overseeing the production budget.

Additional Department Summary: Provides art direction for UAP and UAP books within the broader framework of UA’s design protocols. Manages first printings, reprints, and related tasks such as billing. Successfully balances and manages the trade-offs between cost, quality, and speed. Cultivates cooperative relationships with print vendors; overseeing the work of freelance designers and compositors. Participates as part of UA Press’s leadership team.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in book design and production; OR master's degree.

Skills and Knowledge: Excellent understanding of the recent history of, current best-practices in, and emerging trends in book design and manufacturing, including offset printing, short-run digital printing, and ebook creation and distribution. A demonstrated track-record and ability to balance thrift with quality and to create an adhere to production schedules. A consistent and superior sense of design and an ability to observe, assess, and work within evolving design trends in books and periodicals publishing. Effective project management, complex problem-solving, and negotiating skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to adapt to and train others in new technologies. Knowledge of ongoing changes in book production workflows. Expert-level mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat) and MS Word Highly organized, proactive, and efficient with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, using initiative and working to deadlines. Experience working with offset and digital printers and binders domestically and overseas. Experience working with freelance compositors and designers. Ensures that jacket/cover and interior designs are consistent with publishing plans, meet aesthetic and conceptual requirements, and are completed on schedule and within budget.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience. Expert in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat). Familiarity with database management. Some formal training (degree or certificate) in graphic design. Clear understanding of the scholarly publishing community, with an awareness of financial considerations as well as current and emerging printing workflows, technologies, and best practices.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law"