Digital Prepress & Variable Data Specialist

At Foresight Group, we bring together the best technology and decades of expertise to put images and messages on just about anything you can imagine. Foresight Group is a subsidiary of the Reseda Group, a wholly-owned CUSO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. With locations in Lansing and Ann Arbor, we specialize in commercial printing, direct mail services, large sign printing, promotional items, and trade show displays. Go to our website, Foresight Group, to learn more about the history of our company! 

The Digital Prepress & Variable Data Specialist (PrePress Operator) is responsible for managing Variable Data Printing (VDP) projects from data import through final print-ready output and mailing. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with personalized layouts, high-quality PDF creation and editing, and a strong understanding of the prepress workflow in a production print environment. You must thrive in a deadline-driven setting where customer due dates are critical and accuracy is non-negotiable. Customer relations and service are a priority in all jobs. Attention to detail is highly needed in this role. 

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Foresight Group Lansing - 2822 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906

An offer of employment with MSU Federal Credit Union and affiliates (Foresight Group) is contingent upon the agreed work arrangement (onsite/hybrid/remote) and work location. MSU Federal Credit Union may or may not be able to accommodate temporary or permanent changes to work arrangements or allow employment outside the city and/or state of residency in which the new hire resides at the time of offered employment.  

Compensation & Benefits -

• Salary: $19-23+/hr, dependent on experience
• Work environment that is climate-controlled, clean and orderly, and promotes safety
• 100% Company-Paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Premiums 
• Up to 13 days of PTO within your first year, as well 6 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• 6 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Work with production manager to ensure correct imposition layouts for press room, using Kodak Preps software.
• Work with lead automation operator using Kodak Prinergy Rules Based Automation when needed.
• Responsible for full PrePress duties from small design layout to preparing supplied customer files for digital/offset output.
• Thoroughly review files for potential errors like missing fonts, incorrect color modes, low resolution images, and improper file sizes before sending them to print. 
• Create impositions for proof, review, and approvals on all production/design projects.
• Receive design files from clients or designers and convert them into print-ready formats, including adjusting image resolution, setting bleed and trim marks, and managing color profiles - preparing them for proofing/outputting to plate.
• Ensure color consistency across different devices by managing color profiles and making necessary adjustments to achieve accurate print reproduction. 
• Create digital proofs for client approval, accurately representing the final printed piece and noting any necessary corrections.
• Track jobs from Prepress to the press room to guarantee the best results possible.
• Follow job tickets, work instructions and adhere to department quality control.
• Ensure files meet production and USPS mailing standards.
• Follow templates for projects requiring die lines and mail specifications.
• Organize, move, and rename files properly and efficiently.
• Follow department folder structures and file naming conventions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required 

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required. 
• Printing business or similar industry experience highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Prepress software applications including Adobe Creative Suite. Preps, Prinergy, Pitstop, Fusion Pro, variable data and mail file construction experience strongly preferred.
• Kodak Prinergy and Preps experience strongly preferred.
• Multitasking abilities to handle multiple projects in various stages of production, excellent time-management skills.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with others and work as a team.
• Reliable and dependable attendance.
• Customer service and communication skills to troubleshoot customer file issues that may arise.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and