Letterform Archive seeks an experienced art director to help develop and drive the look and feel of its trade art-book publishing program. Reporting to the publisher, the art director will collaborate closely with editors, authors, curators, artists, designers, packagers, and printers to create exemplary, visually driven books that tell the story of graphic design - from exhibition catalogs to contemporary monographs, from deep dives into design movements to splendid gift titles.

Description

Letterform Archive seeks an experienced art director to help develop and drive the look and feel of its trade art-book publishing program.

Reporting to the Publisher, the Art Director will collaborate closely with editors, authors, curators, artists, designers, packagers, and printers to create exemplary, visually driven books that tell the story of graphic design - from exhibition catalogs to contemporary monographs, from deep dives into design movements to splendid gift titles.

This is a dream role for an established book-design professional looking to help build a trade art-book publishing program. An ideal candidate will have served at least seven years in an art director role with an illustrated trade book publisher, with demonstrated abilities in collaborating with editorial to create rich reader experiences; developing a design approach for different product lines and price points; identifying and managing freelance talent in book design, lettering, original type design, illustration, and photography; nurturing and managing junior designers; designing layouts and covers; creating marketing materials for both direct and trade sales programs, including directing product photography; working with print professionals to concept and test effects for compelling print packages; and implementing best design-to-production practices.

As an art director of the books program for an institution devoted to graphic design and type, this role calls for enthusiasm for both design history and contemporary type and design trends, as well as a willingness to collaborate and work iteratively; demonstrated creative strengths with proven marketplace results; excellent typography skills; strong technical and print production knowledge; and an ability to adapt in a dynamic environment with many moving parts and players.

Principle Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a bold design vision that both connects with the Archive's core design audience and expands its profile among the general population
• Develop and execute the design strategy for a list of more than 30 projects a year, ranging from exhibition catalogs to facsimile editions, postcard decks and journals to instructional guides and limited-edition artist collaborations
• Identify and direct freelance project designers, type and lettering artists, and occasional photography teams and illustrators
• Cultivate and manage junior designers
• Design select titles in house
• Curate image selections and conduct outside photo research, when needed
• Ensure smooth delivery and press-ready quality of printer tests and final design files to production
• Review loose color, page proofs, and plotters
• Execute trade and direct marketing sales materials for each title and the list as a whole
• Direct product photography of the list

Collaborative Responsibilities

• Participate in acquisitions and pipeline strategy
• Work closely with editorial to determine book features and approach
• Coordinate with the collections team on digitization needs for the book program
• Collaborate on formats, trim sizes, and production effects

Archive Responsibilities

• Develop familiarity with the Archive's holdings and fluency in our mission
• Help publicize Archive programs, publications, and services
• Attend and provide support at periodic Archive events

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a similar role at a trade publisher of highly visual books, with at least 10 years overall experience in print design
• Passion for or expertise in an area of specialization appropriate to our collections (e.g., graphic design, book arts, typography, lettering, etc.)
• Demonstrated creative strengths
• Ability to source existing assets and commission new ones
• Resourcefulness and budget conscientiousness
• Highly capable in production design
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Expert in with Adobe Creative Suite and Google Workspace
• Bachelor's degree

Ideal Characteristics

• Curious about design history and eager to obtain hands-on learning from our collection
• Team player and willing collaborator
• Flexibility and comfort in a rapidly changing environment
• Willing to tackle a variety of projects, including new challenges
• Some experience working in a museum or library setting a plus

Physical Demands

The Art Director will regularly be required to perform desk-based computer tasks, including using a computer screen for long periods of time, typing, and making phone calls.

They may also frequently be required to move items weighing up to 25 pounds or push and maneuver a fully loaded book truck weighing up to 60 pounds.

Position Type and Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week during the Archive's normal office hours in addition to occasional nights and weekends for special events as required.

Location

This position is a hybrid role that we anticipate working on site at Letterform Archive's offices in San Francisco 3-5 days per week; work-from-home days are as agreed with your supervisor. As this role requires hands-on interaction with our collection, this is not a remote position.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay rate for this role is between $102,000 and $112,000 per year depending on candidate experience and qualifications.

Letterform Archive offers benefits to all full-time employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with subsidized dependent coverage
• Three weeks of Paid Time Off each year with accrual up to four weeks per year based on tenure
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Sick leave
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Pre-tax commuter benefit
• Annual professional development budget
• Waived tuition to Archive workshops
• Complimentary Archive membership

You will be surrounded by - and able to interact with - beautiful, meaningful materials from the Archive's collection, as well as a diverse and dynamic community of those who love letters and design. Your colleagues will be a small group of people who are passionate about the organization and eager to share their enthusiasm through their work.

Eligibility

This position is open to all candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Letterform Archive is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting a résumé and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and what you hope to bring to the role, and a link to your portfolio at letterformarchive.org/careers by July 31, 2026.

You may address your cover letter to the "hiring committee" and it should be no more than one page. The most effective cover letters explain your interest in the Archive and this position, and make clear how your qualifications match this role's responsibilities.

All applications must be submitted through the applicant portal in order to be considered. You will not receive an automated confirmation email once you apply but if you followed the portal instructions, the Archive will have received your application and materials.

Salary

$102,000 - $112,000 per year