Simon & Schuster is seeking an experienced and highly creative Art Director to collaborate with the Lead Art Director across the Simon & Schuster, Summit, and 37 Ink imprints. This role is responsible for designing and art directing compelling frontlist book covers for a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles within the adult trade market.
The ideal candidate is a strategic visual thinker with a strong editorial design background, exceptional typographic skills, and the ability to guide projects from initial concept through final production. This position requires close collaboration with editors, production teams, designers, illustrators, and photographers to deliver market-driven, visually distinctive covers while maintaining deadlines and workflow efficiency.
Key Responsibilities- Design and art direct frontlist book covers across multiple imprints
- Develop original visual concepts for fiction and nonfiction titles
- Collaborate with freelance and in-house designers, illustrators, and photographers
- Oversee projects from concept development through final production
- Partner closely with editorial, managing editorial, and production departments to ensure smooth workflow and timely delivery
- Maintain awareness of publishing trends, competitive titles, and adult trade market aesthetics
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high creative standards
- Present and communicate design concepts clearly to internal stakeholders
- Adapt quickly to creative feedback and shifting project priorities
Qualifications- Minimum of 10 years of experience in publishing, specifically within the adult trade market
- Strong portfolio demonstrating diverse design sensibilities across fiction and nonfiction categories
- Advanced typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills
- Ability to work independently while managing complex creative projects
- Excellent organizational, communication, and project management abilities
- Strong understanding of print production and publishing workflows
- Proficiency in Mac-based design environments, including Adobe Creative Cloud
- Experience with photo retouching and image compositing preferred
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven creative environment
Preferred Attributes- Deep understanding of current publishing and cover design trends
- Strong creative leadership and collaborative mindset
- Ability to mentor or guide junior designers when needed
- Passion for books, storytelling, and visual branding
- Detail-oriented with a strong sense of time management and prioritization
Please note that candidates seeking either in-house, hybrid or fully remote employment will be considered.The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
