Jobs at the JRB

Art Director

We are seeking a skilled, creative Art Director at Jewish Review of Books. In this role, you will produce the layout of our quarterly print magazine, research and procure art and images, design marketing materials, guide the aesthetics of our online presence, and work closely with our editorial team as well as with our printer and other vendors.

Jewish Review of Books offers a lively magazine of criticism and commentary written especially for those who believe that Jewish subjects are worthy of attention that is serious, accessible, illuminating, and occasionally even playful.

Location: Cleveland or Chicago preferred, and open to remote work.

Hours and Compensation: This is a one-quarter to one-third time position. Due to our quarterly print production schedule, the Art Director can expect to work fewer hours in the first two months of the quarter and more in the final month, leading up to close. The salary range is $30,000 – $50,000 a year. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

● Lay out our print issue four times a year; implement all changes and corrections per editors from first proof through final

● Oversee the cover design and interior spot drawings from our illustrator
● Manage the acquisition of images and art for print and the web, including research, procurement, and licensing of images
● Supervise production, ensuring that each issue is converted to printer’s specs and uploaded and processed correctly
● Coordinate detailed communication with our printer regarding any technical and production troubleshooting
● Assist with, and potentially supervise, the details and design of our visual presence on our website and on social media
● Create marketing wraps / bind-ins for our print magazine, inhouse print and online ads, and art for online promotions
● Oversee our media kit and the art coming in from advertisers
● Communicate regularly with editors and be available for art needs as they arise

Required Skills and Qualifications

● 3 – 5 years of proven experience with laying out a print publication
● Excellent facility with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat
● Deep understanding of the aesthetics of page design and layout, incorporating images, art, and ads into balanced page layouts
● Familiarity with both the CMYK and RGB color processes
● Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, able to interact with a broad range of people and working styles
● Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

● Familiarity with libraries, photo houses, art sites, institutions, and public domain sites to aid in image research and procurement

● Facility with Dropbox, MailChimp, WordPress-based CMS, and social media platforms
(currently Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter)

● Deep knowledge of Judaism and Jewish history and culture
● A sense of humor is always appreciated

If you are not sure you should apply because you don’t think you fit all of the requirements, but you are excited about the role and think you can continue to learn on the job — please do apply! We don’t believe in a “perfect” candidate and we are eager to see a wide range of candidates coming from diverse backgrounds. We believe that the right person will be excited to be a part of this team, and we are a nimble enough staff that we can potentially adapt some aspects of the role as needed.

Next Steps

Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to Managing Editor Julie Sugar at [email protected], with the subject line “Art Director.” Note that interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and all applicants can expect to hear from us by early- to mid-September regarding the status of their application.