Graphic Designer / Production Manager Job at The Portland Mercury in Washington

Description

Company: Noisy Creek – Overseeing Print Production for The Stranger and Portland Mercury

Salary: $70,000 starting DOE

Position Overview:

Noisy Creek, the parent company of The Stranger, Portland Mercury, EverOut and Bold Type Tickets, is seeking a Production Manager for The Stranger and Portland Mercury. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the entire production process, ensuring high-quality output, and on-time timelines and delivery of our publications. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the editorial, art, and sales departments, while coordinating with external vendors to ensure that our print products meet both creative and operational standards.

Position type & Schedule: This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with remote work flexibility and some in-office requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Flat Plan Management: Create and manage the flat plan for both publications, ensuring all content and advertisements are allocated appropriately.

• Deadline Coordination: Work closely with the editorial and sales departments to ensure deadlines are met, providing clear timelines and updates throughout the production cycle.

• Ad & Marketing Material Creation: Collaborate with the sales team to build ads and marketing materials, ensuring alignment with client specifications and brand guidelines.

• Vendor Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact with the printer, managing timelines, proofs, and overseeing quality assurance for print products.

• Quality Assurance: Review print proofs and conduct quality checks to ensure that high standards are maintained in the final product.

• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline production processes and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and quality.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media production management, preferably within a print publishing environment.

• Strong understanding of print production processes, including flat planning, ad building, and print vendor coordination.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience in ad and marketing material design. Please provide examples with your application.

• Experience working with editorial and creative teams.

• Knowledge of industry-standard software for production (e.g., InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Excellent communication skills, with a strong ability to coordinate between departments and external vendors.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Employer contributes toward medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer matching contributions
• Paid Time Off: Seven paid holidays, two any-day paid holidays and vacation starting at two weeks in first year, increasing up to 4 weeks after 5 years
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to wellness and financial support services
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options to set aside pre-tax funds for medical and dependent care expenses

Why Noisy Creek? Aside from being an equal opportunity employer, we’re also a vibrant, creative team that believes the more diverse voices that are at the table, the better the conversation—and the work! We realize that not everyone receives the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don’t meet all the above qualifications but still think you’d be a good fit, please consider applying. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities. If you want to be part of a team where your skills and ideas are valued, we want to hear from you!