Art Director (NYC Hybrid) Job at HarperCollins Publishers in New York

Overview

HarperCollins seeks an Art Director with a passion for sequential storytelling to join its graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley. Established in 2020, HarperAlley is a collaborative, creator-focused publisher of graphic novels across all age categories and genres. The ideal candidate will have 7–10+ years of experience art directing and designing graphic novels and possess strong written and oral communication skills. The highly motivated candidate will have a collaborative spirit and work across the division with a creative and dynamic group to publish groundbreaking books that will resonate with readers all around the world.

Responsibilities

• Lead and refine process for cover and interior graphic novel development while designing and art directing a full list of books across all age categories and formats.
• Exhibit a passion for graphic novels with strong typographic vision on cover and interior design.
• Collaborate with and manage cartoonists, illustrators, letterers, colorists, flatters, and freelance designers to keep them on top of schedules to meet print dates.
• Work independently and as part of the team while contributing to department goals.
• Be a team player with excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, manage resources across multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Manage budgets for assigned titles.
• Regularly check in with the Publisher and Creative Director.
• Occasional travel.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of progressive experience art directing and designing graphic novels with a trade book publisher or Comics Publisher.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in the publishing industry.
• Experience managing illustrators, letterers, flatters, and freelance designers, keeping track of schedules.
• Expert understanding of the needs of graphic novels from early development through printed book stages.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work well with different types of personalities.
• Expert skills in Adobe Creative Suite, with experience in Clip Studio and proficiency in a Mac-based environment.
• Advanced understanding of offset printing and the print industry, as well as prepping files for the printer and reviewing proofs.

HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.