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The PrePress and Print Production Contractor works closely with the Design Director and the editorial team to ensure the accurate and timely production of the print editions of California magazine, published by the Cal Alumni Association. This position has full responsibility over ensuring that all files adhere to our design standards, are high quality, and ready for printing.

The PrePress and Print Production Contractor will be contracted during the two months of production leading up to press. We print our magazine twice a year. Press is scheduled in late May for the Spring/Summer issue, and in mid November for the Fall/Winter issue. Interested candidates must have availability and flexibility in their work schedule during these times, with the ability to participate in weekly virtual editorial meetings.

The PrePress and Print Production Contactor is the main point of contact between the Design Director and our printing partner, Quad, during the production process. The Contractor works with Cal Alumni Association’s marketing and business development departments to check and upload all partnership ads, in-house ads, and in-house content for inclusion in the magazine. In addition, the position coordinates with our sister organization, University Development and Alumni Relations, to upload their section in the magazine.

Work can be done remotely in the United States. The Cal Alumni Association is located in Berkeley, CA, which is in the pacific time zone. California adjusts annually for daylight savings time. We set and communicate meetings and deadlines based on our Berkeley time zone.

The Cal Alumni Association seeks contractors whose previous experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We are also looking for applicants who demonstrate an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.

Responsibilities

• Manages the preflight/prepress processes for all ads, inserts, and editorial content
• Creates template-based layouts for several back-of-book pages
• Creates page (InDesign) files to place ads and inserts
• Creates organized folders on Box or Google Drive for ads and insert pages
• Creates the map for each issue
• Pours final editorial copy as needed to determine word count
• Circulates final layouts to the Design Director and editorial team for approval
• Makes edits on the InDesign files and maintains the files on the server
• Circulates proofs to the Design Director and editorial team for approval
• Processes all images, places final images in InDesign files, and uploads them to Quad
• Uploads press ready PDFs to Quad
• Creates and exports text files of final editorial content and the cover for web publishing
• Creates issue PDFs for web publishing, awards, and promotion
• Assists with image research as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years print production experience, preferably working for a magazine
• Strong understanding of prepress and print industry standards
• Software fluency in graphics programs (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat)
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Must have flexibility in work schedule to permit occasional evening and weekend commitments during print production

Freelance Fee

This is a biannual assignment that supports our two magazine production cycles each year. Fee is $4,000 per issue.

To Apply

After reviewing our website, please email your cover letter, resume, and a portfolio that demonstrates a proficient understanding of print media to recruiting@alumni.berkeley.edu with “PrePress and Print Production Contractor” in the subject line. Resumes without cover letters and a portfolio will not be accepted. Please send all materials as a single attachment in PDF format by March 21, 2025. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Deadline to Apply

March 21, 2025