Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Penguin Random House
Job overview
The Jr Designer role at Penguin Random House supports the Art Director and Senior Designer in creating innovative nonfiction book covers for multiple imprints, contributing to the company's visual impact and brand identity.
Responsibilities and impact
The Jr Designer will conceptualize and design book covers, manage cover mechanicals through all production stages, collaborate with various departments, maintain production standards, and organize cover grids for meetings.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary of $56,000 with eligibility for annual profit awards or bonuses, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability insurance, commuter benefits, student loan repayment, educational assistance, and generous paid time off.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have proficiency with Mac and Adobe Suite, strong layout and typography skills, creativity, organization, communication skills, and a bachelor's degree in art/design preferred; printing and production knowledge and prior design experience are a plus.
Career development
The role offers opportunities to work closely with experienced art directors and designers, allowing growth in book design and production skills within a leading publishing company.
Work environment and culture
Penguin Random House values diversity and inclusion, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment with a hybrid work model requiring some office presence in New York City.
Company information
Penguin Random House is a leading global publishing house with nearly 300 imprints, known for quality and innovation in publishing across all genres and age groups.
Team overview
The Jr Designer will join the Penguin art department, working under the Art Director and Senior Designer, collaborating with editors, copy editors, production, and prepress teams.
Job location and travel
The job is based in New York City with a hybrid work model requiring 1-2 days per week in the office at 1745 Broadway, suitable for candidates within the tri-state area.
Application process
Applicants must apply online by July 11, 2025, including a cover letter, portfolio link, and resume through Penguin Random House's application system.
Unique job features
This position offers the unique opportunity to design covers for influential nonfiction titles and participate in shaping trends in book design within a prestigious publishing house.
Company overview
Penguin Random House is a leading global publishing company known for producing a wide range of books across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature. They generate revenue primarily through book sales, both physical and digital, as well as through subsidiary rights such as film adaptations and translations. Formed in 2013 through the merger of Penguin Group and Random House, the company boasts a rich history of publishing influential and bestselling authors. Their commitment to storytelling and innovation has solidified their position as a major player in the publishing industry.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to emphasize proficiency in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and experience with Mac environments, as these are critical for the Junior Designer role at Penguin Random House's Portfolio imprint.
Highlight your creativity in conceptualizing book covers, strong layout and typography skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple design projects through all production stages including prepress and print preparation.
Apply through multiple platforms such as Penguin Random House's official careers site, LinkedIn, and other job boards where this position is posted to maximize your application visibility.
Connect on LinkedIn with current designers, art directors, or team members in the Penguin Random House art department or specifically within the Portfolio, Sentinel, Thesis, and Optimism Press imprints. Use ice breakers like commenting on recent book covers they've designed, asking about their favorite project, or expressing enthusiasm for the nonfiction genres they focus on.
Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords from the job description such as 'book cover design,' 'typography,' 'Adobe Suite,' 'prepress,' 'production,' 'layout,' and 'deadline-driven environment' to ensure it passes initial screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple platforms, identify and connect with relevant Penguin Random House contacts on LinkedIn, and optimize your resume for ATS, allowing you to focus more on creative preparation and portfolio enhancement.
Jennie Johnson works for you!
Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:
Targeted Resume Revamp:
We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.
Job Description Dissection:
Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.
Bespoke Cover Letter:
Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.
Interview Mastery:
Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.
Direct Application Insights:
Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.
Skills and Gaps Assessment:
Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.
Personalized Email Pitch:
Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.
In-depth Research Guide:
Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.
Detailed Company Analysis:
Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.
Strategic Candidate Overview:
Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.