Job Information
Harvard University Senior Designer in Cambridge, Massachusetts
67842BRAuto req ID:67842BRJob Code:CM0457 Publications Management II Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Senior DesignerSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :057Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Minimum of 7 years of design experience, with at least 5 years in publishing
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat)
A fine-tuned sense of design, with an emphasis on typography and visual storytelling
Strong organizational and time-management skills
A collaborative mindset and passion for books and design
Knowledge of printing and prepress processes
Interior design experience and strong portfolio showcasing your design work, especially in book publishing
A keen eye for typography and layout, with a proven ability to create innovative, visually engaging design
Experience collaborating with freelancers (illustrators, photographers) to execute high-quality artwork
A passion for book design, typography, and visual storytelling
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Additional Information:This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Department:HUPPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. Job Function:Communications Position Description:
Design: Lead the design process for book covers and jackets, guiding projects from concept to final artwork.
Interior Design: Design and art direct several interior design titles
Collaboration: Work closely with editors, illustrators, photographers, authors, and the production team to communicate the essence of each book through design.
Freelance Management: Commission and direct freelance illustrators and photographers to produce high-quality cover art.
Feedback & Refinement: Incorporate editorial feedback, ensuring the final design aligns with both creative
and production standards.
Production Coordination: Ensure the final designs and mechanicals meet production requirements, including preparing print-ready files and overseeing mechanicals.
Trend Awareness: Stay current with design trends and technology to produce innovative, market-leading book designs.
Special Projects: Design marketing projects outside of book cover and interiors.
School/Unit:Harvard University Press EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:Harvard University Press (HUP), one of the world’s leading academic publishers, is seeking a talented Senior Designer to join our creative team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced graphic designer passionate about books, design, and the publishing industry. In this role, you will play a key part in creating visually compelling book covers that reflect our tradition of excellence, while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
As Senior Designer, you will collaborate with the Creative Director and the design team to develop visually distinctive book covers and interiors. You will oversee design projects from concept to completion, managing 10–20 titles per season. Your work will directly contribute to a diverse and impactful portfolio of academic titles.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-EP1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.About Us:About Harvard University Press:
Founded in 1913, Harvard University Press is renowned for publishing influential works of scholarship, including titles by authors like Carol Gilligan, Stephen Jay Gould, Toni Morrison, and Thomas Piketty. We bring groundbreaking ideas to both academic and general audiences and are committed to preserving intellectual traditions through works like our Loeb Classical Library.