Print Production Manager Job at Letterform Archive, San Francisco, CA

ZVdJc0E1NWcwL21GOEhOTG1oZ0l4T3JyV2c9PQ==
  • Letterform Archive
  • San Francisco, CA

Job Description

Do you love good design? Do you believe the world needs more inspiration? Bring your love of high quality printing and book production to a nonprofit organization that is growing rapidly because we inspire people every day. Letterform Archive is seeking an experienced and exceptional prepress and production management professional to support our ongoing growth in publishing. Reporting to the publisher, the production manager is responsible for prepress color correction and file preparation, and managing the production process from exploratory quotes to finished books.About Letterform ArchiveLetterform Archive is a nonprofit center for inspiration, education, and community. We offer hands-on access to a curated collection of over 100,000 items related to lettering, typography, calligraphy, and graphic design. Every year, we serve thousands around the world, including students, practitioners, and design enthusiasts. In addition to hosting visits, exhibits, and public events, the Archive serves our global community through social media and an online archive featuring state-of-the-art photography. For more about us, explore our website: letterformarchive.org. About Letterform Archive BooksDistributed in the trade by Artbook/DAP, Letterform Archive Books publishes exquisite books and gift products on graphic design, typography, and lettering, drawing from the collection and its talented community to tell rich stories with exceptional reproduction and unique design. The production manager will collaborate closely with the publishing team and its vendors to create exemplary, visually driven books and print products that tell the story of graphic design from exhibition catalogs to contemporary monographs, from deep dives into design movements to splendid dimensional gift titles.This is a dream position for a book professional looking to establish and scale high production standards and efficient workflows for a growing art book publisher. An ideal candidate will have served at least five years in a production manager role with an illustrated trade book publisher, with demonstrated abilities in retouching and color correction, producing ambitious print packages, negotiating competitive prices, and overseeing all logistics of production, from pricing to proofing to shipping. As production manager at an institution devoted to the history of graphic design and typography, this role calls for enthusiasm and respect for both design and printing history, as well as a willingness to collaborate and work iteratively, demonstrated technical strengths, and an ability to adapt in a dynamic environment with many moving parts and players. Principle ResponsibilitiesPrepressPerform QC and retouching of digital artwork for the list, matching color to original artifacts when needed and generally ensuring a high reproduction standard, and managing freelance retouchers and proofing personnel when appropriate.Inspect all loose color, page proofs, and plotters. Lead the charge in exploring new print formats, identifying potential new vendors, and researching paper stocks and production finishes.Work proactively with designers to identify and address color and layout issues before going to press, and communicate and troubleshoot issues with print vendors.Traffic all press files, from wet proofs and cover tests to final press-ready PDFs.Consult on optimizing image capture and digitization processes for print.Manage final file storage and implement proper file naming and archival protocols.Production ManagementManage the production of over 30 projects a year, ranging from artist monographs, exhibition catalogs, and facsimile editions and prints to postcard decks, journals, instructional guides, and limited-edition artist collaborations.Manage relationships with printers, shipping partners, and other production freelancers/vendors, both internationally and locally.Negotiate competitive pricing and help maintain high quality standards within budgets. Manage production schedules and communicate print deadlines.Coordinate international shipping and delivery of all book product to designated facilities, including reprints and stock transfers.Perform or oversee receipt of shipments.Assist in the production of marketing and exhibition print collateral, as needed.Collaborative ResponsibilitiesParticipate in team acquisitions and pipeline strategy.Coordinate with the collections team on digitization needs for the book program.Collaborate with the design and editorial teams in the ideation of new formats, trim sizes, and production effects.Archive ResponsibilitiesDevelop familiarity with the Archives holdings and fluency in our mission.Help publicize Archive programs, publications, and services.Attend and provide support at periodic Archive events.Minimum Qualifications5+ years experience in a similar role at a trade publisher of highly visual books.Passion for or expertise in an area of specialization appropriate to our collections (e.g., graphic design, book arts, typography, lettering, etc.).Demonstrated strengths in Adobe Suite (including InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat), as well as familiarity with proofing software.Experience in operating and maintaining an inkjet proofing printer.Resourcefulness and budget conscientiousness.Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially with overseas vendors.Exceptional organization and time management skills.Bachelors degree.Ideal CharacteristicsCurious about design history and eager to obtain hands-on learning from our collection.Team player and willing collaborator.Highly detail-oriented.Committed to high standards in print.Flexible and comfortable in a rapidly changing environment.Willing to tackle a variety of projects, including new challenges.Some experience working in a museum or library setting is a plus.Physical DemandsThe production manager will regularly be required to perform desk-based computer tasks, including using a computer screen for long periods of time, typing, and making phone calls. They may also occasionally be required to move items weighing up to 10 pounds or push and maneuver a fully-loaded book truck weighing up to 60 pounds. If needed, the Archive will provide reasonable accommodations to an employee with a disability to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job.COVID-19 Vaccination PolicyTo ensure the health and safety of the Archives community, all newly hired employees of Letterform Archive are required to be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with all applicable laws.Equal Opportunity and Non-DiscriminationLetterform Archive is an equal opportunity workplace, community, and place of learning. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. The Archive does not discriminate in employment or in offering educational services and programs. Learn more. Position Type, Schedule, and LocationThis is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week during the Archive's normal office hours in addition to nights and weekends as required. It is onsite at Letterform Archives offices in San Francisco 3-4 days per week; work-from-home days are as agreed with your supervisor.Compensation and BenefitsThe pay rate for this role is between $90,000 and $110,000 per year depending on candidate experience and qualifications. Letterform Archive offers the following benefits to all full-time employees:Medical, dental, and vision coverage with subsidized dependent coverage.Three weeks of Paid Time Off each year with incentive accrual up to four weeks per year.10 paid holidays per year.Sick leave.Flexible Spending Account (FSA).401(k) retirement plan.Pre-tax commuter benefit.Annual professional development budget.Complimentary Archive membership, and waived tuition to Archive workshops.Youll be surrounded by and able to interact with beautiful, meaningful materials from the Archives collection, as well as a diverse and dynamic community of those who love letters and design. Your colleagues will be a small group of people who are passionate about the organization and eager to share their enthusiasm through their work.How to ApplyPlease apply by submitting a rsum and a short cover letter explaining your interest in this position by Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You may address your cover letter to the hiring team and it should be no more than one page. The most effective cover letters explain your interest in the Archive and this position, and make clear how your qualifications match this roles responsibilities.Letterform Archive is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance applying or have questions about accommodations during the hiring process, please email hr@letterformarchive.org.
recblid x49mptk0b300uf5pr8f879s9ol3q99

Letterform Archive

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Freelance, Work from home, Overseas, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work, 3 days per week,

Similar Jobs

Constellation Energy

Engineering Analyst, License Renewal Job at Constellation Energy

 ...application. PRIMARY DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES Prepare nuclear safety analyses and engineering evaluations independently and...  ...Perform engineering and technical tasks in support of nuclear plant operations. Assure all engineering products prepared are in accordance... 

Carus Dental

Dental Hygienist Job at Carus Dental

 ...Full-Time Dental Hygienist $3,000 Welcome Bonus! Position: Full-Time Dental Hygienist Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 8am - 5pm...  ...welcoming and friendly environment for both staff and patients. Our hygiene department is robust, with very full schedules, ensuring a... 

Center for Biological Diversity

Law Clerk - Summer 2025 Job at Center for Biological Diversity

 ...for Biological Diversityis currently looking for four full-time law clerks for summer 2025 who share an interest in and passion for...  ...Health, or the Climate Law Institute. Only one application per student is needed and program placement will be assigned after hiring.... 

V2 Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Hygienist Job at V2 Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

 ...Dental Hygienist V2 FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY 398 NE NORTON LN McMINNVILLE, OR 97128 FULL-TIME MONDAY-THURSDAY 7:45AM-5:00PM Competitive benefits including health insurance and retirement savings plans, six paid holidays and PTO (paid time off) Continuing... 

Plains

Crude Oil Transport Driver - $6,000 Sign On Bonus Job at Plains

 ...-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs). We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in...