Creative Production Designer

JES Media, publishers of Salt Lake, Utah Style & Design,Utah Bride & Groom magazines.

The publisher of Salt Lake, Utah Style & Design and Utah Bride & Groom magazines is seeking a Production Designer to oversee and execute the production of our publications. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of production design experience and, ideally, a BFA in Graphic Design or a related field.

Key Responsibilities:

This position's primary responsibility is to act as a supporting role for sales and editorial staff, with design being a significant part of the overall role. The Creative Production Designer’s main objective is 1) acting as a liaison between clients (designing and trafficking client creative), vendors, sales, and editorial; and 2) working directly with our printer to ensure quality prints, timely delivery, and problem-solving the numerous issues that arise during the print-to-delivery process.

This position requires excellent customer service, effective communication, organization, an understanding of our products, and problem-solving skills with a focus on acting as support to sales and editorial teams.

• Act as a liaison between the magazine and clients, vendors, printers, and editorial and sales teams.
• Oversee print distribution by coordinating with the Director of Circulation/Sales Support, printer, and distributor to ensure on-time delivery, accurate pricing and quantities, and resolve any issues throughout the print-to-distribution process.
• Manage printer relationships and work with the Art Director to make key press-production decisions.
• Set and manage the yearly production schedule, ensuring alignment across sales, editorial, art, production, circulation, and printing deadlines.
• Adjust and oversee the distribution schedule.
• Assist the Sales Department with marketing and B2B advertising materials.
• Ensures effective communication, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving across departments.
• Use of Magazine Manager (CRM) to oversee ad trafficking and troubleshoot submitted ad files.
• Map publications and ensure timely delivery of press-ready files.
• Assist with event planning and management.
• Create digital versions of the magazine for web posting.
• Design print and digital house and client ads, in-house promotional materials, web ads, paid advertorials and special sections.

Qualifications & Skills:

• An understanding of life in Utah (i.e, local news, art & entertainment, events, culture, history, food, etc.)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (this is a must).
• Must be proficient in working on a Mac and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working with sales and clients in a supportive role.
• Exceptional customer service and works well under pressure.
• Highly organized with excellent planning skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Enjoys working with others in a collaborative setting and is open to feedback and guidance.
• Able to contribute to the development, design and execution of new deliverables and event materials, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.
• In-depth knowledge of the printing process (press-ready file creation, bleeds, PDF proofing, color separations—spot vs. CMYK).
• Experience with preflighting and troubleshooting InDesign layouts throughout production
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), as well as Google Docs.
• Understanding of editorial styles, including AP format, information hierarchy, grammar, and tone.
• Web and digital skills (design of digital editions, HTML, interactive media) are a plus.
• Color correction and image manipulation (Photoshop, Lightroom) experience is a plus.
• Experience in Magazine Manager or similar CMS systems is a plus.
• Basic IT and technical troubleshooting skills.

If you’re a detail-oriented, self-starter, production pro who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person