Newspaper Layout/Graphic Designer (Newspaper Experience Required)!

Job Title: Newspaper Layout & Graphic Designer (Part-Time)

Location: Saint Ansgar, Iowa (Headquarters – Nelson Media Company)
Hours: 10–20 hours per week
Department: Newspaper Division

About Nelson Media Company

Nelson Media Company is a fast-growing multimedia organization based in North Iowa, proudly publishing and revitalizing local newspapers across the Midwest — including The Osage Oracle, The Belmond Independent, The Akron Hometowner, and others.

Our mission is simple: to preserve local journalism while bringing modern design and creativity to small-town storytelling.

We’re seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Newspaper Layout & Graphic Designer to join our production team. This role involves designing weekly newspapers, advertisements, and visual layouts that capture the spirit and character of the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Design and lay out weekly newspaper pages for publications such as The Osage Oracle, The Belmond Independent, and The Akron Hometowner.
• Work closely with editors and publishers to ensure each issue is visually engaging, organized, and ready for print.
• Create and update advertisements, graphics, and visual elements for both print and digital editions.
• Maintain consistent branding, typography, and style across multiple newspapers.
• Deliver final pages on schedule each week and ensure all files are press-ready.

Requirements

• Proven experience in newspaper layout and graphic design (please include a portfolio).
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator.
• Strong understanding of layout design, typography, and color theory.
• Ability to meet weekly deadlines and manage multiple publications at once.
• Attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with community newspapers or in small-market publishing.
• Familiarity with the print production process and pre-press file preparation.
• Comfortable working independently or remotely with editorial teams in multiple locations.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule (10–20 hours per week).
• Work remotely or from our Saint Ansgar, Iowa headquarters, or one of our Iowa papers.
• Opportunity to grow with a respected and expanding multimedia company.
• Creative role with the freedom to help shape the visual identity of community journalism across Iowa and beyond.

How to Apply

Please send your resume, design portfolio, and references to:
cnelson@nelsonmediacompany.com
Include “Newspaper Layout Designer – Nelson Media Company” in the subject line.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $13.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Ansgar, IA 50472