Senior Art Director

Who We Are
Sourcebooks is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial publishing company dedicated to changing lives through books. We are an industry leader in author-driven, data-informed publishing and are passionate about putting authors and readers first. Our collaborative, high-energy team thrives on innovation, agility, and delivering high-quality books to market. If you’re excited about the future of publishing and love working in a dynamic, creative environment, Sourcebooks is the place for you!
What You’ll Do
As a Senior Art Director, you will be a strategic creative leader, responsible for overseeing the art direction and design of Sourcebooks’ publications. You will drive high-level creative execution and strategic project management, developing innovative, market-competitive designs that align with consumer insights and business goals. This role requires a combination of artistic vision, leadership, and project management expertise to foster collaboration, refine design processes, and elevate design excellence.
This position can be hybrid in Naperville, IL or New York City, or fully remote in the following states ONLY: AZ, CT, IL, LA, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, and WI.
The salary range provided is for the position is $75,000 - $85,000 for the Chicagoland area.  We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.
Key Responsibilities:
Creative Strategy & Art Direction

• Own the creative vision for assigned imprints, ensuring alignment with business objectives and consumer preferences.
• Lead the design and art direction of book covers, from concept to final production.
• Develop and present data-informed creative strategies, mood boards, and design comps to key stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Editorial, Sales, and Marketing teams to create visually compelling books that drive engagement and sales.
• Provide detailed art direction and feedback to illustrators, designers, and team members, ensuring projects are executed on time and within budget.
• Oversee illustrator and designer selection, leveraging market research to recruit top talent.
• Monitor and analyze market trends to inform and elevate creative decisions.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Mentor and train junior team members, fostering growth and preparing them for leadership opportunities.
• Develop and implement training programs to keep the team up-to-date on current design and production trends.
• Act as a senior resource for resolving complex design challenges.

Project & Workflow Management

• Utilize consumer insights, market trends, and analytics to refine design decisions.
• Oversee design workflows, ensuring alignment with editorial, marketing, and sales timelines.
• Facilitate review processes with key stakeholders, ensuring timely approvals.
• Identify potential roadblocks and implement solutions to meet project goals without sacrificing quality.

Process & Efficiency Improvements

• Continuously evaluate and refine creative processes to improve efficiency and quality.
• Document successful procedures and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Expand and manage the freelance resource database, tracking assignments and providing feedback.

Technical & Design Expertise

• Demonstrate advanced typography, layout, and design skills, setting a standard for creative excellence.
• Ensure technical accuracy in all production files, adhering to industry standards for print and digital media.
• Stay at the forefront of design software, technology, and industry advancements.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in book design and art direction, preferably in trade or data-driven publishing.
• Strong typography, layout, and cover design expertise with a portfolio showcasing progressive skill growth.
• Extensive knowledge of bookmaking and advanced printing processes.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and prepress file preparation.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data-driven design trends.
• Ability to balance creative vision with practical constraints and business needs.
• A collaborative mindset with strong communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire.
• A growth mindset, always staying engaged with emerging publishing, design, and production trends.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and portfolio along with a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.