Job Description

About Us

Founded in 1988, Jenkins Group, Inc. is a premier self-publishing company specializing in custom book production and commemorative publishing. Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Jenkins Group has helped thousands of authors and organizations bring their stories to life through high-quality books. The company offers a full suite of publishing services, including ghostwriting, editing, design, printing, and distribution.
In addition to its publishing expertise, Jenkins Group administers five distinct book award programs, including the Living Now Book Awards, recognizing excellence across multiple literary genres. With decades of experience, Jenkins Group remains committed to helping authors and organizations share their messages with the world.

About the Role

Jenkins Group is seeking an experienced  Creative Director  to lead the design vision and execution for our book publishing program. This role oversees all aspects of  book cover and interior design , from concept development through final production, ensuring that each title reflects the highest standards of creativity, readability, and market appeal.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall creative direction for book covers, interiors, and related marketing materials.
  
• Collaborate with editors, marketing, and authors to conceptualize designs that align with each book's content, genre, and audience.
  
• Manage and mentor a team of designers, illustrators, and freelancers, ensuring quality and consistency across projects.
  
• Oversee design workflow from concept to prepress, including typography, layout, image selection, and color management.
  
• Maintain brand and design standards across all imprints and publishing lines.
  
• Evaluate design trends and printing innovations to keep the company's visual output at the forefront of the industry.
  
• Coordinate with printers and production teams to ensure color accuracy, materials quality, and cost efficiency.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or related field.
  
• 5-7 years of professional design experience, ideally in book or magazine publishing.
  
• Proven portfolio showcasing excellence in both  book cover and interior design .
  
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
  
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, and print production processes.
  
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
  
• Leadership experience and ability to guide creative teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directing photo shoots or commissioning illustration.
  
• Familiarity with digital book formats (eBooks, fixed-layout EPUBs).
  
• Understanding of marketing and sales trends in publishing design.

Why Jenkins Group

• Flexibility : Hybrid work environment and flexible hours
• Half-day Fridays : Memorial Day to Labor Day
• Dog Friendly : Fluffy team members frequent the Jenkins headquarters
• Professional Growth : Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement
• Health and Dental after 90 days with a $500 HSA contribution yearly
• 401K with a 100% match up to 3% of compensation after 6 months
• 10 Holidays (New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Day, 2 float days) + generous PTO

How to Apply

If you're ready to take your career to the next level and contribute to the success of a leading book publishing company, we want to hear from you!

Apply by submitting your resume and a link to your portfolio.

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