Graphic Designer - Books and Merch

SUMMARY The Graphic Designer participates in creative vision meetings for assigned projects, collaborating with the product development team to create a graphic package specializing in print that includes book covers, interior layouts for print, packaging design, and digital assets. A successful candidate possesses a high level of professionalism, excellent attention to detail, a strong creative vision, developed technical and organizational skills, and the experience to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment. This role adheres to and promotes Ascension’s values by performing all duties in a manner that supports and contributes to the achievement of Ascension’s goals while providing continuity and creative innovation in support of the Company’s marketing message. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implementation of creative strategy and concept development.

The role is responsible for conceiving and implementing creative concepts and strategies for trade books, children’s books, and general merchandise within the Catholic market. This includes facilitating brainstorming sessions, leading the development and presentation of creative strategies, and identifying the aesthetic direction of projects, primarily through mood boards, to ensure that all designs reflect Ascension’s brand identity and core values of truth and beauty. The role collaborates with product managers, marketing, and cross-functional teams to understand project scope and objectives and to create cohesive visual imagery, ranging from logos and book layouts to traditional marketing materials. Manage design and production execution.

This position manages all aspects of design, including book layout and cover design, digital graphics for social media, websites, and e-books, color correction, image manipulation, and original art creation using tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. The role prepares files for printers and external vendors, including preflighting, and ensures that brand standards and project deadlines are consistently met. Develop and assist with merchandise design on products.

In addition to book and digital design, the role requires experience in graphic design for merchandise, including apparel, home goods, and lifestyle products. The designer will collaborate with product managers and vendors to develop merchandise concepts, create prototypes, and ensure that products align with brand standards and project timelines. Collaborate with internal and external vendors.

The Graphic Designer works closely with internal teams and external vendors such as illustrators, design agencies, and e-book designers to execute projects efficiently. This includes recruiting outside contractors as needed, maintaining open communication, and coordinating workflows to manage multiple projects in various stages of development. Track and organize schedules and file management.

The role tracks project schedules and deadlines, manages multiple projects simultaneously, and organizes and maintains files within the team’s system. Participation in team lead discussions is also required to improve Ascension’s creative processes and overall company culture. BS/BA in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Design, Marketing or a related field Specializing in print production and/or book layout is preferred 5+ years of experience in design/creative experience management, preferably in a corporate setting Experience in graphic design for merchandise, including apparel, home goods, or lifestyle products A solid background in copywriting and/or design, art direction, and management. A strong understanding of brand development, advertising, and multichannel marketing concepts Current knowledge of technological innovations in digital and graphic design across all channels. An awareness of current trends in promotional campaigns, print, and visual design. An extensive online portfolio that includes samples of user research/visual design and your rationale behind the proposed solutions Expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign Expertise in print production needs, timelines, and turnarounds Proficiency in InCopy, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite Outstanding leadership and organizational skills Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills with an ability to inspire the creative team. Flexibility to move from project to project quickly and efficiently Strong attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously to meet tight deadlines. Well-versed in Catholic theological concepts and terminology. This role is remote, but the ability to occasionally travel to the Ascension office in Exton, PA, is required. Exemplify and live our core values of humility, passion, and integrity. Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) Short Term & Long Term Disability Training & Development Work From Home Wellness Resources

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