Job Title: Editorial Designer (Hybrid)
Reports to: Senior Director, Brand, Creative, and Design
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range: $47,000 to $50,000/year
Position Overview:
WETA is seeking a talented, detail-oriented and deadline focused Editorial Designer to join our Creative Studio. In this role, you will be responsible for creating visually compelling layouts and designs for key publications, including our annual report and monthly member magazine, as well as additional projects such as fundraising materials and direct mail. The ideal candidate will have a strong eye for typography, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for storytelling through design.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Oversee the design and layout of WETA's monthly member magazine and annual report, ensuring a visually compelling and cohesive presentation that aligns with our brand. This includes collaborating closely with internal editorial partners and integrating copy and photography seamlessly.
- Produce compelling and user-friendly data visualizations, including the creation and maintenance of visually appealing program grids for our magazine that accurately convey program schedules and channels, as well as clear and informative visualizations of financial data in our annual report.
- Collaborate effectively with team members across the organization, including Communications, Membership, Fundraising, Programming, Productions, and executive staff, to ensure that design supports content and storytelling across all publications. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, tact, and discretion, when working on projects with various stakeholders.
- Perform photo color correction and pre-flighting for print, ensuring all images meet visual consistency standards and files are fully prepared for high-quality output.
- Adhere to and manage the strict production timelines and schedules for the monthly magazine and annual report, ensuring all projects are completed on time and at the highest quality. This includes working within the cyclical and rigid monthly magazine production timeline, managing multiple projects simultaneously at various stages, proactively addressing potential delays, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to meeting publication deadlines. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to make timely edits and manage the review process effectively.
- Maintain organized file structures, working within WETA’s digital asset management system to organize and retrieve assets efficiently and ensuring a well-organized and accessible project file archive.
Core Competencies:
- Typography Mastery
Demonstrates a strong eye for typography, with the ability to select and arrange fonts that enhance readability and align with the publication’s tone and brand identity.
- Attention to Detail
Maintains high standards of accuracy and quality, ensuring that all design work is polished, consistent, and free of errors.
- Layout and Composition
Expert in creating visually appealing and well-organized layouts that effectively communicate the content’s message, including the design of clear and engaging programming grids.
- Visual Storytelling
Uses design to complement and enhance narrative elements, supporting the storytelling goals of each publication.
- Photo Editing and Color Correction
Skilled in adjusting and enhancing images to achieve visual consistency and professional quality across all publications.
- Digital Asset Management
Proficient in using and maintaining a digital asset management system to organize, store, and retrieve design assets efficiently.
- Collaboration and Communication
Works effectively with writers, editors, and other creative team members, contributing to a positive and productive collaborative environment.
- Project Management
Manages multiple projects with competing deadlines, maintaining organization and prioritization to deliver high-quality work on time.
- Brand Adherence
Ensures all designs align with WETA’s brand guidelines, maintaining a consistent visual identity across all publications and materials.
- Adaptability
Responds well to feedback, adapts to changing project requirements, and remains flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills and Qualifications:
Technical Skills:
- Digital Asset Management: Proficiency in using digital asset management systems (like Adobe Asset Link) to organize and retrieve assets efficiently.
- Pre-press Production: Knowledge of pre-press processes, including color management, proofing, and file preparation for print.
- Typography: A deep understanding of typography, including font selection, kerning, and leading.
- Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in using data visualization tools to create clear and informative graphics.
Soft Skills:
- Brand Consistency: The ability to maintain brand consistency across all publications.
- Time Management: Excellent time management skills to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Problem-solving: The ability to identify and solve design challenges creatively.
- Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and quality in design output.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing priorities and project objectives.
Qualifications:
- Experience: An associate's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or previous experience in editorial design, preferably in a similar industry or organization.
- Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating design skills and experience in editorial design.
- Flexibility to work in a hybrid environment: The ability to effectively work both onsite (two days per week, Tuesday and Wednesday) and remotely, with potential additional onsite days based on project needs.
- Please include a link to a portfolio showcasing relevant work in your resume or application.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Please also see our Benefits: Benefits | WETA
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously.
Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.
We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.