Senior Publication Designer, Remote (Print Media / Editorial Design)

Remote (USA) Contract (20+ hours/week) Competitive Monthly Retainer

About the Role

A community news publishing group that produces two monthly newspapers and an annual 200-page magazine is looking for a senior publication designer on a freelance contract basis. This is a remote position averaging 20 or more hours per week, with workload fluctuating around publication deadlines and lighter scheduling during summer months.

The publisher is looking for someone who can take a publication from concept to press, combining strong editorial design instincts with deep technical print production knowledge. The role covers layout and pagination for both newspaper and magazine formats, along with advertising design and visual storytelling across all titles.

For the right candidate, this position offers a path to an Art Director role with creative direction over the full portfolio. The engagement is structured as an annual contract with renewal opportunities.

What the Role Covers

• Designing and laying out monthly newspaper editions and an annual magazine from concept through press-ready files
• Managing complex, multipage publication production including pagination, templates, and style consistency
• Handling typography, editorial layouts, advertising design, and visual storytelling across all titles
• Preparing press-ready PDFs with proper color management and adherence to printer specifications
• Communicating directly with commercial printers, troubleshooting production issues, and managing final file submissions
• Bringing fresh creative ideas while maintaining brand consistency across publications
• Staying current with design trends, new technology, and AI-powered creative and production tools

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of professional experience in magazine and/or newspaper design, layout, and pagination
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat
• Extensive knowledge of print production, prepress, press-ready PDFs, color management, and printer specifications
• Experience communicating directly with commercial printers and managing final file submissions
• Strong creative eye for typography, editorial layouts, advertising design, and visual storytelling
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet firm publication deadlines
• Portfolio must include examples of actual published, multipage magazines or newspapers

Visit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions.