Senior Designer, WHO HQ, Penguin Young… at Bertelsmann · New York

Company Description

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House 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.

Job Description

Penguin Workshop, an imprint in the Penguin Young Readers division of Penguin Random House, is seeking a Designer for the #1 New York Times best-selling Who HQ series. You will help build on our previous successes in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

The Who HQ non-fiction series includes Who Was?, What Was?, Where Is?, What Is the Story Of?, What Do We Know About?, and Who HQ Now. Each book has a signature bobblehead cover and 80 B&W interior illustrations. The list includes approximately 30-40 new titles per year plus the occasional boxed set and activity book. To learn more about the brand visit www.whowasbookseries.com. (Please note the board books, picture books, and graphic novels are done by a separate design team.)

In this exciting role you will be the lead Designer responsible for hands-on design and all aspects of book production, from concept to file release, for the mainline WHO HQ book publishing program as outlined above. You will work closely with the Associate Publisher, Designers, and Editorial, and freelancers. You will have the chance to shine as you bring your unique perspective to covers and interior art for even our most thought-provoking topics. You will work directly with top artists to bring covers and interiors to life while maintaining strict brand guidelines and deadlines. You will be part of a team that genuinely cares about getting quality non-fiction into the hands of young readers.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Art directing and designing covers and interiors for approximately 30-40 new titles per year.
• Working directly with the Associate Publisher, designers, and editorial staff.
• Hiring and art directing illustrators.
• Effectively communicating art direction to artists.
• Working with off-site freelancers on interior layouts.
• Strict adherence to the brand guide and templates.
• Creating, maintaining, and strictly adhering to schedules.
• Trafficking materials for approval with multiple stakeholders.
• Preparing press ready files and approving proofs.
• Remaining current on illustration, design, and publishing trends.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a design capacity in publishing; children’s publishing strongly preferred
• A portfolio that highlights an understanding of illustration, book making, and typography skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with strict timelines is a must
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to rough sketch complex cover compositions
• Knowledge of pre-press, four-color, 2-color, and specialty printing processes a plus

Additional Information

The salary for this position is $73,500. **** All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

Please apply using our ATS system by July 23, 2026 , and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and look over our hybrid and open-to-remote guidelines on our FAQs page.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

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, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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We value the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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