Senior Designer - Random House Children's Books - (Hybrid)

Random House Children’s Books is seeking to hire a Senior Designer to join our fast-paced art department. This candidate will be responsible for art direction and design of board books and picture books for our WaterBrook Children’s publishing imprint and have a desire to grow with the imprint. Hybrid candidates within commuting distance to our offices in Manhattan are preferred. This role will report to the Executive Art Director. 

Titles from WaterBrook Children’s include God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant; A Party to Remember by Tim Tebow, illustrated by Jane Chapman; Holy Night and Little Star by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Khoa Le; God’s Masterpiece by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, illustrated by Julia Seal; and The Creator in You by Jordan Raynor, illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

1. Work collaboratively with Executive Art Director, Publishing Director, and Senior Editor to develop covers and interiors and support the objectives of the publishing program overall 
2. Responsible for effective, high-quality design of assigned titles from concept to final art to print ready files using creativity, resourcefulness, and understanding of goals 
3. Research and pitch new artists. Present appropriate samples and/or materials in meetings with editorial 
4. Under supervision of Executive Art Director, hire and direct illustrators through entire book development—initial sketches through revisions, to final art for approximately 15–20 titles per year 
5. Prepare jacket, cover, and interior mechanicals for routing, approvals, and release to production per printing standards, with attention to detail, and in a timely manner to maintain schedules and meet deadlines 
6. Review color proofs in the office with production manager and make color correction as needed 
7. Create sales material for assigned titles 
8. Develop and maintain ability to problem-solve with sensitivity and self-awareness 
9. Track design trends in the Christian publishing space
10. Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with all internal and external contacts 
11. Attend and participate in production, cover, team, and title-specific meetings 
12. Perform other related duties as assigned 

 

Essential Qualifications/Requirements: 

• 5–7 years in a publishing art department with a focus on picture and board books 

• Self-manage workload to meet deadlines and prioritize accordingly. Can make creative and project management decisions within framework set by Executive Art Director. Is responsible for making Executive Art Director aware of plans and asking for support or help as needed 

• Excellent typography, design, and art direction skills 

• Mastery of current InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator programs 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, quality, and process 

• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Knowledge of children’s bestsellers, trends, and illustrators, with an emphasis on young, illustrated books

• Understanding of the Christian children’s book market a plus 

 

Bonus Qualifications: 

• Lettering skills 

• Advanced art retouching/color correction skills 

This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities (approximately 2-3 days a week). We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, and NY). 

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 by June 11, 2026, using our ATS system and include your cover letter and resume for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page.