Production Artist - Print, Mail, and Trademark Licensing Services

About the position

University Services provides centralized services that support the unique needs of the campus' living, learning, teaching and research communities. The organization is guided by the University's strategic framework and campus plans, and focuses on three core principles: service excellence, efficiency & effectiveness, and team & people. Print, Mail & Trademark Licensing Services is one of eight departments within University Services. The department is supported by state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained staff, and structured into four operating units that often work together: The print team offers comprehensive design, printing and bindery services to faculty, staff, and students in support of the University's mission to advance learning. The creative team supports the creative and marketing needs of campus, offering design and writing services. Projects include logos and identity systems, posters, postcards and mailers, publications, programs, presentations, promotional items, website and social media graphics, event signage, environmental graphics and wayfinding. The package and mail team receives and sorts all inbound packages and mail, and then delivers to students, faculty and staff at the University's main campus and the Meadows, Forrestal and Carnegie campuses. The team also works in concert with the print operation to provide seamless print-to-mail fulfillment services using variable data technology and postal metering. The trademark licensing team promotes and protects the use of Princeton's name and trademarks domestically and internationally. Currently, Princeton has over 80 approved brand Licensees. Print, Mail & Trademark Licensing Services leaders and staff are committed to a collaborative work environment that values diversity, integrity, service excellence, collegiality and teamwork. The department fulfills more than 6,000 jobs annually, and it is crucial that the department fulfill those jobs in a timely and accurate manner. Staff are expected to maintain a flexible work schedule based on work demands. This includes occasionally working outside of standard business hours to meet deadlines. Print, Mail & Trademark Licensing Services is dedicated to supporting Princeton University's Sustainability Action Plan and efforts to achieve a diverse and welcoming environment. We provide clients with sustainable options, including wide format eco-solvent inks, and we are dedicated to utilizing socially responsible vendors and engaging with local and diverse suppliers. Print, Mail & Trademark Licensing Services employees work at the Forrestal Campus, in Plainsboro, NJ. Staff are required to work on-site during operating hours (8:45 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday). There is no remote work option. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Design Services, this role produces production artwork, image manipulation for print and electronic media communications for Princeton University faculty, staff and students. This position also encompasses production operations such as job tracking on in-house/external jobs, job prioritization, deadline perimeters and clerical facets of operations. The Production Artist is a new, three-year term role. The Design Services unit operates as a fee-for-service model and is expected achieve set financial goals over a three-year period. A strong work ethic and spirit of entrepreneurship are required to help the unit meet these goals. The Term appointment may be extended with prior approval assuming satisfactory performance, ongoing need and available funding. Term positions are benefits eligible. All applicants must submit a cover letter, as well as a design portfolio via PDF or link to website.

Responsibilities

• Prepare final, press-ready files based on supplied specifications for several types of printing
• Make various formats of supplied artwork production-ready and resolve any artwork issues that arise during production
• Provide image retouching, clipping paths and additional image manipulation
• Package and prepare files for release to printers or media partners
• Create PDFs for print and client review
• Prepare images for online and mobile applications
• Maintain production files, including fonts, images, logos and other artwork
• Follow a development timeline to ensure tasks are being completed on time
• Troubleshoot problems as they arise with both the design team and the print production
• Stay up to date with current graphic design trends, techniques and software
• Collaborate closely with Senior Designer and Assistant Director, Design Services
• Strict adherence to design processes
• Demonstrated knowledge of color theory, layout, and pre-flighting techniques
• Development of design templates and type style sheets for all media
• Assist clients with file intervention as needed
• Expertise operating on Mac platform with full utilization of hardware and software to complete graphic assignments via InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Diligent scrutiny of press proofs and image quality prior to release to clients
• Design queue management, job prioritization and input into production art job scheduling
• Serve as the backup to prepress and digital press output operations (Ricoh, Oki)
• Quality control of graphic design and print output on all documents, including mandatory spell-check prior to client release into Production
• Troubleshoot file issues to resolution
• Digitize text, photos and other graphic tools and special effects for repairing, rebuilding, enhancing and converting into layout applications
• Manage computer files to ensure proper storage, archive pack up as well accessibility of computer graphics in various stages of completion
• Monitor care and quality of computer equipment and perform timely upgrades of software
• Assure a well-managed, logical hard drive and back up for efficient operations
• Adhere to and provide input to Account Services quality control procedures/guidelines and protocols for clients
• Report customer concerns regarding quality, deadlines or other aspects of services to supervisor
• Assist the team with long term strategic planning improvements to quality control processes
• Produce original graphic design for campus partners
• Remain current with media and creative industries, and supporting technologies including OS systems, design software and image manipulation programs.

Requirements

• Must be well-versed in various software programs and tools to create high-quality visual designs, illustrations and animations (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Solid knowledge of printing processes and be adept with software applications such as FlightCheck, Adobe Creative Suite, Keynote and Microsoft Office
• Experience with prepress operations and digital press output
• Bachelor's degree in design or other related studies or equivalent experience in print production and design

Nice-to-haves

• Understanding of color theory, composition and layout principles
• Communication skills needed to work well with clients and colleagues
• Analytical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with digital content such as websites, social media, online advertising and email campaigns, along with basic knowledge of HTML5 and web design software

Benefits

• Benefits eligible
• Probationary period of 180 days
• Standard weekly hours of 36.25
• No overtime eligibility