Prepress Coordinator

At Phoenix International Publications Inc., we craft engaging, educational, and entertaining books for young readers worldwide to encourage a lifelong love of story time! Our award-winning sound books, picture books, board books, Look and Find® books, and more provide a fun and interactive reading experience for children and their families. As a leading licensee, our partners include Disney, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Baby Einstein, World of Eric Carle, and others. Are you ready to join our team? We’re looking for a full-time Prepress Coordinator. This position is based in our Chicago office, and we offer a flexible work arrangement: 3 days working in the Chicago office and 2 days working remotely.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• For all assigned projects, review book and packaging layouts for proper production and printer issues, such as bleed, foil and embossing layers, taglines, pagination, template, and construction.
• Receive and check all final project files, create print-ready PDF files, preflight files, and output color proofs to route using Gracol7 color calibration standards.
• Upload plate-ready PDF files and proofs to printers, receive and review soft proofs for each project, request and review cover treatments via press proofs, and give printers the final OK to proceed to bulk printing.
• Review project specifications for accuracy to ensure POs are issued with correct information.
• Assist when issues relating to advance book samples arise by communicating directly with the printer.
• Communicate daily with overseas printers on current projects.
• Maintain complete project information, including all transactions and communication with printers.
• Order, manage, and approve foil stamping and embossing tools for cover treatments.
• Provide and communicate with team in Shenzhen regarding sew-in plush tags, hang tags, or other items not produced at our regular printers’ location.
• Work closely with our Licensing team to submit files to licensing partners for review and approval. Update files accordingly.
• Work closely with Publishing Operations to ensure title milestone dates are met.
• Supply files to international vendors for translation and typesetting as needed.
• Revise files for international title reprint updates, as needed.
• Attend department meetings where the discussion is focused on new projects, delivery dates, and the status of current projects.
• Ship proofs and other materials to vendors in conjunction with mailroom staff.
• Stay up-to-date with current printing standards and processes.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 1-2 years of professional production experience
• Professional experience with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator in a production capacity, including preparing files for printing
• Knowledge of production specs, resolution, and file formatting
• Proactive, detailed-oriented, and highly motivated
• Time management, multitasking, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of Biblio is a plus
• Knowledge of German, Spanish, or other languages is a plus (but not required)