Senior Art Director – Book Publishing & Typography

Founded in 1994, Assouline transformed the illustrated book market into a cornerstone of the luxury lifestyle. Today, we are more than a publishing house we are the "first brand of luxury culture." From our curated boutiques to our presence in the world's most prestigious wholesalers, Assouline provides a world of intellect and good taste.

We are seeking a Senior Art Director with a deep command of book publishing, typography, and print production to lead the creative development of our illustrated titles. This is a role for a designer who reads the book as an object of culture, one in which typography, pacing, material, and image work in concert to create something collectible, something built to last.

This is a full-time, in-office position (5 days per week) based in our NYC office. The ideal candidate must present a portfolio demonstrating significant book publishing experience, including completed titles and strong typographic systems.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Creative Director, the Senior Art Director will oversee approximately 15–20 luxury book projects annually from concept through final print production. This role requires mastery of typographic design, visual storytelling, and physical book construction, as well as the ability to collaborate with editors, publishers, production teams, and external clients.

In addition to leading internal creative development, this individual will participate in client meetings, pitches, and presentations, confidently articulating design direction and creative rationale.

Responsibilities

Creative Direction

The Senior Art Director leads the design of illustrated titles from concept through print, building typographic systems, grids, and layouts that carry the story and the house identity. This includes shaping visual narrative through pacing, white space, and hierarchy; developing templates, cover concepts, and interior architecture; and holding every detail, letterform, tracking, and leading, to the Assouline standard. The role also mentors designers in carrying that direction through to execution.

Collaboration

The Senior Art Director partners with the Creative Director, editors, and publishers from first vision to publication, and takes part in client meetings, pitches, and presentations, articulating design decisions with a clear rationale. The role works closely with editorial, communications, production, and outside partners throughout.

Production

The Senior Art Director prepares and oversees print‑ready mechanicals for offset production, working with printers on material, finish, and color. The role directs photo and video shoots as needed, leads image research and selection, manages file routing and archiving for reprints, and keeps every project on schedule without compromising the design.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in book publishing and print design
• A portfolio of completed, printed books, ideally in art, fashion, architecture, or a similarly visual category
• Advanced mastery of typography, layout systems, and visual hierarchy
• Deep understanding of offset printing, materials, binding, and production
• Exceptional aesthetic judgment and attention to detail
• Strong communication and presentation skills, particularly in client-facing settings
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Advanced proficiency in Mac OS and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

A portfolio is required. Applications without substantial samples in book publishing and typography will not be considered.

Candidate Profile

Conceptually Rigorous – You approach book design as both narrative and object, considering structure, typography, materials, and experience holistically.

Typographically Obsessed – You care deeply about letterforms, spacing, rhythm, and refinement.

Client-Confident – You are comfortable presenting creative ideas and engaging directly with partners.

Detail-Oriented – You uphold the highest standards in production accuracy and finishing.

Collaborative Yet Autonomous – You lead decisively while fostering strong studio relationships.

Motivated & Inquisitive – You continuously refine your craft and remain curious about culture, design, and publishing.

Compensation: $120,000 to $160,000 annually

Assouline is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.