CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Reports to: Executive Editor

Hours: 25–30 hours per week

Position Overview

SLUG Magazine is seeking an experienced, self-directed Graphic Designer to support the visual production of our monthly print publication and digital platforms. This role is central to SLUG’s editorial identity — shaping the look of each issue from concept through final print, while also supporting web, social, and branded content needs. The ideal candidate is deeply embedded in independent media, music, and arts culture; thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative editorial environment; and brings both strong design instincts and the organizational chops to keep production moving on deadline.

This is a part-time, in-office employee position averaging 25–30 hours per week, with increased hours during peak production periods for the monthly print issue.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial Design & Production

• Design two to three full editorial layouts per month, from concept through copy-edit-ready files, for inclusion in the monthly print issue.
• Brainstorm and develop monthly content pitches in collaboration with the editorial team.
• Post two cover concepts monthly and assist the Associate Editor and Editorial Coordinator in coordinating final cover selection and execution.
• Compile and format the Daily Calendar section for print each month.
• Prepare layouts for copy editing and maintain the Production Issue throughout the monthly cycle.
• Participate in and contribute to Production Day, a full day of intensive design output each month.

Web & Digital Design

• Serve as the editorial liaison to the web development team for SLUGMag.com projects, attending weekly developer meetings and translating editorial needs into actionable design direction.
• Design and update web graphics and digital assets in alignment with SLUG’s brand.

Branded Content

• Create design layouts for branded content packages, coordinating with relevant staff to meet advertiser and editorial needs.

Contributor Relations & Team Support

• Onboard new volunteer contributor applicants, including illustrators and designers.
• Manage the design intern program, including hiring, training and conducting quarterly performance reviews.
• Maintain daily communication responsiveness across Slack, email and text.

Skills

Core Skills

• Editorial Design: Deep experience with layout, typography and composition for print publications.
• Brand Stewardship: Ability to maintain and evolve SLUG’s distinctive visual voice across print and digital.
• Production Management: Comfortable managing multiple concurrent layouts, coordinating with editors and hitting firm monthly deadlines.
• Communication: Clear, proactive communicator with editorial staff, contributors, developers and advertisers.
• Team Leadership: Experience mentoring interns, volunteers or junior designers and providing constructive feedback.
• Receptiveness to Feedback: Ability to accept constructive feedback and translate it into thoughtful, timely design updates.
• Iteration & Revision: Comfortable revising designs through multiple rounds while maintaining quality and consistency.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)  InDesign expertise is essential.
• Experience designing for print production, including prepress and file preparation.
• Working knowledge of web design and digital asset creation for CMS (WordPress) and social platforms.
• Familiarity with project management and communication tools (Slack, Google Workspace, etc.).
• Familiarity with current graphic design, web and digital media trends.
• Photography experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Figma for prototyping website user interface

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving: Creative, solution-oriented approach to design challenges.
• Adaptability: Comfortable making revisions and working flexible hours as needed.
• Collaboration: Works closely and comfortably with editorial, web, sales and creative teams.
• Openness to Feedback: Ability to accept and incorporate constructive criticism.
• Community-Oriented: Genuine investment in SLUG’s mission and the independent music and arts communities it serves.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Graphic Designer in print media, editorial or publishing, with a strong portfolio demonstrating layout and publication work.
• Experience managing or mentoring design interns. volunteers or junior staff.
• Familiarity with independent media, music, or arts culture strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SLUG Magazine is an equal opportunity employer. SLUG Magazine will not discriminate and will take measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.