Production Specialist

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is seeking a motivated Production Specialist with knowledge of the desktop publishing and the publication process from final draft manuscript to release of print and digital products for purchase. In this position, you will design publications and coordinate the distribution of Academy products and work closely with the Manager, Production and Digital Content Development on the production of a wide variety of print and digital products, including ebooks, apps and web-based publications.

Responsibilities:

• Use Adobe InDesign to create or modify page layouts for Academy publications; use other Adobe products or image creation tools to design images or concepts for Academy publications. 
• Design or work with outside freelance designers on book covers for individual or suite products for Academy publications. 
• Perform day-to-day tasks related to the development, manufacture, and distribution of Academy products, such as writing printer specifications and requests for cost estimates, scheduling projects, monitoring inventory levels, trafficking files and proofs, processing invoices and maintaining file archives. 
• Use content management systems to structure and edit web products that provide optimal user experience. 
• Retrieve and report analytics, such as sales, revenues, and patterns of use for apps, ebooks and online products and make forecasts for ordering more copies of existing publications. 
• Review page and cover proofs in production; mark and check corrections to ensure that files released for publication are error-free. 
• Conduct quality assurance, usability, and user experience tests on apps, web products, and ebooks, and work with vendors, editors, and manager to efficiently troubleshoot and resolve issues. 
• Research and identify potential solutions to production challenges (digital and print), and provide advice to editorial team about cost-effective, forward-thinking options for specific products or product lines. 
• Proactively suggest and implement workflow improvements that increase efficiency of print and digital production and/or lower costs.

Requirements:

The Academy is looking for an individual with basic knowledge of a publishing environment. The ideal candidate has the following:

• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop is required; additional proficiency with Acrobat Pro and MS Office suite of products is preferred. 
• Experience or interest in working in the publishing industry. Highly proficient in project management. 
• Experience working with vendors and colleagues to provide quality assurance and resolve technical issues related to development, improvement, and maintenance of digital and print products. 
• Informed about trends in digital publishing, including ebooks, apps, and interactive web products. Capable of applying this knowledge to the development and maintenance of specific digital publications. 
• Demonstrated record of at least 1 to 5 years success in prioritizing and managing multiple projects under deadlines. 
• A bachelor's degree information services/media/communications/BA liberal arts. 
• Exhibits excellent communication skills, analytical skills, and people skills. 
• Holds basic understanding of HTML, web portals and/or content management systems. 
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including ability to facilitate communications between technology vendors and individuals without technological backgrounds.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) offers a salary commensurate with experience as well as an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, LTD, tuition reimbursement and 401k match with IMMEDIATE VESTING! Telecommuting option is available.

The Academy promotes a friendly, professional and challenging team-based work environment. Also, the Academy's office is conveniently located near public transportation: two major Metra train stations (Union and Ogilvie), CTA lines and major bus routes are all within a few blocks.