The Dark Horse Comics Design department is hiring! We are on the search for an organized and energetic Design Coordinator to join our expanding creative team.

If you are an organizational whiz that loves publishing, graphic design, art, creatives, and creative problem solving we would love to talk with you.

We’re looking for a collaborative partner that finds a sense of accomplishment through the accounting and tracking of data, keeping things organized and running smoothly, and supporting a larger team. The ideal candidate comes to tasks with trust, pride, responsibility, and accountability. While this job requires a range of skills, demonstrating familiarity with data entry, spreadsheets, and your organizational approach would be helpful. Prior experience with graphic design is a plus.

As our Design Coordinator, you are responsible for assisting the Designer Manager, Design Director and Creative Director in the day-to-day operation of the Design Department. Your objective is to coordinate and track complex design projects through the department—making sure all elements follow Dark Horse processes, remain on schedule, and adhere to established design standards. This requires regular and clear communication with many departments within the company, including Scheduling, Production, Editorial, Marketing, and Product Development (among others). This position requires detailed organization, effective communication, and a working knowledge of graphic design.

Primary Responsibilities for your day to day:

• Review work order requests for completeness and correctness. Collect any missing information before processing, and update as projects evolve
• In conjunction with the Design Manager, assign and prioritize projects within the Design department
• Maintain the status of the Design Project Tracking spreadsheet and the Design Admin email account on a daily basis
• Capture, organize, and share information on the status of projects and programs
• Work with the Scheduling department for schedule updates as needed
• Assist in monitoring project timeliness and acceptable level of design standards
• Collect, compile, and update spreadsheets and database for billable hours
• Attend weekly Design and Production meetings and others as requested
• Provide note taking in meetings as requested
• Cover the responsibilities of the Design Manager and Design Director during their absence
• Cover or reassign the administrative work for Designers during their absence
• Communicate with Design staff and other department coordinators on a regular basis
• Collaborate with other departments to streamline internal systems and processes
• Promote professionalism and a positive work environment
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of department process documents and resources, including the Design Wiki

Associate Responsibilities

• Communicate closely with Creative Director and Project Manager on Design direction as needed
• Assist in asset accounting for art book/lore projects as needed
• Assist in maintaining proper file storage, file set-up, work order and labeling procedures
• Review and revise material, as needed, going to printer (purple slip stage)
• Review and revise material, as needed, coming from printer (orange slip stage)
• Evaluate and make recommendations on current and future software needs
• Inform supervisor of any equipment failure or problems that hinder production output
• Provide feedback to Creative Director for Designer performance reviews as requested

General Requirements

• Must show highly-detailed administrative skills and have the ability to multitask, adapt to changing technology, work under tight deadlines, organize, problem-solve, prioritize, and communicate directions, opinions, and concerns effectively
• Fluency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom, in addition exposure to Adobe CC specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Bridge
• Experience and/or interest in the creative industry with a focus toward publishing production and project management procedures and standards
• Flexible with both independent and collaborative workflows
• Associates Degree and or equivalent preferred

This position is both full-time and hybrid. Someone who is local to the Portland area is preferred. Remote opportunities may be considered for candidates who reside in Oregon, Washington, or California.

If you are excited about this opportunity and think you would be a good fit please provide a resume and a cover letter that communicates who you are, your strengths, and why you’re excited to work at Dark Horse (feel free to include salary requirements in the letter). Thank you!