Special Section and Magazine Designer

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Section & Magazine Designer is responsible for the layout and production of newspaper special sections and glossy magazines, and sometimes developing design concepts across the Swift Communications and Swift California publications. This role requires advanced design skills, editorial sensibility, and the ability to collaborate closely with publishers, advertising directors, and cross-departmental teams. The designer will manage projects from initial planning through final file delivery, ensuring all products meet brand, quality, and deadline expectations.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITY

Design & Production

• Design and layout newspaper special sections and glossy magazines incorporating both editorial and advertising content.
• Produce high-quality advertising and promotional materials for special publications.
• Prepare, preflight, check, and package files for print and digital distribution.
• Submit final print ready files directly to printers.

Collaboration & Project Management

• Partner with publishers and ad directors to plan publication schedules, content flow, and design direction.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Provide excellent customer service and communication to internal and external customers.
• Assist with the development and updates of sales and marketing collateral.

Technical Workflow

• Download, organize, and preflight digital ready ads from email and online sources.
• Ensure accuracy of all files before and after production.
• Maintain organization and version control across multiple projects.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and contribute to creative development.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Director of Business Operations.

EDUCATION/SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in designer related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing multi-page publications, magazines, or special advertising sections.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly In Design, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Strong understanding of print layout, typography, grids, and publication workflows.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a self-starter mindset.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and proofreading abilities.
• Time-management skills and ability to prioritize workload.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time (32-40 hours per week), Monday – Friday, generally between 9: 00 a.m. – 5: 00 p.m. MT.
• Workload may fluctuate seasonally; busiest months are March-May and October-November.
• Flexibility required for deadlines and occasional overtime.
• Position may be performed onsite in Gypsum, CO or remotely within Colorado.
• Extended periods of computer-based work; sitting or standing options available.

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES

This role is ideal for a creative professional who appreciates the mountain lifestyle of Colorado and Tahoe and enjoys producing high-impact publications for these communities. The right candidate brings strong design vision, the ability to balance editorial and advertising needs, openness to feedback, and a commitment to excellence from start to finish. Staying organized, thriving under deadlines, and collaborating well across teams are essential.

COMPENSATION

Hourly, $26.00

ACCOUNTABILITY:   Reports to Director of Business Operations. Will work out of the Gypsum, CO building or remote in the state of Colorado.

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