Manager, Production Design (National Geographic)

Job Posting Title:

Manager, Production Design (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156253

Job Description:

Lead the print production team supporting National Geographic Magazine, Kids/Little Kids, Bookazines, and History publications, ensuring efficient workflows, high-quality output, and on-time release while maintaining design integrity and production excellence.

Responsibilities:

• •Lead and develop a team of production specialists.
• •Oversee production schedules, proofing cycles, and release readiness. Ensure files meet technical, prepress, and printer specifications.
• •Partner with Design, Editorial, Photo, Graphics, and vendors to resolve issues.
• •Maintain production standards, workflows, and quality control processes.
• •Drive operational improvements and production efficiency across publications.

Basic Qualifications:

• •Minimum 7 years of experience in print production, magazine publishing, or related media environments.
• •Experience leading teams and managing complex production workflows.
• •Advanced expertise in Adobe InDesign and print production processes.
• •Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• •Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• •Experience supporting multiple publication brands or product lines.
• •Knowledge of publishing workflow systems such as K4.
• •Experience with printer/vendor management and release processes.
• •Understanding of color correction, retouching, and image reproduction standards.
• •Proven success improving workflows and production operations.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Publishing, Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education:

Advanced degree or specialized training in Publishing, Graphic Design, Production Management, or a related discipline.

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $115,500 to $154,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Editorial - Graphic Development

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-21