Publications Creatives Specialist

Note: Resumes accepted through August 31, 2026

The MAA Publications Creative Specialist provides creative, production, and services for MAA print publications MAA FOCUS (the MAA member magazine) and Math Horizons. 

Core responsibilities:

• Carrying out production MAA FOCUS and Math Horizons including for magazine features, special publications, covers, advertisements, as well as suggesting and sourcing images, maintaining and curating 
• Collaborating with editors, writers, photographers, and marketing teams to translate editorial content into visually appealing designs.
• Develop creative concepts, infographics, charts, illustrations, and visual elements that enhance storytelling.
• Creating promotional materials for the MAA publications including, but not limited to: print and online advertisements, banners, posters, journal cards, social media graphics in line with official MAA branding guidelines
• Supporting the redesign of existing MAA publications and the launch of new ones.
• Preparing print-ready files and digital assets according to production specifications.
• Reviewing proofs and making revisions as needed to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Managing the collection of publishing and copyright licenses for MAA FOCUS articles in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensuring consistent application of brand standards, style guides, and publication design principles.
• Managing relationships with external contractors and vendors working on MAA publications related projects.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced publishing environment.
• Staying current with and applying design trends, publishing technologies, and industry best practices.

Core competencies:

• Mastery of creating grid-based page designs to create visual variety across different spreads while maintaining a cohesive publication style.
• Strong understanding of concepts such as font pairing, kerning, tracking, and creating distinct visual hierarchies with headlines, subheads, pull quotes, and body copy.
• Profound understanding of typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy to ensure superior reader experience.
• Ability to conceptualize how images, illustrations, and text function in visual storytelling to guide the reader through 
• Strong commitment to quality control and excellent attention to detail
• Outstanding organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize workload effectively. 

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in magazine, newspaper, or editorial publishing. Experience in producing membership magazines or trade publications would be an advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in industry standard publishing design software including: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator
• Solid knowledge of the print production process including a strong understanding and experience of prepress processes, bleeds, margins, paper stock, and binding methods.
• Proficiency in sourcing and curating images for use in publications. Experience in the use of AI tools to create high-quality images.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality magazine visual designs and layouts on time and on budget.
• Proven track record of creating detailed publishing plans and meeting, and ensuring that others meet strict publishing deadlines. 

Compensation and benefits

The post carries a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience in the range of $70,000-$85,000 per year. The MAA offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, a contributory retirement plan, and paid time off.   

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

MAA offers a hybrid working system with two in-office days per week at its Washington D.C. office. The role is also open to a fully remote candidate.