Publication Layout Specialist

Full Job Description

Description:

Are you a creative with a passion for design and an eye for detail? Would you like to work in a collaborative editorial environment? The Legislative Audit Division (LAD) is hiring a dynamic individual to fill the role of Publication Layout Specialist.

About Us: At the Montana Legislative Audit Division (LAD), we play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in state government. By conducting audits of government agencies, we provide lawmakers and the public with essential, fact-based information to guide informed policy decisions.

Your Role: As a Publication Layout Specialist, you work as a part of the division's editorial function. You have a hands-on role in the packaging and pageantry behind many of our division's documents and communications. While formatting memos, letters, and audit reports, you'll use your expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign) to create print materials. You will put your design knowledge to use as you integrate text and graphics into composite documents, ensuring a blend of style and substance.

The Publication Layout Specialist is a member of our division's editorial function and our six-person administration team. Under the direction of the Content Editor, the Publication Layout Specialist must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Among other tasks, the ability to be detail-oriented, excellent time management skills, and a welcoming and friendly attitude are all pluses.

Key Responsibilities Include:

•Prepare various documents for print, including letters, memos, reports, and articles

•Design visually appealing layouts using typography and graphics

•Collaborate with content contributors to deliver polished final products

•Assist in copy editing and proofreading (AP Style)

•Coordinate with state print and mail services for production needs

•Maintain project timelines and ensure timely completion of tasks

Skills:

•Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat

•Strong knowledge of English language structure and grammar

•Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

•Excellent organizational and time management skills

•Ability to adapt to evolving technology and software

•Creative problem-solving skills

•Attention to detail and ability to work under deadlines

Why Join Us:

Impactful Work: At LAD, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, independent audits that directly shape government policies and initiatives.

Excellent Communication: We're committed to delivering communication through various audit report products, ensuring that our findings are clear, concise, and actionable.

Nonpartisan Environment: As a nonpartisan organization, we pride ourselves on our impartiality and dedication to serving the lawmaker and public interest above all else.

Take the opportunity to showcase your creativity and make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment. Join us and help us shape the future of design production at LAD! Our positions provide salary adjustments and career advancement based on merit. We offer flexible work schedules with teleworking options upon supervisor approval. Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A comprehensive benefits package, including a state contribution of more than $12,000/year for health, life, dental, and optional vision, is also offered.

The hourly rate of this position will increase by $1.50 per hour starting July 1, 2024, per HB13.

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate: The preferred candidate should possess a layout or design portfolio and demonstrate a solid grasp of design principles, including proficiency in color theory and typography. Proficiency with Adobe InDesign software is essential, along with the ability to effectively integrate written copy and illustrations into finished pieces. Additionally, experience working within a small collaborative team, preferably in an editorial or design capacity, is highly valued.

Qualifications: An associate or bachelor's degree in a creatively applicable field, such as graphic design or publication production, or a high school graduate with four years of relevant work experience is required. Applicants may be asked to provide examples of publication or design work.

Apply Today: If you're ready to take your design skills to the next level and become part of a dynamic editorial team, we want to hear from you! Submit your application today and do impactful work at the Legislative Audit Division.

College graduates providing work examples or with portfolios are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome candidates to leverage their degree as practical experience.