Role Snapshot
Just Right Reader seeks a part-time contract Graphic Designer to create book layouts, covers, flyers, presentations, and other brand-aligned literacy product materials. The role supports the company's mission to help children become confident readers through Science of Reading-based resources.
Job Description
About Just Right Reader
Just Right Reader is a literacy publisher dedicated to helping children become confident, successful readers through engaging, research-based resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Our growing product line includes decodable and knowledge-building books, classroom resources, teacher guides, lesson plans, literacy games, family resources, and marketing materials designed for students from Birth through Grade 12.
We're seeking a Graphic Designer to support our Product team with the design and development of engaging, polished, and brand-aligned visual materials. This contractor will contribute to a variety of projects, including book design, product materials, flyers, presentations, and other creative assets that support our growing literacy product portfolio.
About This Engagement
This is an ongoing, project-based engagement for a versatile mid-level Graphic Designer who can independently execute a variety of design projects with an understanding of visual storytelling, brand standards, and production quality.
The ideal contractor is creative, detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable managing multiple assignments with varying timelines. Projects will be provided as business needs arise, with clear objectives, deliverables, and mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
Time Commitment & Availability
The anticipated workload is 0-20 hours per week, depending on project volume and business needs. Work is assigned on an as-needed basis, with no guaranteed minimum number of hours or assignments.
Contractors independently determine their work schedules and availability while meeting mutually agreed-upon project deadlines.
Availability Expectations: Contractors should generally respond to project inquiries and assignment requests within 24 hours, when reasonably possible, to support timely project coordination.
Scope of Work
- Design and develop book layouts, covers, and supporting materials for Just Right Reader's literacy products.
- Create visually engaging flyers, slide decks, presentations, and other product-related collateral.
- Develop and adapt creative assets that align with established brand guidelines, visual standards, and product requirements.
- Support smaller, ad hoc design projects and product-based creative needs as they arise.
- Prepare and deliver polished, production-ready design files in appropriate formats for print and digital use.
- Incorporate feedback and requested revisions within the scope of agreed-upon projects.
- Independently manage assigned projects, including estimating effort, communicating progress, and delivering completed work within mutually agreed-upon timelines.
This engagement does not include internal people management, HR responsibilities, or administrative duties.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating strong visual design and production capabilities.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Canva, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
- Experience designing multi-page layouts, books, presentations, marketing collateral, and other print and digital materials - including accessibility guidelines.
- Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, visual hierarchy, and brand consistency.
- Ability to interpret creative direction and independently translate concepts into polished design deliverables.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders.
Preferred Experience
- Educational publishing, children's books, literacy, or related industries.
- Familiarity with print production processes, prepress requirements, and preparing files for professional printing.
- Designing educational materials for teachers, students, or families.
Engagement Details
- This role is structured as an independent contractor (1099) engagement.
- Duration: This will be an ongoing agreement that will be evaluated for continuation on a monthly basis per business need.
- The contractor will determine their own work schedule, methods, tools, and approach, subject to agreed-upon milestones and deadlines.
- The contractor may provide services to other clients during the term of this engagement.
- Compensation will be provided on a monthly retainer or project-based basis, as outlined in a separate agreement.
- Services will be performed remotely; occasional in-person collaboration may occur by mutual agreement.
How to Express Interest
Please submit:
- Your resume highlighting relevant design experience.
- A portfolio showcasing examples of relevant graphic design work, particularly book layouts, print materials, and presentations.
- A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the engagement and how your experience aligns with our needs.
- Your preferred rate structure (hourly or project-based) and proposed rates.
Why Join Us:
At Just Right Reader, we're transforming how children learn to read. You'll be part of a passionate, growing team committed to educational equity, literacy innovation, and joyful learning.
- Mission-driven company focused on improving literacy and education outcomes.
- Collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.