PrePress Specialist

Prepress Specialists are responsible for preparing and verifying customer-submitted files and providing graphic design when needed. They ensure all print files meet technical specifications, including correct colors, resolution, fonts, and layout, and process mailing data per USPS regulations. These specialists merge variable data into Adobe InDesign files, preflight and impose them using HP SmartStream Designer, and output them for various print machines. Their responsibilities also include organizing digital files, uploading necessary documents to Postal One, and meeting daily production and mailing goals. Additionally, they may update product websites and develop Visual Basic macros.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read job ticket and all other pertinent notes and instructions to understand job specifications (e.g. customer notes, digital paperwork, etc.).
• Use Adobe Create Cloud software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat) to check incoming files to determine if all elements of the job conform to specifications.
• Ensure that we have all fonts needed for the job and resolve font conflicts.
• Check for type reflow.
• Identify missing or low-resolution images.
• Identify spot color issues and whether customer needs to fix them.
• Identify page layout issues (missing or short bleeds, text too close to trim, incorrect document size, incorrect page count, etc.)
• Perform basic file and font troubleshooting before asking customer for replacement files.
• Communicate preflight problems to Project Manager, customer, and/or production personnel.
• Work directly with Project Manager and customer as necessary to resolve preflight problems or other issues.
• Work with the HP SmartStream Designer plug-in for InDesign to create press-ready files for production (impose, add crop marks, export as correct file type).
• Work with Excel data files and link variable data InDesign art files to corresponding databases (also be familiar with endorsement codes, barcode fonts and mailing specs for variable mailing pieces).
• Upload mail.dat files and other postal paperwork to Postal One for all mailing going to the post office each day.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn Infigo, our web to print software, in order to create/update products on our student and faculty/staff websites.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn Visual Basic, in order to modify/maintain the Excel macros which streamline our daily mail production.
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This is a non-supervisory role.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Working knowledge of the Windows operating system.
• Working knowledge of the following software:
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • HP SmartStream Designer
  • HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server
• Dropbox
• Microsoft Office
• Visual Basic
• Infigo
• Working knowledge of email, FTP and Dropbox file transfers.
• Working knowledge of font handling and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of bindery, press and mail specifications (safety margins, bleeds, address block clearances, etc.).
• Working knowledge of PDF creation.
• Understanding of printing process.
• 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to process data for both daily mail and one-off mailings through Bulk Mailer presort software.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. (If not administrative duties, such as labor, define general physical abilities.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 25 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.

Driving Requirements

May occasionally need to drive a university vehicle for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

 

 

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

 

 

Pay Range

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

 

 

$18.27 - $21.63

 

 

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.