Job Posting Title: Senior Production Specialist (National Geographic) Req ID: 10156281 Job Description: Lead print production support for NGM and other complex feature-driven editorial publications. This role would manage high-volume, high-visibility pages that often require close coordination across Design, Editorial, Photo, and external vendors.
Responsibilities
Own production workflow for assigned NGM stories and departments from late-stage design through release. Prepare files for proofing, prepress, and final delivery to Quad. Review layouts for technical accuracy, including overset text, image quality, folios, layers, style consistency, and preflight issues. Manage color correction and retouching workflows in partnership with photo and design teams. Track corrections across proofs, EIC rounds, and final release stages. Coordinate with editors, designers, and photo editors to ensure all assets are complete and correctly placed. Support complex pagination, late-breaking changes, and issue close with accuracy and speed. Help maintain production standards for files, naming, packaging, and release readiness. Basic
Qualifications
Minimum 5 years’ experience in an editorial production environment Advanced InDesign production knowledge Strong print prepress and proofing expertise Excellent quality control and troubleshooting ability Ability to manage multiple moving parts under deadline Strong cross-functional communication
Preferred Qualifications
Experience
supporting the production of high-profile, feature-driven magazines or other complex print publications with demanding quality and deadline requirements. Advanced knowledge of print manufacturing, color management, prepress processes, and vendor coordination. Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and adapt quickly to late-stage editorial and design changes.
Experience
working in highly collaborative environments with editorial, design, photo, and production teams. Strong attention to detail and demonstrated success maintaining quality standards in fast-paced publishing environments. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, workflow automation tools, and evolving print production technologies.
Experience
mentoring junior production staff or serving as a subject matter expert on production best practices. Advanced knowledge of print manufacturing, color management, color correction, image reproduction, and prepress processes. Required
Education
Specialized training or certification in print production, color management, prepress, or publishing technologies Preferred
Education
Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Publishing, Journalism, Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant print production experience. The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $105,100 to $140,900 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 Learn more about us.