[Hiring] Senior Editorial Designer @Rankings.io

Role Description

This is a remote independent contractor opportunity working closely with our US-based team. Candidates should have strong English communication skills and availability for scheduled collaboration during US Central or Eastern Time hours.

We’re looking for a Editorial Designer to own the design and production of PIM Magazine from concept through completion. This is more than a layout or production design role. You’ll take each issue from an editorial plan and collection of stories, photography, and assets to a polished, engaging publication that feels intentional from cover to cover.

You’ll collaborate closely with our Creative Manager and editorial team to establish the visual direction for each issue, develop feature concepts, design layouts, and ultimately own the execution and delivery of the finished magazine.

We’re looking for someone who understands editorial design deeply—typography, pacing, hierarchy, storytelling, imagery, and how individual spreads come together to create a cohesive publication.

Responsibilities

• Magazine Design & Creative Development
  • Own the design of PIM Magazine from initial concept through final production.
  • Develop the visual direction and design approach for each issue in collaboration with the Creative Manager.
  • Translate editorial concepts, stories, and themes into compelling visual experiences.
  • Concept and design covers, feature stories, departments, opening spreads, tables of contents, and other editorial components.
  • Create thoughtful visual hierarchy through typography, photography, illustration, graphics, and layout.
  • Identify opportunities to make stories more visually engaging rather than simply placing provided content into templates.
  • Maintain consistency across the publication while continuing to evolve its visual language.
• Production & Delivery
  • Build and maintain organized Adobe InDesign files, templates, grids, master pages, and style systems.
  • Manage design revisions throughout the editorial and review process.
  • Ensure imagery, typography, spacing, color, and other details meet a high creative standard.
  • Prepare final files for print, including bleeds, color profiles, image resolution, preflight, and other production requirements.
  • Package and maintain organized source files and assets.
  • Own design deadlines and keep magazine production moving from kickoff through final delivery.
• Creative Collaboration
  • Partner closely with the Creative Manager on overall creative direction and quality.
  • Collaborate with writers, editors, marketers, photographers, and other creative partners throughout production.
  • Present and explain design concepts and creative decisions.
  • Incorporate feedback while maintaining a strong point of view and advocating for great design.
  • Support select long-form and editorial-focused creative projects outside of the magazine when capacity allows.

What Success Looks Like

• You can take an editorial plan, finished copy, photography, brand guidelines, and a creative conversation and turn them into a finished magazine.
• You don’t need someone to tell you what every page should look like. You bring ideas, develop concepts, solve visual problems, and carry the publication through the details of production.
• The Creative Manager provides partnership and creative direction. You own bringing the magazine to life.

Qualifications

• Portfolio Required. Please share 3-5 work examples.
• 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with significant experience in editorial or publication design.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong magazine, editorial, book, report, or long-form publication work.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Exceptional typography, composition, hierarchy, and layout skills.
• Experience taking publications from early concept through final print production.
• Strong understanding of print-production requirements and preparing press-ready files.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership without requiring detailed creative direction for every spread.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable managing multiple rounds of feedback and working toward firm publication deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.

Technology and Security Requirement

Contractors accessing Rankings.io systems and client data are required, under the terms of the Contractor Services Agreement, to maintain endpoint security software (Huntress) for the duration of the engagement. This does not grant Rankings.io remote access to, or control over, contractor devices.

Compensation & Work Environment

• Monthly retainer of $3200 –$4000 USD, invoiced by the contractor.
• Fully Remote
• Long-term engagement opportunity

Engagement Type

This opportunity is structured as an independent contractor engagement. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations in their country of residence. This posting should not be interpreted as creating an employment relationship. The selected candidate will provide services to Rankings.io as an independent contractor pursuant to a written contractor agreement. Contractors must reside in an eligible country. We are unable to engage contractors located in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, Belarus, or the Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, or Zaporizhzhia regions.

What to Expect in the Interview Process

• Human Resume Review : Your resume will be reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team: Real people, not AI.
• One-Way Video Interview : Selected candidates will be sent a link to complete a one-way video interview. Please plan to record in your typical work-from-home environment, ensuring it is well-lit and free of distractions.
• Live Zoom Interview : Candidates who move forward will meet with Talent Acquisition and the Hiring Manager for a live Zoom interview to discuss experience, role expectations, and project fit.