Title: Pre-Press/Digital Production Specialist

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Finance and Administration

Department: Auxiliary Services

Position Summary

This position is primarily responsible for preparing and designing files for production and working with customers to advise what file types and configurations are best for their respective requests. This position will process data merges, typeset various items (business cards, postcards, and note cards), send proofs to customers, operate the digital production printers and envelope press, assist with bindery and finishing needs, and provide excellent customer service.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.

Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.

Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses

Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.

Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.

Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.

Free use of campus fitness facilities.

Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.

Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Associate degree, or vocational or technical school degree in any relevant field of study with minimum 3 years of experience. Relevant experience working in a marketing, graphic design, or printing company may substitute for the above education if applicant can demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to perform key responsibilities.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in in relevant field of study.

Job Duties

• Pre-Press File Preparation
  • Access and download files from the online order system and department email.
  • Preflight files for resolution, size, and format; make corrections and adjustments as needed.
  • Typeset orders and set up merges as requested by customers.
  • Advise customers on optimal file types and configurations for specific job requirements.
  • Send digital proofs to customers for review and approval.
• Digital Press and Envelope Press Production
  • Operate digital production presses for various materials including postcards, business cards, and personalized mailers.
  • Process envelope printing requests using the digital envelope press.
  • Set up files for sequential or variable printing when insertion or mailing order is required.
  • Maintain correct printed output for all jobs to ensure proper post-production workflow.
  • Monitor print quality and perform basic press maintenance. 
• Customer Service and Safety
  • Provide high-quality customer service to all stakeholders in person, by phone, and via email to all university and community constituents.
  • Prepare price quotes for standard and specialty jobs as requested by customers.
  • Process payments for personal and external orders using cash and Phoenix Cash.
  • Provide design and production support for high-profile campus departments ensuring accuracy, discretion, and brand consistency.
  • Follow all safety protocols related to all equipment.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Identify and recommend opportunities to improve Print Services’ operations.
• Order Management
  • Monitor and manage the online storefront order queue and email-based requests.
  • Enter emailed orders into the online storefront.
  • Coordinate with team members to prioritize jobs based on deadlines and changes.
  • Support a high-volume operation with over 10,000 annual orders, requiring careful prioritization and coordination to meet same-day and next-day turnaround expectations.
• Bindery and Finishing
  • Operate the various bindery and finishing equipment including but not limited to the folder, laminator, booklet maker, 3-hole punch, slitter/cutter/creaser, guillotine cutter, and shrink wrap machine.
  • Perform padding and glue work for notepad binding.
  • Organize materials and inform supervisor when supplies need replenishing.
• Graphic Design
  • Serve as the lead designer for custom print jobs, including postcards, business cards, nametags, and event materials.
  • Consult with customers to define project scope and design needs.
  • Design and format personalized items such as admissions mailings, name tags, programs, and athletic passes.
  • Create original digital artwork and prepare print-ready files using the latest design software in alignment with university branding standards.