"Print Production Coordinator"

Description

The Print Production Coordinator will perform production and procurement of all orders for university-branded printed materials, adhering to branding guidelines, a high standard of production in quality and service, and a high level of attention to detail. This position will manage print orders from start to finish, working with campus departments to facilitate production in-house and through contracted vendors. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with detailed knowledge of printing and mailing processes, in addition to project management, production scheduling, time management and accountability.

Additional key responsibilities include project coordination, building estimates, vendor relations, quality control, cost management, communication, troubleshooting, maintaining accurate and detailed records specific to each individual print job, and an aptitude for multiple computer software programs to run specialty equipment (Adobe Suite, Google Suite, Lightburn (CAD software), HP Flexi, Sai Connect, Canva, Photoshop, Indesign, and more).

Through supervision of Distribution & Print Operations Management, the position will coordinate all printed projects requiring specialty mailing standards with USPS requirements to ensure production and specifications for projects are met for best mailing practices and allow for optimal cost savings in print production and postage fees.

Examples of Duties

Duties Include - 60%

• Coordinate all aspects of the on-site campus print department, including, but not limited to, digital printing press equipment, commercial laser/rotary engraving equipment, vinyl plotting/cutting equipment, commercial heat shrink wrap equipment, specialty cutting/trimming equipment, large-format vinyl/poster printer, operate letter folder/inserter equipment, package tracking scanning system, and all specialty software specific to each piece of equipment.
• Receives and reviews printing job orders via online order forms. Works with departments to assess needs and determines the most effective solutions and offers alternative options for quantities, production methods, materials, designs and capabilities to accommodate designed production requests and timelines.
• Prepare project estimates based on specifications. Comparing costs and contracted vendors vs. in house capabilities and production availability to provide most cost efficient methods and timelines.
• Write specifications for print and bulk mailing projects based on requests/needs of campus departments.
• Provide files and specifications to vendors. Place orders in the specific vendor-provided portal software for efficient and accurate job processing. Work with contracted vendors to review and resolve issues.
• Log incoming print jobs in the software database and inspect review requests to ensure cost estimate matches quotes. Track all aspects of each individual project including quotes, options, quantities, materials, specialty components, mailing status, billing information, job analysis, production and equipment use and re-order records.
• Monitor, and ensure work conforms to project specifications, brand integrity, and quality standards. Work directly with Integrated Marketing and Communications on branding guidelines to assist in providing clear and concise guidance to campus departments.
• Provide excellent customer service from start to finish of print project. Communicate clearly, professionally, and with high attention to detail both verbally and in writing with internal clients and contracted vendors.
• Make mailing recommendations based on project specifics (including but not limited to: quantity, schedule, production limitations, USPS mailing design standards, and postal limitations.
• Ensure that all printed product that requires mailing carries proper identification for return address, charge back purposes and adheres to USPS mailing requirements.
• Maintain mailing records for proper USPS and university chargeback documentation.
• Under the direction of the Distribution & Print Operations Manager, assist in specialty projects as needed to accommodate the needs of campus clients. This may include project management, custom formatted pieces, specialty mailing & shipping needs, custom production methods, and other duties as assigned.

30%

• Stay current and research market for current and new solutions to fulfil university needs and requests.
• Assist in department budget tracking, including processing billings/chargebacks to customers and monitoring the ERP system (Banner) for payments.
• Evaluate stock material needs and projections, procure, receive, and cycle materials as needed to ensure product is used timely and stored correctly for conditions required for specialty materials.
• Conduct yearly inventory for all stocked materials.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

10%

• Monitor, troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance and mechanical repairs and adjustments, software updates and unforeseen equipment breakdowns to ensure seamless production schedule is maintained. Work to include printers, print heads, conveyors belts, sheet fed equipment, finishers, laser tubes, gear and belt driven equipment and more.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree, or combined 3 years experience in print production, bulk mailing, customer service, and vendor relations.

Experience Requirements:

Three (3) years experience working in printing service environment with experience in customer service preferred.

One (1) year experience using Apple and Windows computer and related software such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite, Fiery Software, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Roland CutStudio, Onyx PosterShop, Lightburn Engraving Software, and HP Flexi Studio/SAiA.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Minimum of one (1) year experience in use of computer and mechanical equipment required.

Special Instructions:

Full-time staff & 12-month faculty benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks paid vacation per year; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

9-month faculty benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

Part-time benefits-eligible positions: Benefits include generous education assistance for the employee.

Temporary, adjunct, student employment, or graduate assistant positions: Benefits are not included.

Completed UCM online application for employment required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A review will begin immediately and continue until filled unless indicated otherwise.

NOTE: A background check is required for the selected candidate of all staff, faculty, adjunct, and temporary positions and any job offer is contingent on the results of this check. Student employees and graduate assistants do not require a background check to be conducted prior to employment.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.