Graphic Designer (Part-Time, Independent Contractor)

Responsibilities

Design and develop engaging visual materials including book layouts, covers, and marketing collateral that align with brand standards. Independently manage assigned projects from conception to production-ready file delivery while meeting agreed-upon deadlines.

Requirements

Requires 3+ years of professional graphic design experience with a strong portfolio in multi-page layouts and print materials. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva is essential, along with a solid understanding of typography and visual hierarchy.

Skills

• Graphic design
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Canva
• InDesign
• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• Book layout
• Typography
• Visual hierarchy
• Color theory
• Print production
• Prepress
• Marketing collateral
• Brand consistency
• Project management

Benefits

• Remote work
• Flexible schedule

About this role

About Just Right Reader
Just Right Reader is a literacy publisher dedicated to helping children become confident, successful readers through engaging, research-based resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Our growing product line includes decodable and knowledge-building books, classroom resources, teacher guides, lesson plans, literacy games, family resources, and marketing materials designed for students from Birth through Grade 12.
We're seeking a Graphic Designer to support our Product team with the design and development of engaging, polished, and brand-aligned visual materials. This contractor will contribute to a variety of projects, including book design, product materials, flyers, presentations, and other creative assets that support our growing literacy product portfolio.
About This Engagement
This is an ongoing, project-based engagement for a versatile mid-level Graphic Designer who can independently execute a variety of design projects with an understanding of visual storytelling, brand standards, and production quality.
The ideal contractor is creative, detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable managing multiple assignments with varying timelines. Projects will be provided as business needs arise, with clear objectives, deliverables, and mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
Time Commitment & Availability
The anticipated workload is 0-20 hours per week, depending on project volume and business needs. Work is assigned on an as-needed basis, with no guaranteed minimum number of hours or assignments.
Contractors independently determine their work schedules and availability while meeting mutually agreed-upon project deadlines.
Availability Expectations: Contractors should generally respond to project inquiries and assignment requests within 24 hours, when reasonably possible, to support timely project coordination.
Scope of Work
Design and develop book layouts, covers, and supporting materials for Just Right Reader's literacy products.
Create visually engaging flyers, slide decks, presentations, and other product-related collateral.
Develop and adapt creative assets that align with established brand guidelines, visual standards, and product requirements.
Support smaller, ad hoc design projects and product-based creative needs as they arise.
Prepare and deliver polished, production-ready design files in appropriate formats for print and digital use.
Incorporate feedback and requested revisions within the scope of agreed-upon projects.
Independently manage assigned projects, including estimating effort, communicating progress, and delivering completed work within mutually agreed-upon timelines.
This engagement does not include internal people management, HR responsibilities, or administrative duties.
Required Experience & Qualifications
3+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating strong visual design and production capabilities.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Canva, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Experience designing multi-page layouts, books, presentations, marketing collateral, and other print and digital materials - including accessibility guidelines.
Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, visual hierarchy, and brand consistency.
Ability to interpret creative direction and independently translate concepts into polished design deliverables.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders.
Preferred Experience
Educational publishing, children's books, literacy, or related industries.
Familiarity with print production processes, prepress requirements, and preparing files for professional printing.
Designing educational materials for teachers, students, or families.
Engagement Details
This role is structured as an independent contractor (1099) engagement.
Duration: This will be an ongoing agreement that will be evaluated for continuation on a monthly basis per business need.
The contractor will determine their own work schedule, methods, tools, and approach, subject to agreed-upon milestones and deadlines.
The contractor may provide services to other clients during the term of this engagement.
Compensation will be provided on a monthly retainer or project-based basis, as outlined in a separate agreement.
Services will be performed remotely; occasional in-person collaboration may occur by mutual agreement.
How to Express Interest
Please submit:
Your resume highlighting relevant design experience.
A portfolio showcasing examples of relevant graphic design work, particularly book layouts, print materials, and presentations.
A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the engagement and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Your preferred rate structure (hourly or project-based) and proposed rates.
Why Join Us:
At Just Right Reader, we're transforming how children learn to read. You'll be part of a passionate, growing team committed to educational equity, literacy innovation, and joyful learning.
Mission-driven company focused on improving literacy and education outcomes.
Collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
Competitive salary and benefits package.

About Just Right Reader

Education · 51-200 employees · headquartered in Irving, Texas