Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Print Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

As our Print Coordinator, you are the central hub and driving force behind all our tangible marketing efforts. You will be the critical link between our creative vision and the final printed product, managing the entire production process with precision and expertise. This role requires a master multitasker who can juggle multiple projects, negotiate with vendors, and uphold our brand's quality standards on every single piece, from complex direct mail campaigns to large-scale event signage. You will be responsible for turning design files into high-quality, cost-effective physical assets that make a real-world impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Print Production Assistant
Graphic Designer (with a production focus)
Project Coordinator (Marketing/Advertising)

Advancement To:

Senior Print Coordinator / Print Production Manager
Creative Services Manager
Marketing Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Marketing Project Manager
Creative Services Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the end-to-end print production lifecycle for a diverse range of marketing collateral, including brochures, direct mail, point-of-sale displays, packaging, and corporate stationery.
Serve as the primary point of contact between internal stakeholders (design, marketing, sales) and external print vendors to ensure clear communication and project alignment.
Develop detailed project specifications, obtain competitive quotes from multiple vendors, and negotiate pricing, timelines, and terms to ensure cost-effectiveness and adherence to budget.
Create and diligently maintain comprehensive production schedules, track project milestones, and proactively communicate status updates, potential risks, and solutions to all relevant parties.
Conduct thorough prepress checks on all artwork files, meticulously verifying resolution, color profiles (CMYK, Pantone), bleeds, trapping, and other technical specifications before releasing to printers.
Perform rigorous quality control inspections at all stages, including digital and hard-copy proof reviews and on-site press checks, to guarantee color accuracy, print quality, and brand consistency.
Manage and cultivate a network of qualified print vendors, continuously evaluating their performance, capabilities, and pricing to optimize our print supply chain.
Advise internal teams on the most suitable print methods (e.g., offset, digital, large format), paper stocks, substrates, and finishing techniques to achieve desired creative outcomes while balancing cost.
Coordinate all logistics for finished products, including shipping, kitting, assembly, and distribution to various national or international locations, ensuring on-time delivery.
Process and track all print-related purchase orders, invoices, and expenses, ensuring accurate financial reconciliation for each project and reporting on budget variances.
Maintain a highly organized digital and physical library of final print samples, approved proofs, and project files for future reference and re-orders.
Troubleshoot and decisively resolve any production issues, delays, or quality discrepancies that arise during the print process, implementing effective corrective actions.
Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and sustainable practices in the print industry to recommend innovative solutions and continuous process improvements.
Collaborate closely with the creative team during the concept phase to provide expert guidance on the technical feasibility and production implications of design ideas.
Oversee the production of large-format graphics and environmental signage for trade shows, corporate events, and retail environments, including coordination with installation teams.
Source and procure unique substrates, specialty finishes, and custom promotional items for high-impact marketing campaigns and executive-level projects.

Secondary Functions

Manage inventory levels of standard marketing materials and corporate assets, initiating re-orders as necessary to prevent stockouts and support sales team needs.
Assist the marketing team with the physical assembly and kitting of complex campaign materials for targeted distribution.
Maintain the department's digital asset management (DAM) system, ensuring all final, print-ready files are correctly archived, tagged, and version-controlled.
Support annual budget forecasting for print expenditures by providing historical data, cost analysis, and projected costs for upcoming initiatives.
Participate in post-project reviews to identify successes and areas for improvement in the creative and production workflow.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep understanding of print production processes, including offset lithography, digital printing, large-format, and screen printing.
Expertise in prepress requirements, color management (CMYK vs. RGB, spot colors, color profiles), imposition, and file preparation for various outputs.
High proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) for file checking, pre-flighting, and making minor technical adjustments.
Strong vendor management and price negotiation skills, with experience in sourcing and evaluating print partners.
Comprehensive knowledge of various paper stocks, substrates, inks, and specialty finishing techniques (e.g., die-cutting, embossing, foil stamping, varnishes).
Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Workfront) for tracking schedules, tasks, and communications.
Familiarity with mailing, logistics, and postal regulations for direct mail campaigns.

Soft Skills

Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to manage dozens of concurrent projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for quality, color accuracy, and brand consistency.
Outstanding communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills for effectively liaising with creative professionals, internal clients, and external vendors.
Proactive and resourceful problem-solving abilities to anticipate and resolve production challenges before they become critical issues.
A collaborative spirit with the ability to work seamlessly within a team, yet self-motivated to manage tasks independently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, coupled with significant direct experience in a print production environment.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Graphic Design / Graphic Communications
Marketing
Project Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct experience in print production coordination, print buying, or project management within a corporate marketing department, advertising agency, or commercial print facility.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience managing a diverse portfolio of print projects, from high-volume offset runs to custom, short-run digital jobs, is highly desirable. Proven success in managing budgets over $100k is a plus.