Typesetting Specialist - Bibles and Reference

Title: Typesetting Specialist Bibles and Reference

Location: United States

Job Description:

Lifeway is seeking a Typesetting Specialist to lead the layout and typesetting of Bible and reference book projects for our Holman Bible & Reference Publishing imprint. In this role, you will craft high-quality, brand-consistent layouts across print and digital formats — from complex Scripture typography and study notes to ePub and PDF file preparation — ensuring every product reaches readers with accuracy and excellence. You will partner closely with editorial, design, and production teams in a remote-friendly environment, with occasional travel to Middle Tennessee for team gatherings. 

Why Lifeway? 

Lifeway is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. We believe building relationships and community is essential to how we work together, so Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and parental leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more. If this sounds like a place where you would be excited to serve the kingdom of God, we would love for you to join our team.

Responsibilities

• Lives out Lifeway’s mission and values, showing deep commitment to Kingdom work
• Execute complex Bible and reference book layouts using Adobe InDesign, XML typesetting workflows, and Lifeway's proprietary design standards 
• Apply proprietary typefaces and formatting rules to ensure readability, brand consistency, and theological accuracy across all products 
• Manage pagination, cross-references, footnotes, and special content elements such as maps, charts, and study notes 
• Prepare files for prepress and digital conversion, including ePub and PDF formats, verifying compliance with accessibility standards and Lifeway style guidelines 
• Maintain file organization, version control, and thorough production documentation throughout the project lifecycle 
• Collaborate with editors, designers, and production teams to meet deadlines and provide technical insight on layout feasibility and formatting considerations 
• Identify and recommend workflow improvements, automation tools, and XML tagging efficiencies that reduce turnaround times and enhance output quality 
• Limited travel: 2-4 times per year, typically overnight

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, publishing, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required 

Coursework or certification in digital publishing, XML, or theological studies, preferred 

Master's degree - preferred

Advanced graduate degree - not required

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, required

• Strong proficiency in Adobe InDesign for advanced typesetting and multi-layered content structures 
• 3+ years of experience in typesetting, print production, publishing, or a related field, preferably involving complex or reference-based content.  

• Expertise in typography, layout design, and complex text formatting 

• Working knowledge of XML workflows and digital publishing formats (ePub, PDF) 

• Meticulous attention to detail and quality control across large volumes of content 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with editorial, design, and production teams 

• Strong time management and organizational skills to manage multiple simultaneous projects and deadlines 
• Ability to travel to the Middle Tennessee area 2-4 times annually for team gatherings

Actively involved in an evangelical Christian church

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, preferred 

• Prior experience typesetting Scripture or complex theological reference materials 

• Experience with automation tools, scripting, or XML tagging enhancements for publishing workflows 

• Familiarity with digital accessibility requirements and standards for Bible or reference content 

• Basic knowledge of Bible translation theory, Hebrew, or Greek
• Ability to generate original ideas and creative solutions to everyday challenges.