Design Associate

Overview

We are looking for a Design Associate with an interest in creative and purposeful storytelling to join our team. We are a global security nonprofit pushing the bounds of what is possible with open data and technology. Along the way, we’re proving that data science and beautiful design can, and should, go hand in hand.

As a Design Associate, you will be part of our Operations Team and play an integral role in our success by managing the design of our publications and other public facing and communications collateral. You will work directly with the Head of Impact Operations and collaborate with analysts and other stakeholders to create engaging infographics, maps, and data visualizations that complement our written analysis.

You will create and coordinate the production of visually compelling layouts for web and static publications and support C4ADS’ marketing and communications campaigns. By creating engaging and interactive content for a global audience, you will help strengthen the resonance of our products, effectiveness of our outreach, and continued evolution of C4ADS’ visual language.

A successful candidate will bring data-based analysis to life and make complex information compelling and accessible to a broad audience. Read more about the role and requirements below.

What You’ll Do

Manage the conceptualization, production, and timelines of multimedia collateral for C4ADS products and communications collateral, including but not limited to:

• Custom graphics, including infographics, charts, maps, and graphs
• Website content, including basic videos, GIFs, and interactive experiences
• Publication layouts, including analytical reports, one pagers, annual reports, and impact reports
• Contribute to the continued development and maintenance of organizational brand strategy and standards across product lines and collateral
• Participate in quality control meetings and contribute to strengthening data storytelling practices across analytical teams
• Coordinate with and provide creative direction to contracted designers and artists, ensuring design and branding standards are consistently met
• Advise analytical, operational, and creative stakeholders on how product design can effectively communicate a project’s creative vision, analytical thesis, audience, and desired impact while making findings approachable and digestible
• Manage design requests on an as-needed basis alongside production timelines
• Explore and propose new ideas and approaches for multimedia and digital products
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities, and timelines
• Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver projects on time, incorporate feedback constructively, and independently prioritize and advance work with appropriate guidance
• Experience working collaboratively on a team, preferably across functions or business areas with stakeholders who have varying levels of experience and familiarity with design
• A strong portfolio of prior work demonstrating relevant design experience and capabilities
• Experience with graphic design and basic video editing, with demonstrated creativity and skill in communicating complex stories in accessible ways
• Strong competency in InDesign and Illustrator is required, with broader experience across the Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud. A willingness to learn data visualization platforms such as Flourish
• Ability to comprehend and visually represent both quantitative and qualitative analytical findings
• Demonstrated ability to identify design challenges and develop thoughtful, creative solutions
• Ability and enthusiasm to learn and apply new tools, technologies, and approaches to continuously improve processes and outputs
• Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and represent complex ideas in ways that are easily understood
• Strong understanding of trends in digital media and/or visual arts and their application to communications
• Commitment to C4ADS’ mission and values

Bonus Points For

• Working knowledge of basic HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and experience with WordPress or other CMS
• Experience using AI-assisted coding tools, such as Claude or ChatGPT, to prototype or build interactive data visualizations and web templates
• Previous experience with a media outlet or relevant nonprofit organization
• Previous experience in a quality control capacity
• Photography and photo editing skills
• Strong familiarity with or willingness to engage with issues in international relations, political science, or a related field
• Proficiency in web and product design tools such as Figma, with experience designing for digital applications and interfaces

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet every qualification listed above. If you are excited about this role and believe your skills and experience could contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply.

How We’ll Reward You

• The annual salary for this position is $65,000
• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match and immediate vesting
• Unlimited vacation and flexible work arrangements that emphasize results, not hours
• Personalized professional development opportunities that empower you to design your own learning and growth path
• $4,500 annual education stipend to build new skills, pursue certifications, or study new languages
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child
• Employer paid life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), short term disability, and long term disability insurance.
• Access to pre tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses
• SmartBenefits commuter program with pre tax contributions to your SmarTrip account
• A collaborative, mission driven team that supports one another and is intentional about building and maintaining a strong organizational culture