Graphic Designer

$60,000 - $95,000/Yr

Center For A New American Security (Cnas) - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is seeking a talented Graphic Designer to join our dynamic team in Washington, DC. As an independent, bipartisan, nonprofit think tank, CNAS is dedicated to developing strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our creative director, editors, and researchers to produce a wide range of visual materials that enhance the presentation of our national security ideas and analyses. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in diverse design projects, from creating branded campaigns and infographics to custom illustrations, maps, charts, editorial layouts, motion graphics, video content, and web design. As a Graphic Designer at CNAS, you will thrive in a creative environment that values variety and innovation. You will be responsible for designing everything from novel cover art concepts for reports on drones to developing artboards for explainer videos on digital currency. Additionally, you will create new branding for center-wide campaigns while also managing the layout of extensive reports on topics such as artificial intelligence. Your role will also involve developing PowerPoint presentations for internal meetings and selecting branded gifts for partners and employees. The entrepreneurial and bold nature of CNAS's research allows the design team to push boundaries and explore new visual solutions. This position is ideal for a creative individual who enjoys a fast-paced environment and is eager to contribute to impactful national security discussions through compelling visual storytelling. You will have the chance to showcase your design skills and collaborate with a team that values creativity and innovation in addressing complex national security issues.

Responsibilities

• Designing CNAS reports, including formatting text, placing assets, creating custom interior graphics and report cover art, preparing files for print and web, and designing promotional assets.
• Creating infographics such as maps, charts, and data visualizations.
• Developing branding and illustrations for new projects or special events.
• Assisting teams with graphics development for presentations and events using non-designer tools like PowerPoint.
• Developing art and storyboards for motion designers to create explainer videos.
• Assisting the creative director in improving design team capabilities and processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in graphic design, preferably in-house or at a firm/agency.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong emphasis on InDesign for creating text-rich layouts.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in typesetting and formatting.
• Experience in creating data visualizations that simplify complex topics.
• Understanding of digital design spaces and ability to create graphics for various platforms including social media, email, and websites.
• Experience in building and maintaining brand identities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience working directly with clients, gathering requirements, pitching design concepts, and articulating design stories.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and integrate feedback from both designers and non-designers.
• Strong communication skills to educate non-designers on design principles and best practices.

Nice-to-haves

• Interest in government, U.S. national security, foreign policy, and international relations.

Benefits

• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement accounts
• Transportation subsidies.