AI Visual Design Specialist
About The Position
National Journal is seeking an AI Visual Design Specialist to support and execute internal and client-facing design initiatives across the organization. This role combines strong data visualization and design fundamentals with AI-powered creative workflows to produce high-quality visual deliverables that inform, engage, and inspire key audiences such as executives, boards, advocates, and policymakers. At National Journal, your work will help translate complex research and policy insights into clear, compelling visual narratives that shape decisions for clients. This is an opportunity to experiment with emerging AI-enabled design tools, explore new formats for communicating data, and see your work directly influence strategy and decision-making. A portfolio demonstrating strong visual design, data visualization, and motion work is required for consideration. About National Journal National Journal is a premier research and insights company committed to helping organizations effectively navigate Washington. Best known as one of Washington’s most trusted media brands for over 50 years, our expertise spans government affairs, communications, political research, and exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip government and business leaders with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver results. What is National Journal’s Creative Team? Our team develops creative assets that engage, educate, and deliver value to clients while generating market interest in National Journal products. We work closely with business team partners to acquire new clients and retain existing partnerships. This fast-paced, deadline-driven environment requires managing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting quickly to shifting priorities. The creative team also explores emerging technologies, including AI-powered design and generative tools, to enhance workflows, accelerate production, and expand storytelling possibilities across projects. Why This Role Matters Design and data visualization play a critical role in how National Journal communicates complex research and strategic insights to members and clients. The AI Visual Design Specialist will transform data, analysis, and policy insights into compelling visual formats that make information more accessible, memorable, and actionable for decision-makers. Through thoughtful visual storytelling and AI-enhanced design workflows, this role helps clients understand public opinion, stakeholder dynamics, and emerging risks, enabling them to communicate effectively and strengthen long-term relationships. The Role The AI Visual Design Specialist will work closely with our Presentation Center team to create engaging, visually compelling deliverables that support members’ strategic goals. This role focuses on visual communication, infographics, data visualization and storytelling. It does not involve software engineering, coding, or front-end development. This role involves collaborating with analysts and strategists to design a wide range of client-facing materials, including: - Data visualizations - Infographics - Animated graphics and motion content - Social media assets - Newsletters and reports - Interactive visuals - One-pagers and short publications - Multimedia storytelling assets Reporting to the Senior Creative Director, this individual will work cross-functionally with project managers, analysts, and specialists, helping shape the visual expression of our research and insights.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree; 1–2 years of relevant experience preferred
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign and Illustrator required) and Microsoft Office including PowerPoint; Canva experience is a plus
- Strong understanding of data visualization principles and best practices
- Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools, generative platforms, and creative automation technologies
- Ability to translate complex data into clear visual formats
- Strong project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent communication skills, including presenting the rationale behind design choices
- Experience with animation and motion graphics (After Effects or equivalent software preferred)
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to experiment with new tools and creative approaches
Nice To Haves
- Portfolio demonstrating strong visual design, data visualization, and motion work is required for consideration.
- Canva experience is a plus
- After Effects or equivalent software preferred
Responsibilities
- Design clear, compelling data visualizations and visual narratives that communicate complex insights to decision-makers
- Produce high-quality client-facing materials including charts, infographics, presentations, reports, and motion graphics
- Apply AI-assisted design and generative visualization tools to accelerate production and explore new storytelling formats
- Translate quantitative and qualitative research insights into engaging visual formats
- Support the full design lifecycle, from concept and wireframes to production and final delivery
- Collaborate with analysts, strategists, and project managers to ensure visuals accurately represent research findings
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Continuously explore emerging AI, automation, and design technologies to improve efficiency and creative output
Benefits
- National Journal operates on a hybrid schedule
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
