Graphic Design Associate

National Journal•Washington, DC

41d•$52,000 - $57,000•Hybrid

About The Position

National Journal is seeking a Graphic Design Associate to support and execute internal and client-facing design initiatives across the organization. This role will collaborate closely with our analyst and research teams to produce high-quality, client-branded design deliverables that engage key audiences such as advocates, boards, and PACs. Additionally, the Graphic Design Associate will contribute to National Journal-branded projects with the goal of advancing strategic vision, client acquisition, and unit and revenue retention. The ideal candidate is a versatile designer capable of handling a wide range of projects-from infographics and one-pagers to animated videos and multimedia content. 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 is unmatched, with teams of specialists dedicated to government affairs, communications, and political research, in addition to exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip the thousands of government and business leaders in the nation's capital with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver success. What is National Journal's Creative Team? Our team consists of graphic designers who develop creative assets that engage, educate, and deliver value to our clients while also generating market interest in National Journal's products. We work closely with business team partners to capitalize on that interest and demonstrate value with the goals of acquiring new clients and retaining existing partnerships. This is a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where priorities shift quickly, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is essential. The creative team plays a key role across our business, contributing to all new product development, product evolution, and marketing efforts. The Role: The Graphic Design Associate will work closely with our Presentation Center team, responsible for creating engaging, visually compelling deliverables that support our members' strategic goals. This role involves close collaboration with our analysts to design a wide range of client-facing materials, including data visualizations, infographics, animated videos, videos, social media content, annual reports, one-pagers, newsletters, and short publications, as well as interactive graphics and other creative multimedia projects. The ideal candidate will also be open to-and experienced in-leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, in thoughtful and innovative ways to enhance creativity, efficiency, and storytelling across design projects. Reporting directly to the Senior Creative Director, this individual will work cross-functionally with project managers, analysts, and specialists-playing a critical role in shaping the visual expression of our work and driving impact across the business.

Requirements

Have an insatiable curiosity for creativity and a visible passion for design
Have a strong creative portfolio that includes data visualization and motion and demonstrates a solid grasp of design principles, including typography, color theory, grid-based design, and white space (portfolio required for application consideration)
Be able to quickly familiarize themselves with and apply a wide range of branding guidelines from a diverse set of members and clients
Excel at client discovery and be able to take explicit, detailed direction from different stakeholders
Be able to develop designs from concept to execution with multiple rounds of edits and input, receiving feedback with openness and adaptability
Thrive in both collaborative environments as well as independent workflows
Effectively manage multiple projects at once while clearly communicating expectations and deadlines
Bring fresh ideas to the table and proactively contribute creative solutions to visual challenges
Show versatility across mediums-print, digital, motion-and a willingness to experiment with new formats and tools
Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment and use resources effectively to minimize turnaround time without compromising quality
Stay ahead of the curve with emerging design technologies, tools, and trends-always exploring new ways to create cutting-edge, effective visual experiences
Understand design as a storytelling and strategy tool, not just an aesthetic discipline
Bachelor's degree, 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred
Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign and Illustrator a must) as well as Microsoft Office programs including PowerPoint. Canva experience is a plus
Ability to create designs from provided wireframes and provide guidance on best practices for data visualization to others
Proficiency with AI-powered design tools to enhance creative concepting, accelerate content development, and elevate visual storytelling
Ability to translate complex data into compelling visuals using AI-assisted data visualization tools and platforms such as Figma plugins for creative support
Organized, focused, detail and deadline oriented with strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to articulately deliver presentations and the story behind design choices
Entrepreneurial spirit, track record of initiative, and ownership of work
High energy, demonstrates a sense of urgency, poised under pressure, and understands the importance of the little details and follows through
Have hands-on experience with animation and motion graphics, with proficiency in tools like After Effects or equivalent software
Willingness to work outside the strict job description parameters, thinking creatively about how to provide the highest level of creativity

Responsibilities

Producing high-quality print and digital graphics and videos for National Journal members, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strong visual storytelling.
Supporting all phases of the design process, from initial scoping and concept development to revisions, production, and final delivery.
Designing a variety of custom client deliverables such as infographics, newsletter templates, annual reports, one-pagers, briefing books, social media assets, charts, data visualizations, motion graphics, animations, and more-all aligned with the client's branding and strategic goals.
Translating complex quantitative data and qualitative insights into clear, engaging visual formats.
Collaborating closely with analysts, project managers, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that requires flexibility, creativity, and strong communication.

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