Junior Graphic Designer
About The Position
The Cato Institute is seeking a Junior Graphic Designer to join its Design team. This role will focus on producing a high volume of visual work, with approximately 80% dedicated to digital design (social media graphics, web assets, email graphics, presentation design) and 20% to print design (brochures, fliers, one-pagers, event materials). The designer will work with established brand systems and templates while also contributing original concepts. Collaboration with designers, producers, social media staff, marketing and program teams, and policy researchers is expected. The Design department is responsible for the visual identity of the Institute and its related properties, including Sphere Education Initiatives, Cato University, and Libertarianism.org, producing daily social graphics, web assets, event collateral, marketing materials, and publications. This position is ideal for a designer early in their career looking for diverse and high-volume work, offering guidance and art direction to expand their skills across a multi-brand system. The Junior Graphic Designer is a full-time, non-exempt position in the Design - Digital department, reporting to the Digital Design Manager. This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field.
- At least one year of graphic design experience within an organization, such as an in-house team, agency, nonprofit, or comparable setting. Substantive internship experience will be considered.
- A portfolio demonstrating strong use of typography, layout, hierarchy, and color, with examples of both digital and print work.
- Ability to work within an established brand system and follow art direction.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage several concurrent projects against deadlines.
- Clear, professional communication with colleagues outside the design team.
- Advanced knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.
- Working knowledge of project management software such as Wrike, Asana, Monday.com, Basecamp, or a similar platform.
- Currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Nice To Haves
- Motion graphics skills and experience.
- Basic familiarity with user interface and user experience principles.
- Experience with Adobe After Effects.
- Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Familiarity with generative AI image tools such as Adobe Firefly, DALL-E, Nano Banana, or Midjourney, including sound judgment about when AI-generated imagery is appropriate for published work.
- Comfort using AI assistants such as Claude or ChatGPT as part of a routine workflow.
- Email design experience using Mailchimp or Stripo.
Responsibilities
- Design social media graphics across platforms, including feed posts, quote cards, carousels, event promotions, data-driven graphics, and cover images sized and adapted to each channel's specifications.
- Produce web assets, including page banners and graphics, article headers, thumbnails, and icons, in collaboration with the web and marketing teams.
- Build and adapt graphics for email campaigns and newsletters.
- Design event background graphics for LED screens.
- Design and format panel graphics for events using established templates.
- Resize, adapt, and version approved designs across formats and channels while preserving visual integrity.
- Apply and extend existing brand systems and templates, flagging gaps and inconsistencies as they arise.
- Lay out and produce brochures, fliers, booklets, one-pagers, and event signage.
- Prepare print-ready files, including bleeds, color spaces, and export specifications.
- Assist with the layout and production of longer-form publications and reports.
- Contribute ideas during brainstorms and concept reviews.
- Track assigned projects in the Institute's project management system, keeping tasks, due dates, and file versions current.
- Incorporate feedback from art direction and stakeholders into revised designs with care and attention to detail.
- Maintain organized working files, asset libraries, and naming conventions so work is easy for the team to find and reuse.
- Balance concurrent requests against firm deadlines.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Generous vacation and sick days
- Paid parental leave
- Employer-provided life and disability insurance
- 401(k) employer match
- Transit/ Parking benefits
- Pet discount plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
