Senior Graphic Designer

Howard Hughes Medical Institute•Headquarters, KY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference. Summary: The Senior Graphic Designer is a highly skilled, strategic visual communicator responsible for developing and executing compelling design solutions across print, digital, and presentation platforms. As a member of the Marketing and Digital Communications team, this individual collaborates closely with colleagues and stakeholders across HHMI, including senior leadership, to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visual experiences that advance HHMI’s research and education mission. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Director of Marketing and Digital Communications, the Senior Graphic Designer leads the concepting and execution of design across a wide range of formats, including publications, websites, social media, email campaigns, video, and presentations. This role often provides direct design support to senior leadership — requiring discretion, responsiveness, and strong judgment — and broadly requires a strong balance of creative vision, technical expertise, strategic thinking, collaboration, and the ability to independently drive projects from concept through final delivery. This position follows a hybrid schedule with three days onsite at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland. What we offer: Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in shaping how HHMI communicates its mission, research, and programs to diverse audiences. Your work will help make critical science and business priorities clear, engaging, and accessible. Creative Leadership: Lead design projects from concept to completion, with the support to produce high-quality, impactful work across a variety of formats and channels. Collaborative Environment: Work alongside communications professionals, scientists, program leaders, and external partners in a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment. Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 8 years of professional design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise across print and digital media.
Demonstrated experience collaborating in complex environments, partnering closely with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Fluency in print publications and collateral, presentation design (executive presentations, templates, storytelling systems), and core digital channels (web, email, and social media).
Proficiency in adjacent areas such as interactive/UX design, motion/animation, and data visualization.
Stays current with and thoughtfully incorporates emerging AI capabilities into design systems and workflows (e.g. AI-compatible templates and scalable assets) while preserving strong creative judgment and high-quality, original design execution.
Strong understanding of user experience (UX), accessibility, and digital design best practices
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), After Effects or equivalent motion design tools, and presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint)
Familiarity with web design tools and workflows (e.g., Figma or similar)
Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling visual communications
Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and navigate feedback at high levels
High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality execution
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and matrixed environment

Nice To Haves

Experience translating scientific or technical material into clear, accessible, compelling visual communications preferred

Responsibilities

Concept, design, and produce high-quality visual materials across print and digital platforms, including reports, brochures, presentations, web pages, email campaigns, videos, and social media assets.
Ensure all creative work aligns with HHMI’s brand standards, visual identity, and strategic communication goals.
Maintain organized files, templates, and design systems to support scalability and consistency.
Bring a strong point of view to design solutions while directly incorporating leadership and other stakeholder feedback in a thoughtful and effective manner that elevates visual communication across the organization.
Develop and refine workflows that support efficient collaboration, feedback, and delivery.
Work effectively with external vendors (e.g. freelancers, agencies) as needed to support project goals.
Design for digital experiences, including web and interactive content, with a strong understanding of user experience (UX), accessibility principles, and AI-optimized/AI-compatible web and template design.
Create assets optimized for digital channels, including social media, email marketing, and multimedia campaigns.
Collaborate with web, content, and technical teams to ensure designs are effectively implemented and optimized for performance.
Apply knowledge of responsive design, usability, and engagement best practices to enhance audience experience.
Develop high-impact presentations for leadership, programs, and external audiences, translating complex ideas into clear visual narratives.
Establish and maintain cohesive use of templates, systems, and visual frameworks that improve consistency and efficiency across presentation materials.
Partner with internal stakeholders to elevate storytelling through thoughtful design and visual structure.
Respond to fast-turnaround and last-minute presentation requests with professionalism and consistency; manage revision cycles with flexibility and a service-oriented approach.