Earthjustice, a premier nonprofit environmental law organization, is currently hiring for the position of Data Visualization Designer. This position involves leading the production of high-quality data visualizations and infographics, as well as supporting the overall graphic design needs of the organization. The Data Visualization Designer will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop impactful visualizations and distill complex information for key audiences. This position can be remote in the U.S. or based in San Francisco, CA. As a critical member of the Design Team, the Data Visualization Designer will contribute to program priorities, fundraising efforts, and audience engagement goals. Earthjustice, founded in 1971, is dedicated to protecting people’s health, preserving the environment, advancing clean energy, and combating climate change.
Responsibilities
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Data Visualization (70%)
The Data Visualization Designer leads the design of clean, impactful, and user-friendly data visualizations. They collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to understand communication goals and develop visualization strategies. Using data visualization techniques, they distill and clarify complex processes or data sets. The designer also manages and art directs vendors working on data visualization and infographics to ensure high-quality deliverables. They provide guidance and thought partnership to the wider Communications department and conduct quality assurance and review of all data visualizations. The designer is responsible for developing guidance to train and mentor junior staff members and staying up to date with emerging trends and technologies in data visualization.
Graphic Design (30%)
The Data Visualization Designer also serves as a supporting in-house designer for a variety of institutional print and digital collateral. They participate in Design & Creative team sessions, partner with Design and Multimedia teams in the organization and archiving of assets, and support other general graphic design functions as needed.
Data Visualization Responsibilities
Lead the design of clean, impactful, user-friendly data visualizations
The Data Visualization Designer is responsible for leading the design of data visualizations that are clean, impactful, and user-friendly. They use their expertise in distilling data into visuals to create compelling and easily understandable visualizations.
Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders
The designer works closely with key internal and external stakeholders, including attorneys, policy experts, scientists, researchers, communications strategists, and gift officers. This collaboration ensures that the visualizations align with communication goals and effectively convey the intended message.
Use data visualization techniques to distill and clarify complex processes or data sets
The designer utilizes data visualization techniques to simplify complex processes or data sets, making them easier to understand. By distilling and clarifying the information, they help stakeholders grasp the key insights and make informed decisions.
Manage and art direct vendors working on data visualization and infographics
In addition to designing data visualizations, the designer also manages and art directs vendors who are working on data visualization and infographics projects. This includes ensuring that the vendor’s work meets quality standards and aligns with the organization’s branding and style guidelines.
Provide guidance and thought partnership to wider Communications department
The Data Visualization Designer offers guidance and thought partnership to the wider Communications department. They provide expertise on data visualization projects and contribute to strategic discussions and decision-making.
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Conduct quality assurance and review of all data visualizations
To ensure accuracy, usability, and adherence to existing branding and style guidelines, the designer conducts thorough quality assurance and review of all data visualizations. This includes reviewing the visualizations for any errors or inconsistencies and making necessary revisions.
Develop guidance to train and mentor junior staff members
The designer plays a role in developing guidance materials to train and mentor junior staff members. They share best practices, techniques, and tools related to data visualization to help junior staff members enhance their skills and produce high-quality work.
Keep up to date with emerging trends and technologies
As data visualization and technology evolve, it is essential for the designer to stay up to date with emerging trends and technologies. This allows them to leverage the latest tools and techniques to create innovative and compelling data visualizations.
Graphic Design Responsibilities
Serve as supporting in-house designer on a variety of institutional print and digital collateral
In addition to their data visualization role, the Data Visualization Designer serves as a supporting in-house designer for a variety of institutional print and digital collateral. This includes reports, magazines, advertisements, brochures, and marketing materials.
Participate in Design & Creative team sessions
The designer actively participates in Design & Creative team sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, and strategically plan various design projects, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals and objectives.
Partner with Design and Multimedia teams in the organization and archiving of assets
Working closely with the Design and Multimedia teams, the designer supports the organization and archiving of assets. This involves organizing and categorizing digital assets using a digital asset management system for easy access and retrieval.
Support other general graphic design functions
The Data Visualization Designer also supports other general graphic design functions as needed. This may involve creating visuals and designs for various communication purposes that contribute to the organization’s overall visual identity.
Qualifications
To be successful in the role of Data Visualization Designer, there are several qualifications and skills that applicants should possess.
BA in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, or equivalent combination
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, or an equivalent combination of training and design experience.
Minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience in data visualization
Candidates should have a minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience in data visualization. This experience should demonstrate their ability to distill complex data into clean and user-friendly visuals.
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design
Applicants should also have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in graphic design. This experience should showcase their expertise in creating visually compelling designs for various mediums.
Deep expertise in distilling data into clean, user-friendly visuals
The Data Visualization Designer should have deep expertise in distilling data into clean and user-friendly visuals. This involves effectively translating technical information into visuals that are easily understood by the target audience.
Demonstrated experience in graphic design
Applicants should have a demonstrated track record of experience in graphic design. This includes creating visually appealing designs that effectively communicate messages and align with branding guidelines.
Knowledge of printing techniques and prepress file preparation
A knowledge of printing techniques and the ability to handle prepress file preparation is preferred. This understanding ensures that designs are print-ready and meet the technical requirements for production.
Expertise with chart-making and other data visualization techniques
The Data Visualization Designer should have expertise in chart-making and other data visualization techniques. This includes the ability to select and create appropriate visualizations to effectively convey information.
Expertise with mapping tools and cartography skills
Experience with mapping tools, such as GIS (Geographic Information System), and cartography skills are preferred. These skills enable the designer to incorporate spatial data into their visualizations effectively.
Expertise with animation and video editing and storytelling software
Proficiency with animation and video editing software, as well as storytelling tools, is a plus. This allows the designer to create dynamic and engaging visualizations that combine graphics, animation, and storytelling elements.
Knowledge of social media and web design
An understanding of social media and web design is beneficial for creating visuals that are optimized for these platforms. Familiarity with the latest trends and techniques in social media and web design is also desirable.
Experience with data-based journalism and tools
Experience with data-based journalism and tools is advantageous. This experience enables the designer to effectively work with data journalists and utilize data visualization techniques for storytelling.
Knowledge of environmental issues
A knowledge of environmental issues is a plus, as Earthjustice is an environmental law organization. Familiarity with key environmental issues allows the designer to create visualizations that effectively communicate the organization’s mission.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is required. Additionally, proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, is necessary for creating designs and visualizations.
Thorough knowledge of visual design principles
A thorough understanding of visual design principles is essential. This includes knowledge of photography, typography, iconography, and color theory to create visually pleasing and effective designs.
Ability to lead conversations about data visualization strategy
The Data Visualization Designer should have the ability to lead conversations about data visualization strategy. This involves effectively communicating design decisions and aligning them with overall goals and objectives.
Ability to multitask and be organized
The role of a Data Visualization Designer requires the ability to multitask and be organized. Designers must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring that deadlines are met.
Ability to synthesize feedback and maintain cohesive vision
Designers need to be able to synthesize feedback from stakeholders and maintain a cohesive vision for their designs. This involves incorporating constructive feedback while ensuring that the overall design remains consistent and effective.
Cultural sensitivity and awareness
Cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential for designers, especially when selecting images and visuals. Being mindful of diverse cultures and backgrounds ensures that the visualizations are inclusive and respectful.
Ability to work cross-functionally and on teams
The Data Visualization Designer should have strong communication skills and emotional intelligence to work effectively cross-functionally and on teams. Collaboration and effective communication are essential for successful project execution.
Compensation
The salary for the Data Visualization Designer role varies depending on experience and location. Different salary ranges are provided for different locations to account for variations in living costs.
Application Details
To apply for the Data Visualization Designer position, candidates are required to submit a resume, cover letter, and data visualization portfolio. The portfolio should include examples of their work in data visualization and can be submitted as links in a Word document or PDF.
In case of technical difficulties during the application process, applicants can contact jobs@earthjustice.org for assistance.
Conclusion
The role of a Data Visualization Designer at Earthjustice is crucial for effectively communicating complex information through visually appealing and user-friendly designs. By leading the design of impactful data visualizations and supporting other graphic design functions, the designer plays a vital role in advancing the communication goals of the organization. Qualifications such as expertise in data visualization, graphic design, and knowledge of environmental issues are essential for success in this role. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application, including a resume, cover letter, and data visualization portfolio, to be considered for this position.
