Senior Graphic Design Specialist - United States Institute of Peace

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

The Senior Graphic Design Specialist provides overall USIP branding and graphical design of USIP products that support the Institute’s work to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict.The position will maintain the brand standards across the Institute and direct the design of new material including, but not limited to, digital content, webpages, and publications, will work with USIP Experts in the formulation and development of visual and design aspects of the work i.e., data graphics, images, and graphics, will provide editorial maturity and expertise across the Institute and will respond to Executive Office (EO) queries and requests.  This position is full-time, based in Washington, DC, will report to the Director of Communications, and is a member of the Public Affairs Communication (PAC) Team.

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Graphic Design:

• Create visually strong web- and print-ready designs, including but not limited to websites, books, reports, advertisements, signage, event materials, board presentations, marketing products, social media, etc.
• Develop innovative design formats and coordinate across departments to determine the requirements and audience for new visual products.
• Collaborate to develop creative strategies and concepts for visual communication projects.

Project Management:

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept development to final delivery, ensuring deadlines are met and stakeholders are satisfied.
• Coordinate with external vendors (i.e., printers and freelancers) to ensure timely and cost-effective production of materials.
• Manage staff of in-house designers and external freelancers ensuring appropriate allocation of work and high standards.

Creative Collaboration:

• Collaborates closely with content creators, editors and subject matter experts to translate complex ideas into visually engaging designs.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues on best visual communication and design practices.

Quality Assurance:

• Establishes, implements, and administers the Institute’s brand policy and guidelines, working closely with PAC colleagues to ensure consistent branding and maintaining USIP’s style guide for all Institute departments, staff, and partners.
• Understand USIP’s position and potential reputational risk to revise designs appropriately in response to feedback.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or a related field of study, certifications and/or commensurate experience required.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience in graphic design or related field required with non-profit or international development context preferred.
• Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) and other relevant design software.
• Experience designing a complex family of products with a connected brand identity.
• Advanced knowledge of good type and design principles, design software, offset and digital printing technology, and designing table, figure and map graphics.
• Experience working across organizations, with all departments, and with vendors to design high-quality products that communicate ideas effectively and within budget.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and analytical skills, demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities with a commitment to follow-through.
• Skilled in visual thinking and active listening, with an ability to understand complex ideas, solicit input from multiple staff and authors, respond creatively with appropriate design comps and revise comps in response to feedback.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and databases and/or data management tools is required.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop effective working relationships with strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environments with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.
• Must exhibit grace in the face of changing dynamics and competing priorities.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 04/05/24. 

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.  

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.  

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.  

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.