Associate Data Visualization Designer

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Bethesda, MD seeks an Associate Data Visualization Designer to transform datasets into compelling graphs, charts, and visuals for CSIS publications and web platforms. The role emphasizes rapid data processing to produce relevant visualizations and supports non-publication visuals for CSIS Charts, newsletters, and digital reports.

The ideal candidate combines solid design, technical, and communication skills with a passion for bridging

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in data visualization design.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator), HTML5, and CSS3/SASS.
• Experience coaching researchers, analysts, and non-technical partners through the design process.
• Solid command of visual design including composition, layout, typography, and color.
• Ability to create for web and print.

Responsibilities

• Design data visualizations using Flourish and Datawrapper; create infographics.
• Collaborate with researchers and analysts to communicate findings visually.
• Merge data visualizations with publication layouts.
• Advise programs toward optimal data visualization solutions.
• Support the team in gathering client feedback to improve products.
• Contribute to print and digital communication materials.

Skills

Data visualization

Graphic design

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in data visualization/related field

Bootcamp training or freelance work

Tools

Flourish

Datawrapper

Adobe Illustrator

HTML5

CSS3/SASS

JavaScript

React

D3

Mapbox

WordPress

GitHub

Figma

Highcharts

Job description

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non‑profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

Job Summary

The Associate Data Visualization Designer will translate datasets into graphs, charts, and other data visualizations to be featured in CSIS’s premiere product – our publications. The core of this position is to process data and quickly produce relevant data visualizations. Second to this is creating data visualizations outside of the publications process, including but not limited to CSIS Charts, data visualizations for newsletters, and data visualizations for web based digital reports.

You will work in a creative environment with other editorial designers, editors, developers, and producers who are eager to bring information to life on the web and across platforms, partnering with some of the most respected foreign policy experts and researchers.

The ideal candidate has solid design, technical, and communication skills. They also bring a passion for bridging the intersection between data, design, technology, and foreign policy/national security.

The successful candidate will be eager to improve their skills and contribute to CSIS’s vision of telling dynamic fact‑based public policy stories. The candidate will have strong problem‑solving skills and independent self‑direction, coupled with an aptitude for design and collaboration with a multi‑disciplinary team.

Additionally, the candidate will be a team player, possess outstanding communication and project management skills, and the ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced and innovative environment while meeting tight deadlines. We’re looking for someone who is eager to improve and keep growing their skills and knowledge, including by staying current with the latest trends in data and design.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design data visualizations using Flourish and Datawrapper. Create infographics.
• Help researchers, analysts, and non-technical partners to effectively communicate their findings using data.
• Work closely with editorial designers to merge data visualizations with the layout of publications.
• Work closely with publication team editors to help advise programs toward optimal data visualization solutions.
• Support the team to gather feedback from clients and partners to continually improve the products and tools we create.
• Support the design, layout, and illustration of communication materials for print and digital platforms, including reports and presentations.
• Work closely with program stakeholders and relevant iDeas Lab staff to identify CSIS Charts objectives and audiences, and design data visualizations for this product stream.
• Prepare and present concepts/work to stakeholders, articulating design thinking and decisions to non-designers and content experts.
• Support the team to gather feedback from clients and partners to continually improve the products and tools we create.

Knowledge, Education & Experience

• A./B.S/A.B. in relevant field (data analysis, data visualization, computer science, graphic design) or other relevant experience, including bootcamp training or freelance work.
• 2+ years of experience in data visualization design.
• Solid understanding of data visualization design best practices and general design principles.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator), HTML5, and CSS3/SASS.
• Experience coaching a team of researchers, analysts, and non-technical partners through the design process to surface data stories.
• Solid command of visual design capabilities, including composition, layout, information hierarchy, typography, and color discernment.
• Ability to create in a wide range of media especially web and print.
• Experience in receiving feedback gracefully, knowing how to respond appropriately to client concerns and how to iterate and improve designs based on feedback.
• Strong interest in global affairs and public policy.
• Illustration skills are a plus.

SOME TECHNOLOGIES WE USE

• Flourish and Datawrapper
• Adobe C Suite, JS libraries and frameworks like React, Vue, Highcharts, D3, and jQuery
• Figma
• HTML5, CSS3/SASS, JavaScript, PHP
• Mapping tools like Mapbox, Leaflet and Carto
• Content management systems (WordPress, TinaCMS)
• GitHub
• Shorthand

You don’t need to be proficient in all of these, but familiarity with some is a plus, and a willingness to learn is key.

Salary Range : $55,000 USD - $62,000 USD

Physical Requirements And Work Conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.