Data Visualization Intern

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is seeking a Data Visualization Intern for the iDeas Lab. The role translates datasets into graphs, charts, and infographics to accompany CSIS publications, collaborating with researchers and designers to make policy insights visually compelling.

The ideal candidate has a solid design background, strong communication skills, and a passion for bridging data, design, technology, and foreign policy.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of data visualization design experience.
• Solid understanding of data visualization best practices and design principles.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, SVG, and HTML syntax.
• Ability to handle tabular data (CSV) and perform basic spreadsheet calculations.
• Experience receiving and iterating on feedback with clients.

Responsibilities

• Design data visualizations using Flourish and Datawrapper, and create infographics.
• Assist researchers, analysts, and non-technical partners in communicating findings with data.
• Collaborate with iDeas Lab designers to integrate visuals into publications.
• Support gathering feedback from clients and partners to improve products and tools.
• Contribute to design, layout, and illustration of materials for print and digital platforms.

Skills

Data visualization

Graphic design

Communication

Education

BA/BS in information design, data visualization, computer science, or related fields

Tools

Flourish

Datawrapper

Adobe Illustrator

SVG

HTML

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.

The Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab, the award‑winning creative and digital production department at CSIS, continues to be the gold standard for innovation in the global think tank space by using cutting‑edge multimedia production to bring policy research to life.

The iDeas Lab enhances CSIS’s policy research and analysis with the latest in web development, design, video, and audio. You can see some of our work at ideaslab.csis.org or www.github.com/CSIS-iLab.

The data visualization intern 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. You will work in a creative environment with other designers 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 background 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 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.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master's degree).

Essential Duties and 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 iDeas Lab designers to merge data visualizations with the layout of publications.
• 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.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

• B.A./B.S./A.B. in relevant field (information design, data visualization, computer science, graphic design) or other relevant experience, including bootcamp training or freelance work.
• 1+ years of experience in data visualization design.
• Solid understanding of data visualization design best practices and general design principles.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, SVG files, and HTML syntax.
• Ability to handle tabular data, format CSV files (Excel), and perform basic spreadsheet calculations.
• 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.

SOME TECHNOLOGIES WE USE IN THE iDEAS LAB

• Flourish and Datawrapper
• Adobe C Suite, JS libraries and frameworks like React, Vue, Highcharts, D3, and jQuery
• Mapping tools like QGIS, Mapbox, Leaflet and Carto
• Typefi

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

$18.40—$20.40 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.