Visual and Web Design Specialist Job at Issue One in Washington

Position Summary

Visual and Web Design Specialist – Issue One’s Democracy Reform mission is brought to life through bold, accessible, and strategic design. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, this role ensures the organization’s digital and visual presence is cohesive, engaging, and aligned with brand standards.

Base Pay Range

$70,000.00/yr – $80,000.00/yr

Location and Work Arrangement

Washington, D.C. (Preferred) – Hybrid if based in the DMV region (office Tuesdays and Wednesdays, remote rest of the week). Exceptional candidates may have remote arrangements after discussion.

Responsibilities

Design and Creative Production (40%)

• Design static and animated assets for social media, email, digital campaigns, reports, and presentations for Issue One and Issue One Action.
• Translate campaign concepts and messaging into visually compelling, accessible formats such as infographics, illustrations, and branded layouts.
• Develop and refine branded templates, toolkits, and systems to support consistent design across teams.
• Uphold accessibility standards (WCAG/ADA) to ensure all visuals are inclusive and readable for diverse audiences.

Website and Digital Platform Management (25%)

• Build, maintain, and update organization websites and campaign microsites.
• Ensure all web content is current, accurate, and visually cohesive with campaign branding.
• Manage website structure, layout, and user experience improvements in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external vendors on large-scale web projects, redesigns, or technical upgrades.

Collaboration, Coordination, and Project Planning (10%)

• Collaborate across departments to scope design needs, set priorities, and align timelines.
• Maintain the shared content and creative calendar, coordinating deliverables with the Digital Strategist and campaign teams.
• Participate in weekly communications meetings to plan and track project progress.
• Balance multiple concurrent design requests and provide clear updates to internal stakeholders.

High-Visibility Organizational Support (10%)

• Design and format high-impact materials, including annual reports, board decks, donor presentations, and event collateral.
• Ensure design supports straightforward, strategic storytelling that strengthens relationships with funders, partners, and policymakers.

Brand Stewardship and Evolution (15%)

• Maintain and evolve Issue One’s brand identity across digital and print platforms.
• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines, including color, typography, and visual tone.
• Proactively identify opportunities to modernize and strengthen the brand’s visual impact.
• Recommend new tools or design techniques that enhance storytelling and efficiency.

Job-Related Experience

• 3–5 years of professional experience in visual or digital design, preferably in a nonprofit, campaign, or advocacy environment.
• Demonstrated success designing for multi-channel campaigns (social, email, web, and print).
• Strong understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and accessibility standards.
• Experience collaborating across teams and managing multiple design projects simultaneously.
• Portfolio demonstrating creative versatility and high-quality execution across digital formats.
• Self-taught or portfolio-based candidates with strong technical skills are welcome to apply.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign; After Effects preferred).
• Experience with CMS platforms such as WordPress or Squarespace.
• Basic HTML/CSS for minor web edits or troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Canva for quick-turn or templated designs.
• Understanding of file formats and optimization for print, web, and social platforms.
• Working knowledge of animation or motion design principles (preferred but not required).
• Experience managing a shared content calendar and coordinating across teams.

Decision Making

• How to execute design projects within approved brand guidelines.
• Which visual formats best suit a campaign or deliverable.
• Prioritization of day‑to‑day design tasks and deadlines.
• When to make web updates within the approved structure and content scope.

The Vice President of Communications provides approval for new creative directions or brand updates, major website structure or navigation changes, adjustments to campaign timelines or rollout schedules, and use of new software or third‑party tools.

Benefits

• Platinum health plan – 100% premium coverage for staff; 75% for spouses and dependents.
• Over 50 paid days off annually (holidays, vacation, personal time, office‑wide closures).
• Reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting; hybrid work environment.
• Wellness reimbursements, student‑loan assistance, and professional development opportunities.
• Additional benefits: medical & vision insurance, 401(k), paid maternity and paternity leave, disability insurance, tuition assistance.

Recruitment Timeline

• Nov. 17‑Dec. 1: Position posted; resumes collected.
• Dec. 2‑5: Resumes screened and top candidates identified for interviews.
• Dec. 10‑16: First‑round panel interviews.
• Dec. 17‑19: Second‑round panel interviews.
• Dec. 22: Preferred candidate named; role offered (contingent on background check and verification of credentials).
• Jan. 12, 2026: New candidate begins (flexible start date).

DEI Philosophy and Self‑ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion drive all of Issue One’s work. We celebrate individual perspectives and experiences. Your voice matters, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

All applicants are invited to complete a voluntary self‑identification questionnaire. Responses are confidential and have no impact on your application.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. Altogether, we maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on any protected status outlined above.