Graphic Design
The Graduate College, Champaign, IL, United States
Description, Responsibilities, and Qualifications
This Graphic Design position supports the
Data Storytelling Toolkit for Libraries (DSTL)
project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign iSchool. DSTL is a research and toolkit development initiative focused on building tools and pathways that support library professionals in creating and using data storytelling resources.
Applicants should familiarize themselves with the DSTL project, including the awarded grant and the PI’s public‑facing work as a speaker and consultant (see “talks”), prior to applying.
Position Overview The Graphic Design RA will support visual design and marketing for the DSTL project, helping develop cohesive visual elements across both web pathways and related resources.
Responsibilities
Design website icons, including development of color schemes and consistent formatting across pathways
Develop website elements that support overall visual design
Contribute to marketing materials for a library-facing product
Develop adaptable resource templates (e.g., case templates, PDF layouts, PowerPoint templates)
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in
graphic or visual design
Strong attention to visual consistency and formatting
Preferred Qualifications *Dependent on sustained federal funding
Compensation Position structure:
Hourly work will begin
Summer 2026 (~10 hours/week) . If performance is strong, duties may expand to a
35-50% Research Assistant position (20 hours/week) , dependent on sustained federal funding, beginning
Fall 2026 , with possible extension through
Spring 2027 .
Application Procedure Please send:
a passionate and well‑evidenced expression of interest (cover letter)
Please use the subject line
“DSTL Graphic Design RA Application.”
Strong applications will reference at least one specific aspect of the DSTL project, grant description, or the PI’s public talks/consulting work in the cover letter.
In your cover letter, please also briefly describe
one example of data visualization or information design that you think communicates data effectively and why.
Applicants are encouraged to
include a link to a portfolio of relevant design work.
Applicants who demonstrate specific professional interest in
humanizing data storytelling will be preferred.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and a brief Zoom interview may be required. Online and on‑campus students are eligible to apply as long as they reside in the United States.
Contact Information Dr. Kate McDowell
kmcdowel@illinois.edu
Secondary Email kmcdowel@illinois.edu
Contact Address School of Information Sciences, 501 E. Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Data Storytelling Toolkit for Libraries (DSTL)
project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign iSchool. DSTL is a research and toolkit development initiative focused on building tools and pathways that support library professionals in creating and using data storytelling resources.
Applicants should familiarize themselves with the DSTL project, including the awarded grant and the PI’s public‑facing work as a speaker and consultant (see “talks”), prior to applying.
Position Overview The Graphic Design RA will support visual design and marketing for the DSTL project, helping develop cohesive visual elements across both web pathways and related resources.
Responsibilities
Design website icons, including development of color schemes and consistent formatting across pathways
Develop website elements that support overall visual design
Contribute to marketing materials for a library-facing product
Develop adaptable resource templates (e.g., case templates, PDF layouts, PowerPoint templates)
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in
graphic or visual design
Strong attention to visual consistency and formatting
Preferred Qualifications *Dependent on sustained federal funding
Compensation Position structure:
Hourly work will begin
Summer 2026 (~10 hours/week) . If performance is strong, duties may expand to a
35-50% Research Assistant position (20 hours/week) , dependent on sustained federal funding, beginning
Fall 2026 , with possible extension through
Spring 2027 .
Application Procedure Please send:
a passionate and well‑evidenced expression of interest (cover letter)
Please use the subject line
“DSTL Graphic Design RA Application.”
Strong applications will reference at least one specific aspect of the DSTL project, grant description, or the PI’s public talks/consulting work in the cover letter.
In your cover letter, please also briefly describe
one example of data visualization or information design that you think communicates data effectively and why.
Applicants are encouraged to
include a link to a portfolio of relevant design work.
Applicants who demonstrate specific professional interest in
humanizing data storytelling will be preferred.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and a brief Zoom interview may be required. Online and on‑campus students are eligible to apply as long as they reside in the United States.
Contact Information Dr. Kate McDowell
kmcdowel@illinois.edu
Secondary Email kmcdowel@illinois.edu
Contact Address School of Information Sciences, 501 E. Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820
#J-18808-Ljbffr