Research Report Publications & Design/Layout Specialist

About Us
We are a dynamic nonprofit organization and progressive think tank dedicated to transforming rigorous research into actionable change. As we expand our strategic impact from a traditional

"think tank"

to a

"think and do"

organization, translating our data into accessible, visually compelling, and public-ready assets is more critical than ever.
We have just completed an extensive, high-impact research report, and we are seeking a talented, skilled volunteer to lead the final packaging, layout, and visual design to prepare it for official publication.
Project Overview & Objective
The primary objective is to take a finalized, copyedited text manuscript and transform it into a polished, professionally designed publication. This report must visually engage key stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners, reflecting our dual identity as both a research powerhouse and an action-oriented advocacy organization.
Project Type:

Graphic Design / Editorial Layout / Desktop Publishing
Estimated Time Commitment:

15–20 hours total over a 4-to-5-week period
Timeline:

Project kickoff immediate;

final publication target is 6 weeks from today.
Location:

Remote / Virtual
Scope of Work (SOW)
The skilled volunteer will collaborate directly with the Food First Team and the Research Team to execute the following phases:
Content Review & Visual Strategy (Week 1)
Review the finalized text manuscript, data tables, and existing brand guidelines.
Collaborate with the leadership team to establish a visual theme, color palette, and typographic hierarchy that aligns with our organization’s brand.
Layout & Graphic Creation (Weeks 2–3)
Design a compelling, professional front/back cover and interior page layouts (estimated report length: [Insert Page Count, e.g., 20-30] pages).
Convert complex data points, charts, and key findings into clean, easy-to-digest infographics, pull quotes, and callout boxes.
Ensure consistent use of white space, margins, and visual flow to maximize readability.
Review & Iteration (Week 4)
Deliver a first draft/proof of the packaged report for internal stakeholder review.
Incorporate up to two rounds of consolidated feedback and revisions.
Final Delivery & Asset Handoff (Week 5)
Deliver print-ready PDFs (with crop marks/bleeds if necessary) and web-optimized, accessible PDFs for digital distribution.
Package and hand over all native design source files (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Canva links) to the organization for our archives.
Qualifications & Skills Desired
Experience:

Proven track record in graphic design, publication layout, or desktop publishing (prior experience designing research reports, white papers, or annual reports for nonprofits is highly preferred).
Tools:

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator) or advanced expertise in Canva.
Skills:

Strong data visualization skills—the ability to turn raw charts
umbers into engaging graphics.
Attributes:

High attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to self-manage against a tight, 6-week deadline.
Why Volunteer With Us?
High-Impact Visibility:

Your design work will be the face of a major research release, shared with key leaders, donors, and media in our field.
Portfolio Building:

Receive full credit for layout/design in the publication’s acknowledgments, providing a robust piece for your professional portfolio.
Support a "Think and Do" Mission:

Directly contribute to moving vital research off the shelf and into the hands of people who can use it to create real-world change.