About PIIE

The Peterson Institute for International Economics is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening prosperity and human welfare in the global economy through expert analysis and practical policy solutions. Areas of research include trade, macroeconomic policy, inequality, and global institutions like the WTO and IMF. The Institute’s award-winning work is cited regularly in major news outlets. Join a creative and growing communications team that takes pride in producing news-driven, fact-based, and engaging content for international policymakers, journalists, global business leaders, educators and students, and the general public.

Position Summary

The Institute seeks a full-time Visual Designer to help communicate economic research through data visualizations, graphics, and other formats for our website, publications, newsletter, social media, and other channels. Join a nimble and respected communications team that takes pride in producing news-driven, fact-based, and creative content for a variety of audiences. This is a hybrid position with in-office work based in PIIE’s Washington, DC office in Dupont Circle.

The Visual Designer will primarily work with the Digital Content Producer, Social Media and Digital Communications Manager, editors, and economists, with plentiful opportunities to pitch original ideas and have an impact on the public’s understanding of major issues of the day. The ideal candidate will be comfortable translating complex ideas into accessible and compelling visual content, sometimes under quick turnarounds. Responsibilities include reviewing research, conceptualizing, discussing ideas, and designing original data visualizations and graphics. A basic understanding of data visualization (how to depict data in graphs) and strong skills in graphic design is required—as well as the aptitude to learn best practices. Animation/motion graphics and illustration skills are a plus.

Applicants must have a strong background in visual communication for the web, an exceptional eye for detail, an organized work style, and the ability to work well in a mutually supportive, collaborative environment. We will consider making this a senior-level position for the right candidate with more experience. For examples of PIIE’s previous work, check out its PIIE Charts series or Annual Report.

Responsibilities

Stay up-to-date on Institute research in progress, published pieces, and related material, and pitch creative content ideas to communicate findings.
Work with Digital Content Producer and researchers to create data visualizations for the website, presentations, and other products that are clear, accurate, and engaging, utilizing best practices.
Determine best content formats, with consideration given to audience insights and time available for production and dissemination.
Design visual assets for internal and promotional projects as needed.
Help manage projects, keep digital assets organized, and deliver drafts and final assets to relevant staff on schedule.
Stay informed on research, news, and policy developments, as well as data visualization best practices and strategies for visual storytelling.
Consult with researchers and communications staff when needed on story ideas to determine feasibility and creative direction.
Offer ideas to enhance and grow PIIE’s outreach through its website, newsletter, social media, news outlets, and other venues.

Qualifications

A portfolio that demonstrates a strong command of design (if possible, please include journalistic, data-based, or research-based design examples).
Advanced knowledge and experience with the Adobe Creative Suite programs, specifically: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Premiere, After Effects and Audition are a plus.
Basic familiarity with HTML and CSS is desired. Experience with Datawrapper, R, D3.js, or any other data visualization programs is a plus. Photography and photo editing skills are a plus.
Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Understanding of data visualization—how to translate data into graphs, such as bar charts, line charts, or scatterplots—and/or information design. Flowchart design is a plus.
Ease with multitasking in a busy, news driven environment—plus an ability to effectively manage time, adapt to changing priorities, and work within deadlines.
Knowledge of economics issues or other datacentric/research-based fields is a plus, as well as experience producing content for educational use.
Aptitude for creative design thinking and visual problem-solving.
Experience with video and animation is a plus.

Benefits

PIIE offers a highly competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan (after one year of employment, PIIE contributes 10 percent of the employee’s salary each month to a retirement account and the employee becomes fully vested after three years); competitive paid time off for vacation and sick leave; and significant subsidies for tuition in education and training programs.

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

PIIE priorities the safety of its staff and surrounding community. As part of that commitment, PIIE requires that staff in its office be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff and visitors must submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in the PIIE office. Individuals that have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief may request a reasonable accommodation.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter (including salary expectations), relevant portfolio samples (or link to website), and resume to careers@piie.com.

Peterson Institute for International Economics jobs

Visual Designer