RAND
Senior Graphic Designer (Designer II)
RAND, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, us, 15289
Job Type:Regular
Position DescriptionRAND has an exciting opportunity for a talented Senior Graphic Designer to join our Design & Multimedia group within the Communications and External Affairs department. The Design & Multimedia group creates print, digital, and multimedia products that help make RAND research and people more accessible to a broad audience through storytelling and design.In this role, you will work collaboratively with a team of visual artists to consult on, manage, and lead graphic design products from concept to polished completion. RAND research can be complex and information dense, so you will be expected to think holistically about a product from start to finish, consider the audience in everything you do, and stay current with best practices in design.As a designer, you will partner with researchers, publishing teams, and additional stakeholders to define and execute upon project requirements and proactively champion design ideas. This role also involves project coordination and oversight, requiring an adaptive approach to support a high-volume, fast-paced work environment with varying client needs.The ideal candidate will thrive on producing elevated, functional products that convey findings with the potential to make an impact in the public policy space.Duties include but are not limited to:Design a full range of print collateral, including editorial layouts, one-pagers, custom publication covers, infographics, data visualization, presentations, marketing materials, and more.
Work with publishing teams, authors, internal managers, and fellow team members to develop custom designs supporting internal and external initiatives.
Lead and manage large design projects, including defining scope and audience, delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring quality control.
Format designs for brand compliance, accessibility, and usability.
Transform concepts and text into clear visual outputs with minimal direction.
Assist in the development and application of team processes and best practices.
Design for scale, creating templates and assets that can be reused on other projects.
Manage workload in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment, addressing conflicting timelines as they arise.
Train and mentor team members on design fundamentals and software.
Promote standards for quality, professionalism, and creativity within and outside of the team.
Stay current in new and innovative design trends and technologies.
QualificationsThe successful candidate is required to possess the following:Minimum of 6 years relevant experience working on print design products.
Proficiency in Mac-based, industry-standard software programs including Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro) and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
Knowledge of all steps required for the print process and an understanding of production methods.
Demonstrated expertise in typography, composition theory, and color theory.
Demonstrated ability to work quickly with tight deadlines while maintaining an excellent attention to detail.
Experience managing complex design projects.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and the importance of design fundamentals.
Ability to receive and respond to feedback and creative direction from peers and clients with the intent of improving upon work.
Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of 508 compliance and accessibility standards.
Knowledge of digital design tools like Figma and Datawrapper.
Familiarity with workflow management tools, like Jira or Workfront.
Experience with digital asset management systems, like Adobe Experience Manager.
EducationBA/BS degree is required.Security ClearanceThe ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance and DHS Fitness is required. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.LocationThis position will be located at one of the following RAND offices: Arlington, Va.; Pittsburgh, PA; or Santa Monica, Calif. This position is eligible for RAND's hybrid work environment, which enables a blend of on-site and remote work. Some on-site presence will be required to meet business needs, including on an ad-hoc basis; on-site needs will vary from week to week.Work SampleAll applicants are required to provide an online portfolio that displays a range of technical capabilities, design styles, and materials to include:Editorial Design
One Pagers
Highly-designed typography
Infographics
Complex vector-based imagery
Presentations
Multi-page documents
Brands
Salary Range:
$85,700 - $124,700RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including, but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, and expertise; and internal equity. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid time off, and more.Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet
Position DescriptionRAND has an exciting opportunity for a talented Senior Graphic Designer to join our Design & Multimedia group within the Communications and External Affairs department. The Design & Multimedia group creates print, digital, and multimedia products that help make RAND research and people more accessible to a broad audience through storytelling and design.In this role, you will work collaboratively with a team of visual artists to consult on, manage, and lead graphic design products from concept to polished completion. RAND research can be complex and information dense, so you will be expected to think holistically about a product from start to finish, consider the audience in everything you do, and stay current with best practices in design.As a designer, you will partner with researchers, publishing teams, and additional stakeholders to define and execute upon project requirements and proactively champion design ideas. This role also involves project coordination and oversight, requiring an adaptive approach to support a high-volume, fast-paced work environment with varying client needs.The ideal candidate will thrive on producing elevated, functional products that convey findings with the potential to make an impact in the public policy space.Duties include but are not limited to:Design a full range of print collateral, including editorial layouts, one-pagers, custom publication covers, infographics, data visualization, presentations, marketing materials, and more.
Work with publishing teams, authors, internal managers, and fellow team members to develop custom designs supporting internal and external initiatives.
Lead and manage large design projects, including defining scope and audience, delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring quality control.
Format designs for brand compliance, accessibility, and usability.
Transform concepts and text into clear visual outputs with minimal direction.
Assist in the development and application of team processes and best practices.
Design for scale, creating templates and assets that can be reused on other projects.
Manage workload in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment, addressing conflicting timelines as they arise.
Train and mentor team members on design fundamentals and software.
Promote standards for quality, professionalism, and creativity within and outside of the team.
Stay current in new and innovative design trends and technologies.
QualificationsThe successful candidate is required to possess the following:Minimum of 6 years relevant experience working on print design products.
Proficiency in Mac-based, industry-standard software programs including Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro) and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
Knowledge of all steps required for the print process and an understanding of production methods.
Demonstrated expertise in typography, composition theory, and color theory.
Demonstrated ability to work quickly with tight deadlines while maintaining an excellent attention to detail.
Experience managing complex design projects.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and the importance of design fundamentals.
Ability to receive and respond to feedback and creative direction from peers and clients with the intent of improving upon work.
Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of 508 compliance and accessibility standards.
Knowledge of digital design tools like Figma and Datawrapper.
Familiarity with workflow management tools, like Jira or Workfront.
Experience with digital asset management systems, like Adobe Experience Manager.
EducationBA/BS degree is required.Security ClearanceThe ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance and DHS Fitness is required. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.LocationThis position will be located at one of the following RAND offices: Arlington, Va.; Pittsburgh, PA; or Santa Monica, Calif. This position is eligible for RAND's hybrid work environment, which enables a blend of on-site and remote work. Some on-site presence will be required to meet business needs, including on an ad-hoc basis; on-site needs will vary from week to week.Work SampleAll applicants are required to provide an online portfolio that displays a range of technical capabilities, design styles, and materials to include:Editorial Design
One Pagers
Highly-designed typography
Infographics
Complex vector-based imagery
Presentations
Multi-page documents
Brands
Salary Range:
$85,700 - $124,700RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including, but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, and expertise; and internal equity. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid time off, and more.Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet