The Center for a New American Security is an independent, bipartisan, nonprofit think tank that develops strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies. CNAS is looking to hire a graphic designer to work with our creative director, editors, and researchers to produce visual materials that elevate the presentation of our national security ideas and analysis. In this position you’ll have the opportunity to design everything from branded campaigns to infographics, custom illustrations, maps and charts, editorial design and layout, motion graphics, video, and web content.

This position is for a creative who loves variety: someone who can create novel cover art concepts for a report on drones, sketch out artboards for an explainer video on digital currency, or create new branding for a center-wide campaign, while also laying out 60 pages of text for a report on AI, developing a PowerPoint deck for an internal board meeting, or selecting a branded holiday gift for partners and employees. The research at CNAS is entrepreneurial and bold, enabling the design team to push boundaries with visual solutions.

Visit this link to see some of our design work.

Responsibilities

• Designing CNAS reports to include formatting text; placing assets; creating custom interior graphics and report cover art; preparing files for print and web; and designing assets for promotion.
• Creating infographics such as maps, charts, and data visualizations.
• Developing branding and illustrations for new projects or special events.
• Assisting teams with graphics development for presentations and events using non-designer tools like PowerPoint.
• Developing art and storyboards for motion designers to develop explainer videos.
• Assisting the creative director in ways to improve design team capabilities and processes.

Qualifications and Requirements

Required:

• Has a BA/BS in graphic design.
• Has a portfolio of work with related products.
• Is skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud (emphasis on InDesign) to create text-rich layouts for reports, magazines, newspapers, books, and marketing materials.
• Has strong attention to detail, specifically in typesetting and formatting.
• Has experience creating data visualizations that help translate complex topics.
• Understands digital design spaces and can create graphics for social media, email, event platforms, websites, podcasts, and videos.
• Has experience building new brands as well as maintaining and improving existing ones.
• Is well organized, manages multiple projects and files at a time, and meets project deadlines.
• Has experience working directly with clients, gathering requirements/guidelines, pitching design concepts, and articulating the story behind the design.
• Values the role of collaboration in developing compelling graphics and works flexibly, integrating feedback from designers and non-designers.
• Can communicate design principles and educate non-designers in best practices, equipping colleagues with templates in programs like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Canva, and data visualization software tools.
• Legal right to work in the United States.
• Based in Washington, DC or willing to relocate upon job offer.

Preferred:

• Has 5+ years of experience working in-house or at a firm/agency.
• Is interested in government, U.S. national security, foreign policy, and international relations.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short and long term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

CNAS abides by all Federal and District of Columbia employment laws.

To Apply

CNAS is accepting online applications only. Apply online using this link:

https://cnas.bamboohr.com/careers/115

A complete application will include a résumé and portfolio. Additional application materials and professional references may be requested.