Graphic Design Associate
National Journal is seeking a Graphic Design Associate to support and execute internal and client-facing design initiatives across the organization. This role will collaborate closely with our analyst and research teams to produce high-quality, client-branded design deliverables that engage key audiences such as advocates, boards, and PACs. Additionally, the Graphic Design Associate will contribute to National Journal-branded projects with the goal of advancing strategic vision, client acquisition, and unit and revenue retention. The ideal candidate is a versatile designer capable of handling a wide range of projects—from infographics and one-pagers to animated videos and multimedia content.
National Journal is a premier research and insights company committed to helping organizations effectively navigate Washington. Best known as one of Washington’s most trusted media brands for over 50 years, our expertise is unmatched, with teams of specialists dedicated to government affairs, communications, and political research, in addition to exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip the thousands of government and business leaders in the nation’s capital with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver success.
What is National Journal’s Creative Team?
Our team consists of graphic designers who develop creative assets that engage, educate, and deliver value to our clients while also generating market interest in National Journal’s products. We work closely with business team partners to capitalize on that interest and demonstrate value with the goals of acquiring new clients and retaining existing partnerships. This is a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where priorities shift quickly, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is essential. The creative team plays a key role across our business, contributing to all new product development, product evolution, and marketing efforts.
The Role: The Graphic Design Associate will work closely with our Presentation Center team, responsible for creating engaging, visually compelling deliverables that support our members’ strategic goals. This role involves close collaboration with our analysts to design a wide range of client-facing materials, including data visualizations, infographics, animated videos, videos, social media content, annual reports, one-pagers, newsletters, and short publications, as well as interactive graphics and other creative multimedia projects. Reporting directly to the Senior Creative Director, this individual will work cross-functionally with project managers, analysts, and specialists—playing a critical role in shaping the visual expression of our work and driving impact across the business.
Major responsibilities include:
Producing high-quality print and digital graphics and videos for National Journal members, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strong visual storytelling.
Supporting all phases of the design process, from initial scoping and concept development to revisions, production, and final delivery.
Designing a variety of custom client deliverables such as infographics, newsletter templates, annual reports, one-pagers, briefing books, social media assets, charts, data visualizations, motion graphics, animations, and more—all aligned with the client’s branding and strategic goals.
Translating complex quantitative data and qualitative insights into clear, engaging visual formats.
Collaborating closely with analysts, project managers, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that requires flexibility, creativity, and strong communication.
Here are a few recent projects you might have worked on if you were already part of the team:
Designed a suite of social media graphics for one of the 10 largest healthcare companies in the US
Designed a printed annual report for a Fortune 500 company
Collaborated on UX/UI input and wireframes for new internal websites
Created an animated data visualization for a client
Designed an infographic one pager for a government client
Created a series of animated videos with voiceover for a tech company
The right candidate will:
Have an insatiable curiosity for creativity and a visible passion for design
Have a strong creative portfolio that includes data visualization and motion and demonstrates a solid grasp of design principles, including typography, color theory, grid-based design, and white space (portfolio required for application consideration)
Be able to quickly familiarize themselves with and apply a wide range of branding guidelines from a diverse set of members and clients
Excel at client discovery and be able to take explicit, detailed direction from different stakeholders
Be able to develop designs from concept to execution with multiple rounds of edits and input, receiving feedback with openness and adaptability
Thrive in both collaborative environments as well as independent workflows
Effectively manage multiple projects at once while clearly communicating expectations and deadlines
Bring fresh ideas to the table and proactively contribute creative solutions to visual challenges
Show versatility across mediums—print, digital, motion—and a willingness to experiment with new formats and tools
Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment and use resources effectively to minimize turnaround time without compromising quality
Stay ahead of the curve with emerging design technologies, tools, and trends—always exploring new ways to create cutting-edge, effective visual experiences
Understand design as a storytelling and strategy tool, not just an aesthetic discipline
Skills you will build and hone in this role:
Working with senior-level executives (both internal and at client organizations) to meet marketing, advocacy, and communications goals
Developing strong, compelling product content
Evolving your skills in static and motion graphic production
Building knowledge on many different stakeholder groups
Learning the ins and outs of how Washington works
Building competencies in new, scalable graphic design software programs and automation tools
Using graphics and presentations to "show" rather than "tell"
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred
Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign and Illustrator a must) as well as Microsoft Office programs including PowerPoint. Canva experience is a plus
Ability to create designs from provided wireframes and provide guidance on best practices for data visualization to others
Organized, focused, detail and deadline oriented with strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to articulately deliver presentations and the story behind design choices
Entrepreneurial spirit, track record of initiative, and ownership of work
High energy, demonstrates a sense of urgency, poised under pressure, and understands the importance of the little details and follows through
Have hands-on experience with animation and motion graphics, with proficiency in tools like After Effects or equivalent software
Willingness to work outside the strict job description parameters, thinking creatively about how to provide the highest level of creativity
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation: The salary range for this role is $55,000 to $60,000
Location: This job is based in Washington, DC. National Journal operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees required to be in the office every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
About Us
Across National Journal Group, generally, the firm looks for two “pillar gifts” in you, and everyone else. In all of us, these are more aspirational than actual, but they are central in our intentions –
Force of Ideas: At the center of National Journal Group work are the ideas within our writing. We believe that ideas – to the good and not – have consequences. Our highest work is bringing rigor, insight, intellectual honesty, to that ultimate purpose of separating the bad from the good, and giving voice to the latter.
Spirit of Generosity: National Journal Group seeks in its ranks a spirit of generosity – a natural disposition in each colleague toward service and selfless conduct. National Journal Group writing should be cut from the same cloth –critical on the merits but informed by charity and forbearance in measuring motive and personal character.
National Journal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.