Visual and Web Design Specialist

Position : Visual and Web Design Specialist

Status : Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)

Reports to : VP, Communications

Salary Grade : Manager I

Salary Range : $70,000-$80,000

Location : Washington, D.C. Preferred (Remote possible for exceptional candidates)

Job Type : Hybrid if in DMV region (in-office Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Position :

The Visual and Web Design Specialist brings Issue One's democracy reform mission to life through bold, accessible, and strategic design. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, this role ensures the organization's digital and visual presence is cohesive, engaging, and aligned with brand standards.

The Specialist leads the creation and maintenance of digital design assets across multiple platforms-social media, web, email, and campaign microsites-while upholding a consistent and high-impact brand identity across all Issue One (501(c)(3)) and Issue One Action (501(c)(4)) initiatives..

This position is highly collaborative, working closely with colleagues across Issue One's Communications, Strategic Engagement, Advocacy, and Advancement teams to ensure that every visual touchpoint supports our mission, strengthens our message, and reaches diverse audiences.

The ideal candidate combines strong creative instincts, technical design skills, and an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining design excellence.

Responsibilities :

Design and Creative Production (40%)

Design static and animated assets for use across social media, email, digital campaigns, reports, and presentations for Issue One and Issue One Action.

Translate campaign concepts and messaging into visually compelling, accessible formats such as infographics, illustrations, and branded layouts.

Develop and refine branded templates, toolkits, and systems to support consistent design across teams.

Uphold accessibility standards (WCAG / ADA) to ensure all visuals are inclusive and readable for diverse audiences.

Website and Digital Platform Management (25%)

Build, maintain, and update organization websites and campaign microsites.

Ensure all web content is current, accurate, and visually cohesive with campaign branding.

Manage website structure, layout, and user experience improvements in coordination with internal stakeholders.

Collaborate with external vendors on large-scale web projects, redesigns, or technical upgrades.

Collaboration, Coordination, and Project Planning (10%)

Collaborate across departments to scope design needs, set priorities, and align timelines.

Maintain the shared content and creative calendar, coordinating deliverables with the Digital Strategist and campaign teams to ensure timely execution.

Participate in weekly communications meetings to plan and track project progress.

Balance multiple concurrent design requests and provide clear updates to internal stakeholders.

High-Visibility Organizational Support (10%)

Design and format high-impact materials, including annual reports, board decks, donor presentations, and event collateral.

Ensure design supports straightforward, strategic storytelling that strengthens relationships with funders, partners, and policymakers.

Brand Stewardship and Evolution (15%)

Maintain and evolve Issue One's brand identity across digital and print platforms.

Ensure adherence to brand guidelines, including color, typography, and visual tone.

Proactively identify opportunities to modernize and strengthen the brand's visual impact.

Recommend new tools or design techniques that enhance storytelling and efficiency.

Job-Related Experience

3-5 years of professional experience in visual or digital design, preferably in a nonprofit, campaign, or advocacy environment.

Demonstrated success designing for multi-channel campaigns (social, email, web, and print).

Strong understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and accessibility standards.

Experience collaborating across teams and managing multiple design projects simultaneously.

Portfolio demonstrating creative versatility and high-quality execution across digital formats.

Self-taught or portfolio-based candidates with strong technical skills are welcome to apply.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign; After Effects preferred).

Experience with CMS platforms such as WordPress or Squarespace.

Basic HTML / CSS for minor web edits or troubleshooting.

Familiarity with Canva for quick-turn or templated designs.

Understanding of file formats and optimization for print, web, and social platforms.

Working knowledge of animation or motion design principles (preferred but not required).

Experience managing a shared content calendar and coordinating across teams.

Decision Making

The Specialist independently decides :

How to execute design projects within approved brand guidelines

Which visual formats best suit a campaign or deliverable

Prioritization of day-to-day design tasks and deadlines.

When to make web updates within the approved structure and content scope.

The Vice President of Communications provides approval for :

New creative directions or brand updates.

Major website structure or navigation changes.

Adjustments to campaign timelines or rollout schedules.

Use of new software or third-party tools.

This role carries no direct financial authority.

Location

This role is a full-time, fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week.

It's highly preferred that the candidate reside in the Washington, DC area and participate in IO's hybrid work environment. This arrangement allows staff to come to the office two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and work remotely on the other three days. While the opportunity to work outside of the DC area is possible, it would require additional conversations between the hiring manager and applicant before an employment offer is made.

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance.

All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium. The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.

Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.

Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting, and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home while establishing regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.

Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. Additionally, all staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization offers several opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Physical Demands

Most work is carried out in an office-like environment, where projects are completed at a desk for extended periods and tasks are performed using a computer.

During special events, the Specialist may be required to stand for extended periods and travel occasionally.

The Specialist may need to lift, push, and / or carry items in excess of ten (10) pounds.

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job as described.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

Nov. 17-Dec. 1 : The position is posted, and resumes are collected

Nov. Dec. 2-5 : Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.

Dec. 10-16 : First-round panel interviews take place.

Dec. 17-19 : Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place.

Dec. 22 : Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials).

Jan. 12, 2026 : New candidate begins (flexible start date)

Special Note : While our organizations will do their best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organizations will do their best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after Dec. 1, there's no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to complete our self-identification questionnaire voluntarily. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring everyone has equal success opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and / or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.