Graphic Designer II

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy

The Graphic Designer II creates modern, forward-looking visuals that support Third Way’s policy, political, and communications efforts. They work closely with policy and communications teams to transform complex ideas into accessible and engaging visuals. This includes designing charts, infographics, slide decks, event graphics, and other materials that communicate Third Way’s work to a broad and diverse audience. This role brings strong creative judgment and contributes to the conceptual development of visual materials. The Graphic Designer II helps shape the look and feel of projects by offering thoughtful recommendations on visual storytelling, layout, and design. They demonstrate solid typography and layout skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently, with occasional support from the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design.

In addition to policy and political design work, this role partners with the Business Operations team to design materials that enhance the staff experience, from onboarding tools like business cards and staff portraits to graphics for internal communications. The designer also plays a role in shaping the look of graphics around the office and other fun team initiatives, offering a chance to experiment with more playful and engaging visuals.

Staying current with design trends, tools, and best practices is essential to ensure all creative work remains visually impactful, on-brand, and forward-thinking.

The Graphic Designer II will:

• Prepare products and press releases for the website;
• Partner with TW staff to quickly turn complex ideas and data into compelling visual content, such as charts, infographics, slide decks, and other visuals, with little support from the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design;
• Partner with the HR team to welcome new staff with professional photographs, ordering business cards, and preparing bios and materials for the website;
• Provide recommendations to improve data visualizations and creative graphics;
• Ensure all graphics are accessible, on-brand, and optimized for use across platforms;
• Archive design files using the design team system;
• Stay current on design trends, tools, and technology to keep Third Way’s materials looking fresh;
• Support the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design designing print and digital graphics for an upcoming conference.
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Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000, annually

At Third Way, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

The Competencies:

• Collaborative
• Design Theory
• Creativity
• Typography skills
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal skills
• Accountability for Self
• Respectfulness

This might be the job for you if you…

• Have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Communication Design, or a related discipline or at least two years of relevant experience;
• Have proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop);
• Have knowledge of the Microsoft software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook);
• Have basic knowledge of photography;
• Have familiarity with HTML and content management system (CMS) to support Third Way’s website;
• Video editing and animation (Adobe Premiere and After Effects) and data visualization skills (Tableau, and Datawrapper) are a plus;
• Are able to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Are able to work both collaboratively and independently;
• Can maintains excellent customer service with good communication and relationship skills;
• Can manage multiple deadlines efficiently and has good time management skills.

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.
• Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing its shared priorities.
• Creators: People who fosters divergent thinking; that aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.
• Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.
• Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and fosters the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

WITHIN 1 MONTH, YOU'LL...

• Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes HR, Benefits, IT, Finance, and office operations.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.
• Learn our current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and how you will partner with Finance and the rest of the Business Operations team on these processes.
• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.
• Attend weekly team meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of each program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
• Meet with staff to learn about key objectives of the Communications team, Moderate Power Project, and Third Way's policy programs.
• Learn and apply the Third Way brand to visuals and data visualizations.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.
• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution to TW’s mission.
• Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.
• Independently schedule and take staff photographs, prepare and order business cards, and work with the Business Operation team on all other onboarding needs.

WITHIN 3 MONTHS, YOU'LL…

• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
• Continue to attend weekly departmental meetings with a stronger understanding of your team’s strategic goal.
• Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager.
• Attend and participate in external functions with other members of your team.
• Complete your 90-day self-evaluation and performance review with your manager.
• Partner with your manager to establish your long-term goals for the remainder of the year.
• Collaborate with Third Way staff by proposing ideas to improve the quality of graphics and data visualizations in products.

In addition to competitive salaries, your health and wellness is our priority. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Health Reimbursement Account (HRA); and Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Parking, and Transit); Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Retirement plan; Accrued Paid Sick and Vacation leave; Long-term Disability, Employee Assistant Program (EAP).

Third Way is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. To support that commitment, all current and newly hired employees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Proof of full vaccination status will be required after an offer of employment is extended and accepted. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination before the start date will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Third Way offers a hybrid work environment to support our employees’ healthy work-life balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.