Book & Publication Designer - Volunteer Role

About Us:

The Donovan’s Venom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on curating universal accessibility to fine arts and music education for all. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and fine art. We aim to inspire, empower, and uplift communities by fostering a love for music and the arts through our commitment to education, inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, which drives us to expand our reach continually and enrich the lives of those we serve.

Position Overview

The Book & Publication Designer will lead the visual design and development of books, digital publications, reports, educational materials, and other mission-driven publications for The Donovan’s Venom.

This role will help transform ideas, information, and stories into engaging, accessible, and visually compelling publications that communicate the organization's mission and connect with our audiences.

The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about using design and storytelling to create meaningful social impact.

What You'll Do

Book & Publication Design

• Design books, digital publications, reports, guides, educational materials, and other organizational publications.
• Develop layouts, typography, visual systems, and design elements that align with the organization's brand.
• Create visually engaging and accessible publication designs for different audiences and formats.
• Prepare publications for digital and print distribution.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality throughout all publication materials.

Creative & Visual Storytelling

• Translate written content, research, stories, and organizational information into compelling visual experiences.
• Develop creative approaches that help communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Incorporate photography, illustrations, graphics, charts, and other visual elements when appropriate.
• Ensure visual storytelling reflects the organization's mission, values, and voice.
• Help create publications that educate, inspire, and engage the communities we serve.

Collaboration & Production

• Collaborate with leadership, writers, researchers, program teams, and other creative professionals throughout the publication process.
• Participate in creative planning, concept development, revisions, and final production.
• Manage multiple publication projects, timelines, and deadlines.
• Maintain organized design files and publication assets.
• Review final materials for visual consistency, accuracy, and quality.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in editorial and publication design.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in graphic design, editorial design, publication design, visual communications, or a related field.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating publication, editorial, book, or layout design.
• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong creative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to translate ideas and information into clear and compelling visual content.
• Passion for storytelling, community impact, and mission-driven organizations.

Important Disclaimer

As a 100% volunteer-led U.S. nonprofit organization, we may engage volunteers located outside the United States. International volunteer participation is subject to applicable U.S. sanctions and export-control requirements, data privacy and information-security requirements, background screening where appropriate, and confirmation that the volunteer’s country and assigned responsibilities have been approved by the organization.

This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.