Graphic Designer

About the Opportunity

This is a 1-year fixed term position, renewable based on available external funding.

The GovLab works to redesign how institutions work to the end of improving real people’s lives. We focus on how to bring new technology, new methods and new scientific insights to bear to open up and improve how institutions make decisions or provide services at the local, state, national and international level. (More info at http://www.thegovlab.org/)

The Burnes Center is looking for a graphic designer who will be responsible for creating high-impact visual communications and design systems for projects like InnovateUS, AIEP and Reboot Democracy, as well as reports, social media campaigns, events, and teaching materials.

• You’re passionate about civic tech, open government, and open data — and you get excited about using design to make complex ideas understandable and compelling.

• You’re good at problem solving and thinking critically, and are great at communicating your ideas visually and verbally.

• You have a strong, demonstrable background in graphic design for digital and print, with a great eye for typography, layout, and hierarchy.

• You’re comfortable designing for the web and social media, and collaborating closely with developers, researchers, and project leads.

• You’re fluent in tools like Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and/or Figma, and you’re enthusiastic about learning new tools as needed.

• You care about consistency and accessibility in design, and you’re excited about building and maintaining clear visual systems and style guides.

• And perhaps most importantly, you love learning new things and play well with others.

• Designing visual identities (logos, color systems, typography, and templates) for civic tech projects, labs, and initiatives.

• Creating data visualizations, infographics, and explainer materials that make complex policies and research accessible to non-experts.

• Developing social media graphics, presentation decks, and one-pagers that communicate key messages clearly and persuasively.

• Excellent visual design, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, with a portfolio that includes both digital and (ideally) some print work.

• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and/or Figma (or similar modern design platforms).

• Experience designing for the web and social media (understanding of responsive layouts, image optimization, basic web constraints).

• Comfort working with existing brand systems as well as developing new visual identities from scratch.

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills (file management, versioning, template systems).

• Familiarity with accessibility and inclusive design principles, or willingness to learn.

• Experience collaborating with developers, writers, and researchers is a plus.

• Motion design, illustration, or basic video editing skills are a plus, but not required.

• Eligible to work in the United States.

GovLab is an equal employment employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. GovLab is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

To apply, please email your CV, portfolio (or link to your portfolio), and a brief letter or video setting out relevant project experience to [email protected].

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.