Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II
Company: Third Way
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Marketing & Communications Operations
Date Posted: August 7, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating complex policy and political ideas into visually compelling and accessible graphics, directly supporting Third Way's communication strategy and brand presence.
• The Graphic Designer II will be responsible for developing a wide range of visual assets, including infographics, charts, slide decks, and event materials, ensuring they are on-brand and optimized for diverse platforms.
• A key aspect of this position involves partnering with internal teams, such as policy, communications, and HR, to create impactful visuals for both external outreach and internal staff experience initiatives.
• This position requires a strong understanding of design principles, creative judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently, contributing to the conceptual development of visual materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided details are for a Graphic Designer, the operations context is inferred by focusing on how design supports the operational efficiency of communications, policy dissemination, and internal business operations (HR, onboarding). The role's impact on streamlining information flow and enhancing internal processes is a key operational consideration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create modern, forward-looking visuals that support Third Way’s policy, political, and communications efforts, transforming complex ideas and data into accessible and engaging graphics.
• Partner with policy and communications teams to design compelling visual content, including charts, infographics, slide decks, and other materials with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with the HR and Business Operations teams to design materials that enhance the staff experience, such as onboarding visuals, business cards, and internal communications graphics.
• Provide recommendations to improve the quality and effectiveness of data visualizations and creative graphics, ensuring they align with Third Way's brand and mission.
• Ensure all designed graphics are accessible, on-brand, and optimized for seamless use across various digital and print platforms.
• Maintain and organize design files within the established design team system for efficient retrieval and archival.
• Stay current with evolving design trends, tools, and technologies to ensure Third Way's visual materials remain impactful and contemporary.
• Support the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design in creating print and digital graphics for upcoming conferences and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative output and operational support. "Preparing products and press releases for the website" and "archiving design files" are direct operational tasks. The collaboration with HR for onboarding materials and business cards also points to an operational function within the business.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a related discipline.
• Alternatively, a minimum of two years of relevant professional graphic design experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in creating visual content for policy, communications, or advocacy organizations is highly regarded.
• Proven track record of managing design projects from conception to completion, including handling multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in transforming complex data and ideas into clear, compelling visual narratives.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are essential for creating high-quality graphics and layouts.
• Microsoft Software Knowledge: Strong command of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook for document creation, presentations, and data integration.
• Typography and Layout Skills: Excellent command of typography, layout principles, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.
• Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication abilities to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and present design concepts.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex information, identify design challenges, and develop innovative visual solutions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across departments.
• Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Respectfulness: Commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography Skills: Basic knowledge and experience in photography, particularly for staff portraits and internal materials.
• HTML & CMS Familiarity: Understanding of HTML and experience with content management systems (CMS) to support website integration of visual assets.
• Video Editing & Animation: Proficiency in Adobe Premiere and After Effects for creating dynamic visual content.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with data visualization software such as Tableau or Datawrapper to enhance the presentation of complex data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, and data visualization tools aligns with the technical requirements for many operations roles that leverage design for reporting and process documentation. The "Accountability for Self" and "Respectfulness" competencies suggest a need for self-management and team integration, critical for operations professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Storytelling: Showcase a portfolio demonstrating the ability to translate complex concepts and data into clear, compelling visual narratives across various formats (infographics, charts, presentations).
• Brand Consistency: Include examples that highlight adherence to brand guidelines and the ability to maintain visual consistency across different projects and platforms.
• Project Management: Present case studies or examples that illustrate effective project management, including problem-solving, stakeholder collaboration, and timely delivery of design assets.
• Technical Proficiency: Provide examples that clearly demonstrate advanced proficiency in core design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and familiarity with data visualization tools if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally reflect an understanding of design workflows, from initial concept and research to final asset delivery and optimization for different media.
• Examples showcasing the process of iterating on designs based on feedback from stakeholders (policy teams, communications, HR) would be valuable.
• Demonstrating the ability to document design processes, file management, and version control within a team setting is also beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is often a direct reflection of process execution and efficiency. Demonstrating how design projects were managed, how feedback was incorporated, and how final assets were optimized for distribution speaks to an operational mindset and ability to execute effectively within defined processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 annually.
This range reflects the experience level and responsibilities outlined for the Graphic Designer II position. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to ensure employee health.
• Financial Health Support: Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical, dependent care (DCA), parking, and transit expenses.
• Security & Retirement: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and a Retirement Plan to support long-term financial security.
• Time Off & Support: Accrued Paid Sick Leave and Vacation Leave for work-life balance, and Long-term Disability insurance for income protection.
• Employee Well-being: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support services.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically corresponding to a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid work environment allows for flexibility, with designated in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Washington, DC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed benefits package indicates a supportive employer focused on employee well-being, which is a common characteristic of organizations that attract strong talent in operations. Understanding these benefits is crucial for assessing the total compensation package and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Think Tank / Policy Advocacy / Non-profit Sector. Third Way operates at the intersection of policy research and political advocacy, focusing on "moderate policy and political ideas" and serving as a "critical bulwark against political extremism." Company Size: Mid-sized organization. While not explicitly stated, the description implies a structured organization with dedicated policy teams, communications, HR, and business operations, suggesting a workforce likely in the range of 50-200 employees. Founded: 2005. This indicates a relatively established organization with a history of developing and advocating for policy solutions, providing a stable operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a Communications or Multimedia department, reporting to a Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design.
• This role involves close collaboration with policy experts, communications specialists, and the HR/Business Operations team, requiring strong cross-functional interaction.
• The team structure emphasizes collaboration and shared priorities, fostering an environment where design supports strategic organizational goals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The company's focus on policy and advocacy suggests a data-driven approach, requiring designers to effectively visualize complex information and research findings.
• Workflow Optimization: The role involves streamlining the process of translating ideas into visuals, implying a focus on efficient design workflows and clear communication channels.
• Brand & Mission Alignment: All creative output is expected to be on-brand and aligned with Third Way's mission to advocate for moderate policy solutions.

Company Website: www.thirdway.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The think tank environment suggests a culture that values rigorous research, clear communication, and persuasive advocacy. Operations professionals in such settings often need to be adept at supporting strategic initiatives with efficient processes and data-backed insights.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (Graphic Designer II), indicating a need for independent work and contribution to conceptual development, moving beyond entry-level execution. It's a key contributor role within the design function. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II reports to the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design, who likely oversees the overall visual output and strategy. This provides a clear reporting line and mentorship opportunity. Operations Impact: The graphic design function directly impacts Third Way's ability to communicate its policy research and advocacy effectively. High-quality visuals enhance engagement, clarify complex information, and strengthen the organization's brand, thereby supporting its operational mission of influencing policy discourse.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like data visualization, animation, or video editing, potentially leading to more specialized roles.
• Project Leadership: As experience grows, the designer may take on more complex projects, lead design aspects of major initiatives (like conferences), and mentor junior designers.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Collaboration with various departments offers exposure to different aspects of the organization's operations, potentially opening paths into project management or communications strategy roles.
• Industry Engagement: Staying current with design trends and potentially attending industry events can foster professional development and networking within the design and policy advocacy fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, growth often involves expanding process ownership, leading operational improvements, or moving into management. In this design context, growth translates to increased responsibility for visual strategy, project leadership, and potentially managing design operations or workflows.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Third Way designates specific in-office days to foster collaboration and team cohesion. Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Washington, DC (ZIP code 20036). This places the role within a major hub for policy and advocacy organizations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The hybrid model, with mandated in-office days (Tuesday-Thursday), is designed to facilitate in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team building among design and other staff.
• Tool Access: Employees will have access to the necessary design software and technology to perform their roles effectively. The mention of an IT department suggests robust tech support.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with policy experts, communications staff, and senior leadership are inherent in the role, providing exposure to the organization's strategic discussions and operational challenges.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week). The hybrid structure offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for focused work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant operational consideration for employees, impacting daily routines, collaboration strategies, and the need for effective remote and in-office communication. The emphasis on Tuesday-Thursday as in-office days suggests a structured approach to maximizing in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves a review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative output.
• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how they translated complex ideas into visuals. This may include a design challenge.
• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager (Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design) and potentially other team members to evaluate technical skills, creativity, cultural fit, and collaboration style.
• Cultural Fit/Values Interview: Assessment of alignment with Third Way's core values (Self-starters, Collaborators, Creators, Results-oriented, Respectful).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills required for this role, focusing on clarity, impact, and problem-solving.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you devised, and the final outcome or impact.
• Highlight Operations Relevance: If possible, include projects that involved managing multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, or translating technical/policy information.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, and ideally, data visualization tools.
• Accessibility Focus: Mention any considerations you made for accessibility in your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Familiarize yourself with Third Way's policy areas and advocacy goals to better grasp the context of their visual needs.
• Data Visualization Practice: If data visualization is a key component, practice creating clear and insightful charts or infographics from sample data.
• Brand Interpretation: Consider how you would apply Third Way's brand identity to various types of content.
• Communication Practice: Prepare to articulate your design decisions and process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to policy experts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations interviews often include case studies or problem-solving exercises focused on process improvement or efficiency. For a design role supporting operations, expect questions about managing project workflows, stakeholder communication to gather requirements, and delivering assets that meet specific operational needs (e.g., website updates, onboarding materials).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential for all visual creation and layout).
• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook (for document creation, presentations, data handling, and internal communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools (Preferred): Tableau, Datawrapper (to transform data into engaging and informative graphics).
• Website Analytics (Implied): Familiarity with how visuals perform on a website might be beneficial, suggesting an indirect interaction with analytics.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management System (CMS) (Familiarity): To support website content updates.
• Design File Management System: An internal system for archiving and organizing design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools listed are standard for design, but the mention of CMS and data visualization tools highlights the operational aspect of integrating design into broader digital platforms and data reporting processes. Understanding how these tools interface is key for operations professionals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using data and research to inform policy and advocacy, requiring designers to translate this data effectively into visuals.
• Efficiency and Impact: A focus on achieving clear objectives and delivering results with a strong emphasis on the impact of their work, including the visual communication of policy.
• Collaboration and Inclusivity: A culture that values diverse perspectives and promotes teamwork across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Encouraging "creators" who aren't afraid to challenge norms and experiment, fostering a dynamic approach to design and policy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with policy experts, communications staff, and business operations teams, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Feedback-Oriented: The role involves receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and ensure they meet diverse needs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Implicit in a collaborative environment is the sharing of best practices and creative solutions to enhance overall team output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values directly translate to how operations professionals should approach their work: being results-oriented, data-informed, collaborative, and adaptable. Understanding these values helps align one's own work style with the company's operational ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge is effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate policy and political concepts for a broad audience without losing nuance.
• Balancing Brand and Creativity: Maintaining strict brand consistency while also encouraging creative and forward-thinking design solutions.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Coordinating design requests and feedback from multiple departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences.
• Keeping Pace with Trends: Continuously updating design skills and adapting to new tools and digital platforms to ensure Third Way's visuals remain relevant and impactful.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen skills in data visualization, motion graphics, or video editing through internal or external training.
• Policy & Advocacy Exposure: Gaining a better understanding of policy issues can inform more effective visual communication strategies.
• Cross-Departmental Projects: Participating in projects with different teams offers broader organizational insight and skill development in areas like campaign strategy or event production.
• Mentorship: Learning from the Deputy Director of Multimedia and Design and senior communications staff can provide valuable career guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, challenges often revolve around process bottlenecks, data integrity, or system inefficiencies. In this context, the designer's challenges are about optimizing the visual communication process and ensuring its efficiency and effectiveness, which mirrors operational goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex dataset or policy idea into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).
• "How do you ensure your designs remain on-brand while also being creative and innovative?" (Focus on balancing constraints with creativity).
• "How do you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions on a design project?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution).
• "How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Focus on time management, organization, and project management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Third Way's mission and policy focus?" (Show genuine interest and research).
• "How do you align with Third Way's core values, such as being a 'self-starter' or 'collaborator'?" (Provide specific examples from your experience).
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to positive team dynamics." (Highlight your collaborative and respectful approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and results.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear, concise annotations. Be prepared to share your screen and walk through specific design elements.
• Narrative: Frame your work as solutions to problems, emphasizing your strategic thinking and ability to meet specific communication goals.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your technical choices, design rationale, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: In operations interviews, prepare to discuss process improvements you've implemented, how you've used data to drive decisions, and examples of cross-functional collaboration to achieve operational goals. For this role, connecting your design process to operational efficiency and communication effectiveness will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Third Way's careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience in graphic design, particularly any work involving data visualization, policy communication, or internal business support (HR materials). Showcase projects that demonstrate efficiency and clarity.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 50+ infographics," "Contributed visuals for 10+ press releases"). Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your visuals supported communication objectives. Be ready to articulate your understanding of Third Way's mission and values.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review Third Way's website, recent publications, and policy positions. Understand their brand identity and the types of visuals they currently use to demonstrate informed interest and alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.