VISUAL DESIGNER, INTERACTIVE & STORYTELLING - (GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE II)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VISUAL DESIGNER, INTERACTIVE & STORYTELLING - (GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE II)

Company: Education Development Center

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-14T14:58:40.473

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual narrative and interactive experiences for a global nonprofit focused on education, workforce development, and health outcomes.

• The Visual Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing compelling visual assets across digital channels, including social media, web campaigns, and thought leadership initiatives.

• A key aspect of this position is the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visual stories through interactive and motion design.

• The role requires a forward-thinking designer who can contribute to the evolution of the organization's brand and digital presence, while also managing multiple projects and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Visual Designer," the emphasis on "Interactive & Storytelling" and the responsibilities indicate a strong focus on user experience (UX) design principles and digital content strategy, particularly for engagement and impact, which are critical in the nonprofit sector for communicating mission and results. This role bridges graphic design with digital product thinking.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Guide the end-to-end design process for interactive and motion-based visual assets across social media, web, and digital campaigns.

• Translate abstract ideas, project briefs, and initial concepts into clear, compelling visual directions, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Develop concepts and produce high-quality visual assets daily to enhance social media storytelling and engagement.

• Collaborate on the development of thought leadership campaigns, contributing a strong point of view on visual communication strategies to amplify impact.

• Design and prototype interactive experiences that make complex content accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

• Apply an editorial mindset to visual storytelling, structuring and sequencing ideas effectively across various communication channels.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adeptly navigating feedback, revisions, and stakeholder expectations with professionalism.

• Contribute to the continuous evolution of EDC's brand identity and digital presence, including website enhancements and cross-channel integration.

• Build and maintain scalable design systems, templates, and components to ensure brand consistency and operational efficiency across the organization.

• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to ensure the high-quality, on-brand execution of creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who is not just an executor but also a strategic partner. The emphasis on "translating complex ideas," "editorial mindset," and "evolving brand presence" suggests that this role requires a candidate who can think critically about communication goals and user engagement, moving beyond purely aesthetic execution to strategic visual communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interactive Design, Digital Media, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of design and content strategy experience.

Experience: A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in a creative agency or in-house design environment, with a proven track record of delivering impactful visual solutions.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing interactive, digital, and motion design work with clear examples of concept-to-execution.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential).

• Demonstrated experience with motion design tools such as After Effects and/or Premiere Pro.

• Experience with interactive design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, provide constructive feedback, and manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

• Proven ability to take projects from initial concept through final delivery, managing timelines and deliverables.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the capacity to handle multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while also thriving in collaborative settings.

• A clear point of view on visual storytelling and effective digital communication strategies.

• Experience designing for integrated campaigns or content series, not just isolated assets.

• Comfort working with evolving inputs and iterative design processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management tools like Asana.

• Familiarity with content strategy principles and their application in visual design.

• Knowledge of web design best practices and UI/UX principles.

• Experience in the nonprofit or education sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "at least 6 years" of experience, coupled with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, positions this as a mid-to-senior level role (Graphic Design Associate II). The emphasis on interactive and motion design, alongside traditional graphic design, suggests a need for a versatile designer with a strong digital focus. The "interest in mission-driven work" is a key cultural fit indicator for this nonprofit role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in interactive design, motion graphics, and digital campaign execution.

• Include case studies that highlight the problem, your design process, and the impact of your work, emphasizing how you translated complex ideas into clear visual narratives.

• Projects should illustrate proficiency in translating strategy into cohesive creative work across various digital platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from concept development and user research (if applicable) to prototyping, iteration, and final delivery.

• Provide examples of how you have managed feedback and revisions, and how you ensured quality and on-brand execution in collaboration with teams or vendors.

• Explain your approach to translating briefs and loosely defined starting points into clear visual directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing interactive and storytelling design, the portfolio should not just be a collection of final assets but should also tell the story of the design process. Candidates should be ready to articulate their problem-solving approach and how they leveraged interactive and motion elements to achieve specific communication goals for the client or organization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Approximately $80,000 to $85,000 annually. This range is based on market analysis and internal equity for a Graphic Design Associate II role with specialized interactive and storytelling skills in New York City.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Paid Holidays.

• Generous Vacation Benefits.

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Pre-tax Transport Benefit.

• Robust Retirement Plan with TIAA/CREF.

• Paid Sick Time and Personal Time annually.

• Parental Leave.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range of $80,000-$85,000 for New York City aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced graphic designers with specialized digital skills. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a nonprofit organization of EDC's caliber, offering strong support for employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education, Workforce Development, Health Outcomes, Global Non-profit. EDC operates at the intersection of these critical sectors, aiming to improve lives through learning, work, and well-being.

Company Size: EDC is a significant global nonprofit, employing a diverse team across the United States and internationally. This implies a structured yet collaborative environment with opportunities for cross-functional engagement.

Founded: Established in 1958, EDC has a long history of impactful work, indicating a stable organization with deep expertise and established methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will be part of a highly collaborative Communications team.

• This role reports directly to the Director of the Office of Communications.

Methodology:

• EDC emphasizes designing, implementing, and scaling evidence-based solutions.

• The approach combines interdisciplinary expertise with real-world experience to address complex challenges.

• Design work is expected to support strategy and translate complex ideas into clear, impactful communications.

Company Website: www.edc.org

📝 Enhancement Note: As a global nonprofit, EDC likely fosters a culture that values mission alignment, social impact, collaboration, and evidence-based approaches. The "Visual Designer" role is positioned as a key contributor to communicating this mission and impact effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Graphic Design Associate II," indicating a mid-level position requiring significant experience and the ability to work independently. It signifies a designer who can contribute strategically and lead projects from concept to completion.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to the Director of the Office of Communications, suggesting a direct line of communication with leadership and a role that influences broader communication strategies.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's work directly impacts EDC's reputation, influence, and ability to communicate its mission and program successes. By bringing brand and campaign stories to life, the role contributes to stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and public awareness of EDC's global initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a senior design role or a lead position within the communications team, focusing on brand strategy or digital experience.

• Opportunities to develop expertise in interactive and motion design, becoming a specialist in these high-demand areas.

• Chance to contribute to shaping EDC's digital presence and brand evolution over time.

• Exposure to a wide range of projects across education, workforce development, and health, fostering a broad understanding of social impact initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The phrase "grow as a brand communications leader over time" explicitly points to leadership development potential within the role, making it attractive for ambitious designers looking for long-term career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment. This suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and direct mentorship.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, USA. This prime location offers access to a vibrant creative community and major urban amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "highly collaborative," fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Expect to work with colleagues across various departments, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and hardware.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, likely Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. The on-site nature suggests adherence to typical business hours, though flexibility might be available based on project needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City suggests a dynamic, collaborative workspace typical of creative teams in major urban centers, emphasizing in-person interaction for brainstorming and project development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and portfolio for relevant experience and skills.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss your portfolio, focusing on interactive design, motion graphics, and storytelling examples. Be prepared to articulate your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work.

• Skills Assessment/Exercise: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to translating concepts visually.

• Interviews with Team/Leadership: Discussions with the Director of Communications and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature interactive, motion, and digital campaign work.

• For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Use a clear, organized structure for your portfolio, making it easy for reviewers to navigate.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and motion graphics software.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the core problem and addressing it within the given constraints.

• Clearly articulate your design rationale and process, even for smaller tasks.

• Demonstrate your ability to think strategically about communication goals and audience engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on storytelling and interactive design, candidates should prepare to showcase not just static visuals but also how they conceptualize and execute dynamic, engaging experiences that convey a message effectively. The portfolio is paramount for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (required for foundational graphic design and layout).

• Motion Design Software: After Effects and/or Premiere (essential for creating motion graphics and video assets).

• Interactive Design Tools: Figma (required for prototyping interactive experiences and collaborative design).

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on web and social media would be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) or reporting dashboards could be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design assets are deployed within marketing or communication workflows might be useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, After Effects, and the core Adobe Suite is critical. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and workflow within these tools, especially in the context of creating interactive elements and motion graphics for digital storytelling.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A strong commitment to using design skills to advance social impact and improve lives through education, workforce development, and health.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within a team and across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement to bring fresh ideas and a forward-thinking approach to visual communication.

• Clarity & Accessibility: Dedication to making complex information clear, engaging, and accessible to diverse audiences.

• Professionalism & Initiative: Demonstrating sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work independently and manage projects effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with a communications team and other colleagues across the organization.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is crucial.

• Requires strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at EDC likely values individuals who are passionate about the organization's mission and can translate that passion into impactful design work that supports positive social change.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating complex, technical, or programmatic information into clear, compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.

• Balancing multiple project demands and tight deadlines while maintaining high creative quality.

• Evolving EDC's brand presence and digital storytelling in a dynamic global landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in interactive and motion design through hands-on project experience.

• Opportunities to influence brand strategy and digital communications at a respected global nonprofit.

• Potential for leadership development within the communications team.

• Exposure to a wide array of social impact initiatives, broadening understanding of global development challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced design skills to meaningful work, contributing directly to an organization's mission. The challenges presented are opportunities for professional growth in specialized design areas and strategic communication.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a complex idea or data into a compelling visual story. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your storytelling and problem-solving approach).

• "How do you approach designing interactive experiences? What elements do you consider to ensure engagement and clarity?" (Prepare to discuss UX principles and interactive design tools).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that demonstrates your motion design skills. What was the objective, and how did you achieve it?" (Be ready to articulate your motion graphics workflow and creative intent).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about EDC's mission, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our work?" (Research EDC's programs and values).

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment. How do you approach sharing ideas and receiving feedback?" (Prepare examples of successful teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation to tell the story behind your best work, not just showcase final assets.

• For interactive projects, explain the user journey and interaction design choices.

• For motion graphics, discuss the narrative, pacing, and visual style.

• Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact or results achieved.

• Be prepared to discuss your technical process and the tools you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical design skills but also their strategic thinking, ability to communicate complex ideas visually, and passion for mission-driven work. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence for these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided on the EDC careers page (www.edc.org/careers-edc).

• Resume & Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in interactive design, motion graphics, digital campaigns, and storytelling. Your cover letter should explicitly state your interest in EDC's mission and how your skills align with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible (via URL or upload), and showcases your strongest interactive, motion, and campaign design work. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Interview Preparation: Research EDC's mission, programs, and recent work to inform your answers and demonstrate genuine interest. Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work, especially for complex projects.

• Company Research: Understand EDC's role in global education, workforce development, and health. Consider how visual storytelling can advance these critical areas.

⚠️ 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.