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 / Marketing

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual narrative and brand consistency across digital channels, social media, and campaigns through innovative interactive and motion design.

• Translate complex educational and social impact concepts into clear, compelling visual stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

• Develop and execute high-quality visual assets, from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring alignment with EDC's mission and brand identity.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance EDC's digital presence and thought leadership through impactful design solutions.

• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of scalable design systems and templates to ensure efficiency and brand coherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Graphic Design Associate II, suggesting a mid-level to senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy in design execution and concept development. The emphasis on "Interactive & Storytelling" indicates a need for a designer who can go beyond static visuals to create engaging experiences and narratives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for social media, web, and digital campaigns, with a strong focus on interactive and motion graphics.

• Conceptualize and develop visual directions from initial briefs or loosely defined starting points, demonstrating initiative and creative problem-solving.

• Create compelling visual assets daily for social media storytelling, ensuring brand consistency and audience engagement.

• Partner with internal teams to conceptualize and design thought leadership campaigns, contributing a unique perspective on visual communication strategies.

• Design and prototype interactive experiences that simplify complex content and enhance user accessibility.

• Apply an editorial mindset to visual storytelling, structuring and sequencing content for maximum impact across various digital platforms.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, adeptly handling feedback, revisions, and stakeholder communication.

• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of EDC's brand identity and digital footprint, including website enhancements and cross-channel integrations.

• Develop and maintain robust design systems, templates, and reusable components to foster consistency and operational efficiency.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure the high-quality execution of design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking. The role requires a designer who can not only produce beautiful visuals but also understand how to use design to communicate complex ideas, build brand equity, and drive engagement for a mission-driven organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of design and content strategy experience.

Experience: At least 6 years of progressive professional experience in a creative agency or an in-house design department, with a proven track record of delivering impactful visual solutions.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of interactive, digital, and motion design work, demonstrating a clear understanding of visual storytelling principles.

• Concept to Execution: Proven ability to take design projects from initial concept through to final, polished execution, with a keen eye for detail and quality.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly, provide constructive feedback, and manage client/stakeholder expectations.

• Initiative & Autonomy: Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and the capacity to work independently and manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Cross-Format Proficiency: Ability to design effectively across various formats including social media graphics, web assets, motion graphics, and print materials.

• Visual Storytelling: A distinct point of view on visual storytelling and digital communication strategies, with a passion for translating ideas into compelling narratives.

• Campaign Design: Experience designing for integrated campaigns or content series, not just isolated assets, emphasizing cohesive brand messaging.

• Collaborative Spirit: Comfort and effectiveness working within collaborative, dynamic teams with evolving project inputs and requirements.

• Mission Alignment: A genuine interest in mission-driven work and a desire to leverage design to advance social impact initiatives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for nonprofit organizations or the education sector.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) in digital design.

• Understanding of UX/UI principles for web and interactive applications.

• Experience with A/B testing visual elements for campaign optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "at least 6 years of relevant experience" and the "Associate II" title suggest a candidate who is beyond entry-level and can operate with a significant degree of independence, contributing strategically to design initiatives. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is paramount for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Interactive Design Examples: Showcase prototypes, wireframes, or live interactive elements demonstrating user engagement and intuitive navigation.

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Include examples of explainer videos, animated infographics, social media animations, or motion-based branding elements.

• Campaign Case Studies: Present at least two comprehensive case studies detailing the design process for a campaign or content series, highlighting objectives, challenges, design solutions, and measurable outcomes.

• Design System Components: If available, provide examples of or descriptions of design systems, style guides, or reusable templates that demonstrate an understanding of scalability and brand consistency.

• Data Visualization: Include examples of how complex data has been visually represented in an accessible and engaging manner.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of end-to-end design workflows, from concept development and user research to final asset delivery and implementation.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Show how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and collaborate with non-designers to refine designs and achieve project goals.

• Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate proficiency in key design tools and how they are utilized within your workflow to achieve specific design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on "interactive and storytelling," a portfolio that goes beyond static visuals to demonstrate dynamic content creation and user experience design will be highly advantageous. Case studies that articulate the "why" behind design decisions and their impact are crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Time Off: Paid holidays, generous vacation benefits, and paid sick and personal time annually, promoting work-life balance.

• Retirement Planning: Robust retirement plan with TIAA/CREF, offering long-term financial security.

• Family Support: Parental leave and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts to assist with family needs.

• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax transport benefit to reduce commuting costs.

• Employee Support: Employee assistance program providing confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time workweek, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range of $80,000-$85,000 for a Visual Designer with 6+ years of experience in New York City aligns with industry benchmarks for this level of expertise in a high-cost-of-living urban area. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a mission-driven non-profit organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education, Human Services, International Development. EDC operates as a global nonprofit dedicated to improving education, workforce development, and health outcomes worldwide. This context implies a culture that values mission-driven work, social impact, and evidence-based solutions.

Company Size: EDC is a global nonprofit with a diverse team working across the United States and internationally. This suggests a medium to large-sized organization with established processes but also the potential for agile project teams.

Founded: Founded in 1958, EDC has a long history of developing and implementing educational and social impact programs. This legacy indicates a stable organization with deep expertise and a commitment to long-term change.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will be part of a "highly collaborative communications team" and will report to the Director of the Office of Communications.

• This team likely includes other communication specialists (e.g., writers, digital marketers, social media managers) who will collaborate closely on campaigns and content.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Impact: EDC emphasizes "evidence-based solutions," suggesting a data-informed approach to program design and evaluation, which may extend to how communications effectiveness is measured.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The company culture encourages partnerships and interdisciplinary expertise, indicating a collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges.

• Scalable Solutions: EDC aims to "scale evidence-based solutions," implying a focus on creating designs and systems that can be applied broadly and efficiently.

Company Website: https://www.edc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission as a global nonprofit focused on education and social impact is a critical aspect of its culture. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their design skills can contribute to this mission and demonstrate an understanding of the unique communication needs of such an organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Graphic Design Associate II," indicating a mid-to-senior level individual contributor position. It requires significant experience and the ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and contribute strategically to design initiatives. The focus is on high-level design execution and conceptualization rather than management.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer reports directly to the Director of the Office of Communications. This structure suggests direct access to leadership for strategic discussions and feedback, allowing for significant influence on design direction.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's work directly impacts EDC's brand perception, communication effectiveness, and ability to convey its mission and impact. By creating compelling visual narratives, the role supports fundraising efforts, program outreach, thought leadership dissemination, and overall organizational influence. The "interactive and storytelling" focus means the design work is meant to drive engagement and understanding, crucial for a mission-driven organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Brand Communications Leadership: The role is described as a "strong opportunity for a forward-thinking, mission-driven designer who wants to grow as a brand communications leader over time." This suggests potential pathways into more strategic brand management or senior creative roles within EDC.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in interactive design, motion graphics, and digital storytelling through project work and potentially professional development.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Developing skills in leading design aspects of large-scale campaigns and thought leadership initiatives, which can build project management and strategic planning capabilities.

• Impact Amplification: Gaining experience in using design to amplify the impact of social good initiatives, a valuable skill set for anyone in the creative field focused on purpose-driven work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path appears to be focused on increasing strategic influence and leadership within the communications function, rather than traditional people management, emphasizing the development of a seasoned creative professional.

🌐 Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): The primary work location is New York, NY. This offers access to a vibrant professional community and potentially a collaborative workspace within EDC's New York office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: As part of a "highly collaborative communications team," the workspace likely facilitates in-person brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team meetings.

• Technology Integration: Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and hardware required for interactive and motion graphics.

• Mission-Oriented Atmosphere: The environment is expected to be mission-driven, with colleagues passionate about education and social impact, fostering a sense of shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely aligning with a typical 9-to-5 or similar structure. While on-site, the emphasis on project delivery suggests that occasional flexibility might be needed to meet campaign deadlines, though the core expectation is a consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City suggests a candidate who thrives in a collaborative, in-person setting and is looking for a stable role within a mission-focused organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on resume, cover letter, and portfolio. Candidates must submit both a resume and portfolio (URL or PDF) directly via the EDC careers website.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A crucial stage where the hiring team will evaluate the candidate's portfolio for interactive design, motion graphics, storytelling capabilities, and overall design quality. Candidates may be asked to present specific projects.

• Skills Demonstration: Design samples and/or participation in exercises to demonstrate skills and experience may be part of the interview process, potentially involving a design challenge.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interviews: Interviews with the Director of Communications and potentially other team members to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of the candidate's ability to translate EDC's mission into compelling visual narratives and their potential for growth within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the "Interactive & Storytelling" requirements. Prioritize work that demonstrates motion graphics, interactive elements, and narrative flow.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key steps.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement rates, reach, feedback received). For campaign work, show how design contributed to campaign goals.

• Interactive Elements: If submitting a PDF portfolio, consider embedding links to interactive prototypes or videos. If providing a URL, ensure it's mobile-responsive and easy to navigate.

• Tailor to EDC: Briefly explain how your skills and experience can directly benefit EDC's mission and communication goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand EDC's Mission: Research EDC's current programs, campaigns, and recent communications. Think about how you would visually represent their work.

• Interactive Design Exercise: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing an interactive element for an educational concept or a social impact campaign to make it more engaging.

• Storytelling Challenge: Practice articulating how you would translate a complex idea (e.g., a program's impact report, an educational concept) into a visual narrative for a specific audience (e.g., donors, educators, general public).

• Tool Proficiency Discussion: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and motion design tools, and how you use them to solve design problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "design exercises" means candidates should be prepared for a practical assessment of their skills, not just a discussion of past work. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: Required for layout design, print collateral, and publications.

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing:

  • After Effects: Key for creating animations, motion graphics, and visual effects.
  • Premiere: Necessary for video editing, sequencing, and final output of motion content.

• Interactive Design & Prototyping:

  • Figma: Required for collaborative design, UI/UX prototyping, and interactive experience development.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools:

  • Asana: Experience with Asana or similar project management tools (e.g., Trello, Monday.com) is required for managing project workflows, tasks, and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is a baseline requirement. The specific emphasis on "interactive and motion design" makes After Effects, Premiere, and Figma critical tools for this role. Experience with Asana indicates a need for strong organizational and workflow management skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A core value is using design to advance social impact and educational outcomes. Designs should reflect this purpose and contribute to EDC's mission.

• Collaboration & Partnership: EDC values working closely with partners, colleagues, and stakeholders. The design team operates in a collaborative environment, sharing ideas and feedback openly.

• Evidence-Based Approach: While primarily for programs, this value suggests an appreciation for data and measurable outcomes, which can translate into designing for engagement and impact that can be tracked.

• Innovation & Creativity: The role calls for an "innovative visual designer" who can "define, execute, and evolve" EDC's presence. This implies a culture that encourages creative thinking and exploration.

• Quality & Professionalism: Adherence to EDC policies and procedures, coupled with delivering high-quality, polished work, is expected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will work closely with communications specialists, program staff, and potentially external vendors, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate technical/programmatic information into visual concepts.

• Iterative Design Process: The role involves navigating feedback and revisions, suggesting a culture that embraces iteration and continuous improvement of creative work.

• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a team, there's an expectation of sharing best practices, design trends, and insights to elevate the collective creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be able to articulate how their design process and personal values align with EDC's mission and collaborative, mission-focused culture. Demonstrating an understanding of how design serves a greater purpose is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Ideas: A significant challenge will be taking complex educational or social impact concepts and distilling them into clear, accessible, and compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining EDC's established brand identity while pushing creative boundaries with interactive and motion design requires a delicate balance.

• Managing Evolving Inputs: Working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment often means dealing with changing project requirements and priorities, demanding adaptability and strong project management.

• Measuring Design Impact: Demonstrating the tangible impact of visual design on engagement, understanding, and organizational goals can be challenging, requiring strategic thinking about metrics and reporting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Interactive & Motion Design: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge interactive design tools and motion graphics techniques through project work and potential training.

• Brand Strategy & Communications Leadership: Develop strategic thinking and leadership skills by contributing to major campaigns and shaping EDC's overall brand narrative.

• Mission-Driven Design Expertise: Gain specialized experience in applying design principles to critical social impact and educational initiatives, building a unique and valuable skill set.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhance skills in working with diverse teams (programmatic, technical, fundraising) and communicating complex design concepts to non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to roles that bridge creative execution with strategic communication in the nonprofit sector. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing a well-rounded, strategically minded creative leader.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took a complex concept and translated it into a compelling visual story for a specific audience. What was your process?" (Focus on storytelling, audience analysis, and outcome)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining design systems to ensure brand consistency across multiple platforms and projects?" (Focus on scalability, efficiency, and brand governance)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for a mission-driven organization like EDC, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Focus on mission alignment and personal motivation)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in interactive and motion design, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Focus on continuous learning and innovation)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story. Begin with an overview of EDC and the role, then dive into 2-3 key projects, using them to illustrate your skills in interactive design, motion graphics, and visual storytelling.

• Problem-Solution-Outcome: For each project, clearly articulate the problem/brief, your design process/solution, and the measurable outcome or impact.

• Interactive Demos: Be prepared to demonstrate interactive prototypes live or walk through key features of motion graphics projects. Ensure smooth transitions and clear explanations.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, decision-making, and how you adapted to challenges. Use visuals to showcase sketches, wireframes, and iterations.

• Tailor Examples: Connect your project examples directly to the requirements of the Visual Designer role at EDC.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect to be asked about your ability to translate complex ideas and your approach to integrating interactive and motion elements into storytelling. Demonstrating an understanding of EDC's mission will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application directly via the Education Development Center careers website at www.edc.org/careers-edc.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features interactive design, motion graphics, and visual storytelling examples that align with the job description's requirements. Tailor your project selection to highlight your most relevant work for a mission-driven organization.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 6+ years of experience, highlighting specific achievements in interactive design, motion graphics, campaign development, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "visual storytelling," "interactive design," "motion graphics," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "Figma").

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for EDC's mission and clearly explains how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for this specific role, emphasizing your passion for using design to drive social impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research EDC's mission, current projects, and recent communications to understand their work and communication style. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview discussions about how your design contributions can support their goals.

⚠️ 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.