Publication Designer

Remote

May 21, 2025

Full Time

Application ends: August 21, 2025

Job Description

About the Role

We’re seeking a Publication Designer with a sharp editorial instinct and an obsession for layout precision. This role sits at the intersection of storytelling, data, and design—transforming dense information into visually compelling publications that are as strategic as they are beautiful. You’ll lead the visual development of print and digital reports, white papers, and periodicals that support thought leadership, policy engagement, and brand authority.

What You’ll Do

Editorial Layouts
- Design high-accuracy layouts for long-form content (40–80 page reports, multi-section publications, or thematic compendiums).
- Develop custom grids and typographic systems tailored to publication format, target audience, and tone.
- Create visual cohesion across multi-issue series, balancing consistency with innovation.
Visual Hierarchy & Readability
- Translate complex written material—policy briefs, research findings, and institutional reports—into readable, engaging formats.
- Collaborate with content strategists to shape the narrative flow and section sequencing of major reports.
- Solve real structural problems: section break placement, multi-column navigation, and inline visual elements like sidebars, callouts, and data visualizations.
Cross-Platform Versions
- Build both print-ready and digital-native versions of each publication, considering how layouts adapt across formats (e.g. screen-first PDFs, EPUBs, and interactive summary microsites).
- Optimize for accessibility and readability across screen sizes and assistive technologies.
Data + Graphic Integration
- Work with researchers and data analysts to conceptualize infographics and visual explainers that support the narrative.
- Manage the visual system for recurring chart types, ensuring clarity and consistency.
Design System & File Management
- Establish and maintain style guides and production templates for editorial use across teams.
- Ensure final files meet press standards, including preflight, color profile management, and bleed/trim specifications.

What You Bring

4+ years of experience in publication or editorial design, with a strong focus on multi-page, multi-format projects.
Mastery of Adobe InDesign (including GREP styles, nested styles, and book panel workflow); working fluency in Illustrator and Photoshop.
Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro for markup and preflight; bonus if you have experience preparing files for offset or digital press.
Experience designing for digital formats (screen-first PDFs, responsive publications, or web-first reports).
Ability to handle multiple concurrent publication schedules and collaborate with writers, editors, researchers, and printers.
A sharp eye for typographic nuance, grid alignment, and balance between negative space and information density.
Strong portfolio that includes full-length reports, white papers, or editorial publications—please highlight your contribution to structure and layout decisions.

Nice to Have

Familiarity with HTML/CSS for publication-to-web adaptation.
Experience with data visualization tools like Flourish, Datawrapper, or Illustrator chart plugins.
Understanding of accessibility best practices (WCAG) for screen publications.
Background in journalism, public policy, or nonprofit storytelling is a plus.

Are you interested in this position?

Apply by clicking on the “Apply Now” button below!