Graphic Designer

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person graphic designer to join our communications team. This role is responsible for producing high-quality visual communications that translate complex public policy research into clear, engaging, and accessible content across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.

The position focuses primarily on the design and production of AEI’s publications, including reports, books, marketing collateral, event materials, and digital assets. The position also plays a key role in developing compelling data visualizations and information graphics that enhance the communication of research and policy analysis. Working closely with the director of Design, editors, scholars, and internal stakeholders, the graphic designer will manage projects from concept through final production, ensuring creative excellence, brand consistency, and timely delivery on final projects.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in publication design, typography, visual storytelling, and print production, along with experience managing multiple concurrent projects and collaborating across teams. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) is required. Experience with Canva, Flourish, Tableau, and Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is strongly preferred. Familiarity with additional data visualization tools, motion graphics, HTML/CSS, or front-end coding is a plus.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter describing their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and portfolio (in place of a writing sample) demonstrating excellence across print, digital, and data visualization projects. A portfolio is required for consideration. The anticipated start date for this position is fall/winter 2026.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Disclaimer: As a part of the talent acquisition process, AEI reserves the right to use tools that assess whether AI was used by candidates to produce written application or interview materials and consider the results as a part of the interview process. To maintain transparency and integrity in the interview process for this position, candidates must disclose any use of AI, the tool they used, and explain how it was utilized.

Responsibilities

• Graphic Design
  • Design and production of reports, publications, marketing collateral, and other print and digital communications.
  • Develop compelling data visualizations, including charts, graphs, tables, infographics, and illustrations that enhance clarity and audience engagement.
  • Conceptualize and execute creative assets for events, campaigns, and organizational initiatives.
  • Develop, maintain, and evolve branded templates, style guides, and design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across the organization.
• Operations and Production Management
  • Partner with the director of Design, editors, authors, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into high-quality visual communications.
  • Oversee the organization and management of visual assets, including commissioning original artwork and sourcing, licensing, and maintaining photography and other creative resources.
  • Manage multiple complex projects from concept through final production, including scheduling, file preparation, proofing, print and digital production, vendor coordination, and quality assurance while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with printers, production vendors, and external partners, managing estimates, production schedules, costs, and invoicing.
  • Provide thoughtful creative direction throughout the review process, incorporating feedback efficiently while maintaining design integrity and project timelines.
  • Identify opportunities to improve creative workflows, production processes, and design standards, contributing to greater operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is expected to regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in graphic design and production work, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in publication layout, cover design, and data visualization (e.g., charts, tables, and maps). A portfolio is required for consideration.
• Bachelor’s degree in graphics design, visual communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe Express, and Photoshop), as well as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data driven content; experience in Tableau, Canva, Flourish, and coding is a plus.
• Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and editorial design standards.
• Experience with print production, proofing, and preparing files for both print and digital publishing platforms (e.g., IngramSpark).
• Demonstrated expertise in publication design, including layout, typesetting, and cover creation.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging visual communications through effective data visualization.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Interest in public policy and the ability to engage thoughtfully with complex policy topics.

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; a medical and dependent care flexible spending account; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $60,000 - $70,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.