Role Title: Visual Designer
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Director, Creative
Program/Department/Unit Name: Communications
Location: New York, Washington, D.C., Mexico City
Team Name: Creative
Role Purpose
The Visual Designer brings strong creative vision and technical execution to design and multimedia projects across web, mobile, social media, and print. The ideal candidate is fluent in the language of design systems, passionate about visual storytelling for advocacy, and excited to contribute to work that advances justice, human rights, and open societies
Key responsibilities
Design and deliver compelling creative for websites, social media, print materials, data visualizations, video narratives, and interactive applications.
Lead the visual design and front-end execution of digital storytelling projects--ranging from standalone microsites and data tools to motion graphics and animations.
Collaborate closely with developers, writers, and campaigners to create wireframes, mock-ups, storyboards, and prototypes that clearly communicate design intent and user interaction.
Uphold and evolve Open Society’s visual identity across all mediums, supporting both internal teams and external vendors to produce on-brand, high-quality creative work.
Manage and maintain identity guidelines, visual style libraries, and design systems to support consistent and effective visual communication.
Source, edit, and produce visual content using photography and video to support campaign goals and brand messaging.
Review and guide work from design contractors, consultants, and agency partners to maintain visual and strategic alignment.
Participate in creative brainstorming, campaign development, and communications planning alongside a multidisciplinary digital team
The ideal candidate
Substantial experience in visual design, with a portfolio that includes both static and interactive work.
Strong proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and motion/video tools like After Effects or Premiere.
Experience designing for web and mobile platforms, with a basic understanding of HTML/CSS and responsive design principles.
Knowledge of UX/UI principles and experience collaborating on interactive or data-driven products.
Comfort managing brand systems and working with design partners or vendors.
Excellent visual communication skills with a passion for turning complex ideas into clear, accessible visuals.
Commitment to social justice, equity, and human rights.
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
The salary range for this role in the US is $ 108,680 - 126,244 (USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.
Description of the organization
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.