OPEN POSITION // AIGA Election Design Fellow for Washington State /

Open Washington Election Design Fellow Position

Interested in a unique, paid opportunity to serve AIGA Design for Democracy and the State of Washington?

Apply now for the AIGA Election Design Fellow for Washington State position (details below). For more information about how to apply, please contact Ric Grefe at [email protected].

Election Design Fellows are communication designers who assist states in the design of election materials, such as ballots, voter registration forms and educational websites. Fellows help to improve election accuracy and citizen experience, with respect to each state's local laws and election equipment. Design for Democracy partners with Secretaries of State and election officials to recruit, select and support well-qualified designers for termed, open positions. The program was initiated in Oregon in 2006 under the leadership of John Lindback, the state's chief election official and a Design for Democracy advisor, and in 2008 was introduced in the state of Washington, under election director Nick Handy.

AIGA Election Design Fellow for Washington State
Entry- to mid-level communication designer
Full-time, two years
Olympia, Washington
$48,000 to 60,000 plus benefits

AIGA, the professional association for design, seeks a communication designer with skills in both print and interaction design for a two-year fellowship assisting the Washington Secretary of State in the design of election materials—(1) improve the usability and user experience of online information and tools available to the public via the state and county elections departments; (2) assist with the redesign of state and county materials for voters; and (3) act as a design and usability resource to the state and counties. This is a unique, paid opportunity to serve AIGA Design for Democracy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with teams to create design solutions to public communications and outreach challenges.
• Plan and traffic production of complex and time-sensitive projects with respect to budgets, cost-benefit implications and deadlines.
• Create original illustrations and graphics following existing standards.
• Design and update printed materials.
• Advise on and design for the web, with attention to information architecture, usability and accessibility.
• Prepare design assets for print, electronic publication and the ability to use or convert for use in another format or product.
• Assist with electronic imaging, file manipulation, file preparation and software issues.
• Collaborate with non-designers
• Work independently as the only designer in the office

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.A. or M.S. in communication design, graphic design, interaction design or related discipline desired.
• Strategic approach to design with attention to cost, efficiency, sustainability and function.
• Knowledge of document and web design and production processes, including experience working directly with printers, paper suppliers and technology providers to produce deliverables and manage deadlines.
• Experience applying knowledge of information architecture, usability and accessibility issues.
• Advanced skill in Adobe Creative Suite with focus on InDesign.
• Advanced knowledge of HTML, web standards and publishing.
• Thorough editorial skills with ability to focus on clarity of message and mechanics of writing.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to integrate internal customers in conceptual thinking, analysis and problem solving; can support and communicate design decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully as a team member.
• Interest in designing for the public sector.