The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Energy (CEI) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.

The Data Journalism/Multimedia Designer will report to the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement and collaborate closely with the Communications & Digital Marketing Manager. The Data Journalism/Multimedia Designer will join a passionate team at an exciting moment of significant growth and development for the Institute.

The Data Journalism/Multimedia Designer will lead in the conceptualization, design, and production of all visual content for the Institute, including data visualizations, videos, and other visual communication products for our web, email, social media, and print platforms. As the visual and graphic design lead on the communications team, the Data Journalism/Multimedia Designer will work with the team to develop visual and multimedia strategies and work to build brand awareness and maintain brand consistency through all products. Successful candidates will excel at using data, design, and multimedia to explain complex concepts and tell compelling stories. The ideal candidate will have a combination of creative, technical, and strategic communication skills and experience, as well as an eye for detail and aesthetics.

This position provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in a range of design projects. Works within defined processes and procedures to develop design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes a variety of assignments, as needed.

• Conceptualizes, leads, and carries out the visual strategy for the Institute by building and maintaining a compelling and consistent visual brand and identifying concepts and stories best told through visual, interactive, and multimedia products.
• Translates complex research and data into compelling visual stories and interactives. This could include producing individual charts, maps or infographics, as well as visual stories and features or interactive dashboards. The visualizations could come in the form of web pages, social graphics/videos, presentations, interactive reports, etc.
• Leads in the design, development, and production of digital and print materials. This includes marketing and fundraising resources, reports, research briefs, program collateral, promotional flyers, social graphics/videos, and other assets. Coordinates with external printers.
• Produces compelling and professional highlight videos of the Institute’s research, education, and outreach efforts. Leads the start-to-end production of video content, including developing content ideas, coordinating, conducting and taping interviews with an eye towards staging, and artfully incorporating appropriate B-roll and visual elements.
• Coordinates with the communications and research teams to identify and comprehend relevant data and facilitates conversations to develop visual stories. Provides visual, technical, and editorial guidance and support.
• Contracts, manages and provides technical and aesthetic oversight of audio, video, livestream, lighting and photography vendors that may be needed for Institute events or other projects, working in coordination with the Events and Operations Manager. Video records full events and produces highlight reels.
• Manages the Institute’s digital asset library, providing an organization system for easily accessing assets through multiple online systems and cloud-based platforms for the team’s use. 
• Advises on new software and online platforms to best produce cutting-edge and customizable visual materials.
• Oversees the Institute’s multimedia equipment, ensuring its proper maintenance, care, and repair. Advises on updated equipment as needed.
• Uses on-the-job experience to complete a variety of assignments, such as coordinating production support with outside vendors, as needed.
• Works within processes to ensure that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualification

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, graphic design, or a related field.

Experience:

• Background in data, visual or multimedia journalism, in a multifaceted position as part of a creative agency, strategic communications firm or digital news media outlet, or a related role.
• Producing professional data visualizations and videos with a strong design aesthetic.
• Professional graphic design experience.
• Those with some knowledge or interest in climate change, energy and environmental topics encouraged to apply.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Proficiency in Canva, Adobe Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere), and data visualization tools such as Flourish and Datawrapper.
• Experience or familiarity with front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Svelte or other development frameworks), cartography (QGIS, Mapbox, etc.), and data science programming (R, Python, etc.).
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in data visualization techniques, video production, and graphic design.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional visual skills, including demonstrable design knowledge (layout, typography, color, interaction design, etc.).
• Highly skilled at using and translating complex data into visual forms.
• Quickly learn, comprehend, and translate complex ideas into compelling visual content.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently with a high degree of initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Manage and prioritize job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
• Strategic and creative thinking, project management, and planning skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills, creativity, flexibility and attention to detail.

Application Documents

•  Resume/CV (required)
•  Cover Letter (required)
•  Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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