Graphic Designer

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is making a substantial investment in its well-established AI and national security team by launching the AI Policy Lab, and the graphic designer will be instrumental to that effort. The graphic designer will report to the Vice President of Strategy and Communications and will work closely with a cross-program group of researchers, designers, editors, AI product specialists, and communications professionals to tackle one of the most significant policy issues of our time.

The primary role of the graphic designer role will be to produce visual materials and branding to elevate the research, communications, and outreach efforts of the AI Policy Lab. The role will also work closely with a newly hired AI integration specialist to create visually distinctive and innovative treatments and products to highlight the cutting-edge work of the team. In this position you’ll have the opportunity to design everything from branded campaigns to infographics, custom illustrations, maps and charts, editorial design and layout, motion graphics, video, and web content. The role will be expected to integrate bespoke design with AI-enabled functionality for quick-turn report layouts and presentation.

This position is for a creative who loves variety and execution, has an entrepreneurial spirit, and is ready and willing to work with a diverse set of internal clients within the AI Policy Lab. The graphic designer will work closely with CNAS’s design team to maintain a coherent brand identity while experimenting in format and function.

Visit this link to see some of CNAS’s design work.

The following is an overview of the primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities may vary to meet the AI Policy Lab’s needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Work with AI integration specialist and Lab colleagues to design innovative visual and data products to present the work of the AI Policy Lab.

- Create infographics such as maps, charts, and data visualizations.

- Develop branding and illustrations for new projects or special events.

- Design quick-turn CNAS reports to include formatting text; placing assets; creating custom interior graphics and report cover art; preparing files for print and web; and designing assets for promotion.

- Assist teams with graphics development for presentations and events using non-designer tools like PowerPoint.

- Develop art and storyboards for motion designers to develop explainer videos.

- Assist the Vice President of Strategy and Communications in ways to improve AI Policy Lab capabilities and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

- Has a BA/BS in graphic design or equivalent experience.

- Has a portfolio demonstrating relevant work across print and digital products.

- Is skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud — with an emphasis on InDesign — to create text-rich layouts for reports, magazines, newspapers, books, and marketing materials, with strong attention to detail in typesetting and formatting.

- Has experience creating data visualizations that translate complex topics into clear, compelling visuals.

- Has experience in integrating AI into design process or the willingness to pursue integration.

- Understands digital design spaces and can produce graphics for social media, email, event platforms, websites, podcasts, and videos.

- Has experience building new brands as well as maintaining and evolving existing ones.

- Is well organized, manages multiple concurrent projects and files, and consistently meets deadlines — taking projects from brief to final delivery with sound design judgment and minimal oversight.

- Has experience working directly with clients or stakeholders: gathering requirements, pitching concepts, and collaborating with internal clients and stakeholders to product impactful products.

- Works collaboratively and flexibly, integrating feedback from both designers and non-designers, and brings proactive creative instincts while remaining receptive to feedback.

- Can communicate design principles to non-designers and equip colleagues with templates in tools like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Canva, and data visualization software.

- Interest in contributing to cutting-edge research on AI and national security.

- Legal right to work in the United States.

Preferred:

- Has 5+ years of design experience, or 3+ years in an agency or multi-designer studio environment.

- Experience creating design products about AI, technology, or STEM.

- Experience in start-up or small-team environments.

- Policy background and familiarity with the policy environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

- $60,000 – $150,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

- CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

LOGISTICS

- This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C.

- This position includes a mix of remote and in-person work, with a regular presence at our D.C. office expected.

- This role is within the CNAS AI Policy Lab and reports to the Vice President of Strategy and Communications.

- This is a two-year, term-limited appointment.

- Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

- Candidates may start as soon as available.

About the CNAS AI Policy Lab

AI progress is fast outpacing policy. The opportunities and challenges of the AI age demand bold new ideas for U.S. national security that meet the moment. The CNAS AI Policy Lab fuses in-depth AI and national security expertise to produce cutting-edge, technically informed policy analysis. The United States and its allies must harness the benefits, manage the risks, and ensure democracies lead in this era-defining technology.

The AI Policy Lab integrates CNAS’s technology, defense, regional, and economic expertise to address how AI is reshaping every dimension of national power and geopolitical competition. The Lab will serve as a hub for curated workshops, discussions, partnerships, and other convenings to bring industry, researchers, and the national security community to develop policy solutions. By bridging the divide between innovators and national security policymakers, the Lab will ensure that policy can match the unprecedented pace of technological innovation, harnessing the transformative power of AI while managing risks.

The AI Policy Lab builds on a sustained track record of CNAS leadership in AI policymaking. CNAS experts and alumni have written the rules for how the Pentagon incorporates autonomous systems, developed policies intended to preserve the United States’s AI lead, and served in the highest levels of AI policymaking.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply

CNAS accepts online applications only.

A complete application will include a cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position, along with your resume or CV as well as a design portfolio. Your cover letter should explain, in your voice, why this role fits your interests and experience. Candidates who advance in the process will be asked to share design and branding samples and references and could also be asked to complete a timed practical exercise.

The designer embedded in the AI Policy Lab will be working at the cutting edge of AI and national security research. Please include in your cover letter your experience with and interest in integrating AI into the design process.