AI Visual Design Specialist National Journal
- 3.6 Washington, DC Job Details Full-time $55,000
- $65,000 a year 8 hours ago Qualifications Social media content Color theory Project management Entrepreneurship Presentation skills Bachelor's degree Infographic graphic design Print design Visual UI/UX design Productivity software Data visualization Senior level AI Cross-functional collaboration Adobe After Effects Data visualization projects Communication skills Generative AI Cross-functional communication Full Job Description National Journal is seeking an AI Visual Design Specialist to support and execute internal and client-facing design initiatives across the organization.
This role combines strong data visualization and design fundamentals with AI-powered creative workflows to produce high-quality visual deliverables that inform, engage, and inspire key audiences such as executives, boards, advocates, and policymakers. At National Journal, your work will help translate complex research and policy insights into clear, compelling visual narratives that shape decisions for clients. This is an opportunity to experiment with emerging AI-enabled design tools, explore new formats for communicating data, and see your work directly influence strategy and decision-making. A portfolio demonstrating strong visual design, data visualization, and motion work is required for consideration. About National Journal National Journal is a premier research and insights company committed to helping organizations effectively navigate Washington. Best known as one of Washington's most trusted media brands for over 50 years, our expertise spans government affairs, communications, political research, and exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip government and business leaders with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver results. What is National Journal's Creative Team? Our team develops creative assets that engage, educate, and deliver value to clients while generating market interest in National Journal products. We work closely with business team partners to acquire new clients and retain existing partnerships. This fast-paced, deadline-driven environment requires managing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting quickly to shifting priorities. The creative team also explores emerging technologies, including AI-powered design and generative tools, to enhance workflows, accelerate production, and expand storytelling possibilities across projects. Why This Role Matters Design and data visualization play a critical role in how National Journal communicates complex research and strategic insights to members and clients. The AI Visual Design Specialist will transform data, analysis, and policy insights into compelling visual formats that make information more accessible, memorable, and actionable for decision-makers. Through thoughtful visual storytelling and AI-enhanced design workflows, this role helps clients understand public opinion, stakeholder dynamics, and emerging risks, enabling them to communicate effectively and strengthen long-term relationships. The Role The AI Visual Design Specialist will work closely with our Presentation Center team to create engaging, visually compelling deliverables that support members' strategic goals. This role focuses on visual communication, infographics, data visualization and storytelling. It does not involve software engineering, coding, or front-end development. This role involves collaborating with analysts and strategists to design a wide range of client-facing materials, including: Data visualizations Infographics Animated graphics and motion content Social media assets Newsletters and reports Interactive visuals One-pagers and short publications Multimedia storytelling assets Reporting to the Senior Creative Director, this individual will work cross-functionally with project managers, analysts, and specialists, helping shape the visual expression of our research and insights. Major Responsibilities Design clear, compelling data visualizations and visual narratives that communicate complex insights to decision-makers Produce high-quality client-facing materials including charts, infographics, presentations, reports, and motion graphics Apply AI-assisted design and generative visualization tools to accelerate production and explore new storytelling formats Translate quantitative and qualitative research insights into engaging visual formats Support the full design lifecycle, from concept and wireframes to production and final delivery Collaborate with analysts, strategists, and project managers to ensure visuals accurately represent research findings Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Continuously explore emerging AI, automation, and design technologies to improve efficiency and creative output Examples of Projects You May Work On Social media graphics for one of the 10 largest healthcare companies in the U.S. Printed annual reports for Fortune 500 clients UX/UI input and wireframes for internal websites Animated data visualizations for clients Infographic one-pagers for government agencies Animated video series with voiceover for technology companies What Success Looks Like Leverage AI-assisted design and generative visualization tools to bring efficiency and scale into production Deliver visually compelling and accurate materials that clearly communicate insights Transform complex data and analysis into accessible visuals for executives, boards, and policymakers Manage multiple design projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment Contribute innovative visual storytelling approaches using emerging AI-enabled tools Continuously improve workflows through experimentation with new design technologies The Right Candidate Brings strong design and data visualization fundamentals, including typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy Interest in experimenting with AI-assisted creative tools to support ideation, illustration, layout exploration, and design workflows, with a mindset toward creative, outside-the-box applications of AI in the design process Balances creativity with precision, ensuring accuracy and clarity in data-driven design Manages multiple projects simultaneously while communicating timelines clearly Approaches feedback with openness and adaptability Shows versatility across print, digital, and motion formats Stays up-to-date with emerging technologies, tools, and trends shaping the design industry Skills You Will Build Collaborating with senior-level executives internally and at client organizations Designing compelling visual narratives from complex data and policy insights Deepening expertise in AI-assisted design workflows and generative visualization tools Understanding how visual storytelling influences strategic decision-making Applying modern creative technologies and automation tools to improve design processes Qualifications Bachelor's degree; 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign and Illustrator required) and Microsoft Office including PowerPoint; Canva experience is a plus Strong understanding of data visualization principles and best practices Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools, generative platforms, and creative automation technologies Ability to translate complex data into clear visual formats Strong project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines Excellent communication skills, including presenting the rationale behind design choices Experience with animation and motion graphics (After Effects or equivalent software preferred) High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to experiment with new tools and creative approaches
Required Application Materials:
Portfolio Link Start Date:
Available immediately
Employment Type :
Full-time Location:
This job is based in Washington, DC. National Journal operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees required to be in the office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Us Across National Journal Group, generally, the firm looks for two "pillar gifts" in you, and everyone else. In all of us, these are more aspirational than actual, but they are central in our intentions
Force of Ideas:
At the center of National Journal Group work are the ideas within our writing. We believe that ideas- to the good and not
- have consequences.
Our highest work is bringing rigor, insight, intellectual honesty, to that ultimate purpose of separating the bad from the good, and giving voice to the latter.
Spirit of Generosity:
National Journal Group seeks in its ranks a spirit of generosity
- a natural disposition in each colleague toward service and selfless conduct. National Journal Group writing should be cut from the same cloth
- critical on the merits but informed by charity and forbearance in measuring motive and personal character.
National Journal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
