Join Our Team

The Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, studies community colleges because they provide critical access to postsecondary education and are uniquely positioned to promote equity and social mobility in the United States. Our mission is to conduct research that helps these institutions strengthen opportunities and improve outcomes for their students, particularly those from underserved populations.

CCRC seeks a full-time Graphic Designer and Web Manager to help communicate our findings to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners through high-quality print and web design. Specific duties include design and layout of our publications so they resonate with key audiences, translating research findings into infographics, and developing design concepts for the Center’s website. The ability to understand qualitative and quantitative social science research findings and accurately render them in visually appealing ways is essential. The position is also responsible for maintenance and oversight of our websites, which primarily use WordPress CMS; this includes liaising with consultant web developers. The position reports to the Center’s Communications Director.

This is a hybrid position based in New York City. Please find the application link at ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/employment. Please include resume, cover letter, and portfolio with application. The portfolio should demonstrate examples of your work in long-form publication design, infographics, and web design.

CCRC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that our diversity is essential to our success, and we aim to cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where all employees are empowered to do their best work. For information about CCRC’s current research activities, mission, and values, please visit ccrc.tc.columbia.edu.

Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver digital and print materials that are consistent with the Center’s brand identity, including research reports, briefs, newsletters, advertisements, brochures and fact sheets, static and interactive infographics (using software such as Tableau and Datawrapper), PowerPoint presentations, posters, email campaigns, and social media graphics. 
• Collaborate to shape the overall communications vision for the Center; propose ways that graphics can augment the presentation of the Center’s work across platforms; partner with researchers to develop products that make research findings understandable for a nonacademic audience; provide graphic design support to other teams, including researchers and administrative staff; maintain PowerPoint and other CCRC templates and provide staff with guidance and training around their usage, adhere to accessibility requirements.
• Manage and update content on multiple websites, ensuring accuracy and brand consistency; lead other communications staff in updating the center’s digital content; work with consultant developers to make larger website changes and troubleshoot functionality issues; improve the mobile and desktop user experience.
• Participate in working groups to support the center’s mission and values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Substantial graphic and multimedia design experience.
• Experience with WordPress CMS and webpage customization.
• A strong portfolio.
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Intermediate proficiency in HTML and CSS.
• Ability to translate complex data into visuals that are accessible to a nontechnical audience.
• Ability to contribute to the creative and strategic vision for the Center’s communications.
• Willingness to both take initiative and function as a team player.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and technical troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Keen attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three or more years of experience in graphic and multimedia design.
• One year of experience in website management and customization.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects and deliver high-quality work under deadline.
• Data visualization experience using Tableau, Datawrapper, or similar software.
• Familiarity with JavaScript, PHP, and Joomla.
• Experience designing content for Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
• Video editing and video graphics experience.
• Digital animation skills.
• Drawing/illustration skills.
• Interest in community colleges, higher education, and issues of access to and success in postsecondary education.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative social science research writing.

We encourage you to apply even if you meet some, but not all, of the qualifications listed.

CCRC at Teachers College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. CCRC does not discriminate, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race; color; national origin; religion; creed; sex or gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression); sexual orientation; citizenship status; pregnancy; disability; age; military or veteran status; marital or partnership status; genetic information, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; prior unemployment status; consumer credit history; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking; or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Legal work authorization is required.