Based in New York with a hybrid work setup, the Visual Design Associate supports the ACLU's Development Department at the National Office. This two-year, term-limited role provides graphic design and visual editing support for fundraising materials, helping shape donor communications and visual storytelling.
Responsibilities
- Design print and digital fundraising materials, including donor proposals, reports, presentations, recognition listings, event invitation suites, infographics, email graphics, and other marketing assets.
- Support design and visual storytelling projects such as ACLU Magazine and the annual report, collaborating with the Donor and Brand Activation unit, the Marketing and Communications Department, and/or freelance graphic designers.
- Assist with gathering photography, B-roll, and other visual content—from developing shot lists to on-site support—to ensure assets meet fundraising needs and to assist production members with care and professionalism.
- Provide additional production support, including formatting, color proofing, preparing digital files, and coordinating with print houses and external vendors as directed.
- Contribute to established workflows by logging projects, tasks, and deadlines in project management software, and use institutional systems such as the digital asset management system (DAM) to source and organize visual assets accurately.
- Ensure all visual assets align with the ACLU brand standards, tools, templates, and accessibility protocols, and follow any approval processes set by legal counsel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Detail-oriented with strong typographic, layout, composition, and image-editing skills across print and digital platforms.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, and Canva.
- Basic photography and videography skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with staff at all levels and to accept feedback and direction.
- Self-starter with the ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and follow through, including meeting deadlines and managing multiple overlapping projects.
Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Figma
- Canva
- Dreamweaver
- HTML
- CSS
- Digital Asset Management (DAM)
Benefits
- Generous paid time-off policy to support time away from work for personal matters.
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with parental leave and coverage for gender-affirming care and fertility treatment.
- 401k plan with employer match to support retirement savings.
- Annual professional development funds and internal programs and workshops to support growth.
Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $89,020 (Level J), reflecting the salary of a role based in New York, NY. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.
Why the ACLU
For over 100 years, the ACLU has defended and preserved the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The organization addresses issues such as mass incarceration, equality for the LGBTQ+ community, privacy protections in the digital age, and rights to vote and to abortion, tackling civil liberties cases to defend all people.
We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and understand that what we offer extends beyond work to overall well-being.
Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values at the ACLU and central to advancing liberty, equality and justice for all. They are not mere check-the-box activities but opportunities to drive meaningful change. We are a community dedicated to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability, with a collective responsibility to foster a culture of belonging for all people.
With this commitment in mind, we encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
