Data Designer

Summary

Join Murmuration, a non-profit organization, as a Data Designer to transform complex civic data into compelling visual narratives. Collaborate with the Research Team to create visualizations for reports, social media, and other materials. You will translate complex datasets into easy-to-understand graphics, prototype visual formats for various audiences, and contribute to a shared design system. The role involves applying best practices in accessibility and data ethics, potentially working with datasets in Python or SQL, and staying updated on data visualization trends. This full-time, salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package and is based anywhere in the U.S. The starting salary range is $85,000-$120,000.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in data visualization, data design, or data journalism with a strong portfolio of static and/or interactive visual work
• Proficiency with data visualization libraries and tools such as D3.js, Observable, Datawrapper, Flourish, or similar
• Demonstrated experience turning complex data into visually engaging, audience-appropriate stories across multiple formats
• Strong understanding of design principles, including visual hierarchy, color theory, typography, and layout, especially as they apply to charts and data graphics
• Familiarity with data querying and transformation using tools such as SQL, Python (pandas, seaborn), or R (tidyverse, ggplot2)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially with cross-functional teams
• Ability to explain your design decisions clearly and adapt your work based on feedback from technical and non-technical collaborators

Responsibilities

• Design and develop clear, compelling data visualizations to support reports, slide decks, dashboards, social media content, and other external-facing materials
• Collaborate closely with researchers to align data visualizations with storytelling goals and strategic narratives
• Translate complex datasets into easy-to-understand graphics that elevate the clarity, credibility, and impact of our insights
• Prototype and iterate on visual formats for different audiences, from civic organizers to funders to policymakers
• Contribute to our shared library of charts, templates, and styles to ensure consistency and scalability across projects
• Support the creation of high-impact collateral for major releases, including presentations, annual reports, and special publications
• Work across static and interactive formats designing for both print and digital contexts
• Apply best practices in accessibility, information design, and data ethics to everything you create
• When needed, dig into datasets yourself (in Python or SQL) to explore patterns and shape the story
• Stay current on data visualization trends, tools, and techniques, and help elevate our overall visual storytelling practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with political, civic, or demographic data (e.g., Census, ACS, voter files, polling)
• Background in data journalism, information design, or public interest communications
• Experience designing for social media platforms or digital campaigns
• Comfort working in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or similar design tools alongside visualization tools
• Ability to run exploratory data analysis to support visualization or story framing
• Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative workflows
• Experience working in civic tech, advocacy, media, or public policy environments

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered for you and qualifying family members
• Retirement benefits with a 5% employer match
• A flexible unlimited PTO plan
• Generous paid parental leave
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• A company laptop
• A flexible remote work environment
• A home office setup stipend for all new employees
• Monthly reimbursement for remote work expenses
• A yearly professional development fund
• Mental health and wellness benefits through Calm and Better Help
• Yearly in-person staff retreats
• A welcoming culture that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging