Centre for International Security and Economic Strategy (CISES)
Visual Designer
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Location: Remote
Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per week
Type: Voluntary
About CISES
The Centre for International Security and Economic Strategy (CISES) is a British think tank producing research, analysis and media on international security, defence, geopolitics and economic strategy.
Alongside our research publications, CISES produces policy briefs, explainers, reports, podcasts and video content designed to make complex issues accessible to policymakers, practitioners and the wider public.
As our publications and media output continue to expand, we are recruiting Visual Designers to help communicate our research through professional maps, data visualisations, publication design and multimedia content.
Applicants should indicate one of the following specialist tracks:
- Mapping
- Data Visualisation
- Editorial Design
- Multimedia Design
The Role
Working closely with Programme Directors and the Director of Policy, you will transform research into clear, engaging visual content for publications, digital platforms and video productions.
Although each officer will have a primary specialism, all members of the team will contribute to a shared visual identity across CISES publications and media.
This role is suited to someone who enjoys combining creativity with analytical thinking to communicate complex policy issues effectively.
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Responsibilities
- Produce high-quality visual content supporting CISES research and media.
- Work with Programme Directors to develop visual concepts for publications and digital content.
- Maintain consistency with the CISES visual identity across all outputs.
- Contribute to the development of reusable templates, icons and design assets.
- Manage multiple design projects while meeting agreed deadlines.
In addition, applicants should have experience or interest in one of the following specialist areas:
Mapping
- Produce professional maps using GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
- Create maps illustrating geopolitical, economic and security issues.
- Prepare cartographic assets for reports, presentations and digital media.
Data Visualisation
- Design charts, infographics and diagrams communicating complex information clearly.
- Transform datasets into engaging visual content suitable for publications and social media.
- Support researchers in presenting quantitative information effectively.
Editorial Design
- Design layouts for flagship publications.
- Produce graphics for digital platforms and promotional materials.
- Ensure publications are visually engaging while remaining accessible and professional.
Multimedia Design
- Create animated graphics and visual assets for YouTube explainers and digital media.
- Produce title sequences, lower thirds, animated maps and other motion graphics.
- Support the development of multimedia content across CISES platforms.
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Essential Criteria
- Strong visual communication skills.
- Good attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
- Willingness to collaborate with researchers and Programme Directors.
- An interest in international affairs, defence, economics or public policy.
- Experience or demonstrable ability within at least one specialist track.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience using relevant design software appropriate to your specialism.
- A portfolio demonstrating previous design work.
- Experience producing visual content for publications, digital media or video.
- Familiarity with accessibility and editorial design principles.
What You’ll Gain
- Experience designing visual content for a growing British think tank.
- Opportunities to build a professional portfolio across publications, digital media and video.
- Experience working alongside researchers, policy specialists and subject-matter experts.
- The opportunity to help shape the visual identity of an expanding policy organisation.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions have been filled.
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