Communications Assistant, Data Visualization

Climate Policy Initiative is a team of analysts and advisors that works to improve the most important energy and land use policies around the world, with a particular focus on finance. We answer pressing questions posed by decision makers through in-depth analysis on what works and what does not. We work in places that provide the most potential for policy impact, including Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, and the United States.

CPI is a small but dynamic organization, with a global reach and an entrepreneurial culture. We work hard to maintain an idea-driven, collaborative environment across all our teams.

POSITION SUMMARY

CPI places great emphasis on and is known for the clear messages and compelling visual communications that support its world-class analysis.  We believe that visual design is a critical component to influencing decision makers at the highest levels on climate and energy policies. We are seeking a recent graduate or early career professional who is looking for challenging and impactful work.

Under the direction of our senior designer, this person will create visuals and materials that communicate CPI’s analytical findings in a clear, succinct, and visually compelling way. This includes a heavy emphasis on data visualization. It also includes the development of website content and design, publication layout, powerpoint presentations, fact sheets, posters and marketing materials, online animations and interactive products, among others.

The Communications Assistant will report to a Senior Communications Associate and be part of a collegial and fun Operations and Communications team. S/he will partner daily with CPI’s analysts around the world and the communications team to communicate our analysis to policymakers and key stakeholders. S/he believes that design should be beautiful, accurate, and effectively support the message and goal. This role is a great opportunity for an recent graduate or early career professional to step up their data visualization and design skills. It is also an opportunity to be a part of a growing, game-changing startup working with some of the smartest, most talented colleagues, on some of the world’s most challenging and pressing issues.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceptualize and create visual materials, including data visualizations, event and marketing materials, slide decks, and others.
• Contribute and support web design and content development, including interactive online products and social media communications.
• Produce high-quality materials on short deadlines.
• Assist the communications team with communications tasks as needed, such as social media outreach, report editing, and staff education.
• Communicate and collaborate with CPI staff working in other countries.
• Promote good design thinking across CPI.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, as well as a quantitative background

–or–

• Bachelor’s degree in quantitative fields such as math, natural sciences, or economics, with Visual Arts or design experience

COMPETENCIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Advanced skills with Adobe Creative Suite [Illustrator, InDesign] and MS Office [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook]
• Experience with data visualizations
• Experience with web CMS, including WordPress, a plus
• Experience with front- and back-end web development a plus
• Animation and video editing skills a plus
• Strong communication skills: a good listener, responsive and professional, and has an ability to communicate design rationale
• Excellent organizational and personal time management skills, project management experience a plus
• We’re looking for somebody who has:

»   the ability to work independently and with a diverse, multicultural team

»   a natural affinity for problem-solving and learning

»   a passion for clarity in design

»   a passion for CPI’s mission and values.

We’re a lean, committed, and fun group of professionals working to make significant progress on climate change – come join us!

COMPENSATION

The position is available for immediate appointment. The position will be located in San Francisco, CA. CPI offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. CPI’s benefits include participation in an employer-matched 401k plan, health and wellness benefits, and 15 days of time off per year.

TO APPLY

Please send your application including cover letter, CV, and links to a portfolio or examples of your work to jobs@cpisf.org no later than April 7, 2014.