HPTN Graphic Designer

About the role

The HPTN Graphic Designer leads the design, development, and project management of materials to support communication projects, print or digital materials, campaigns, and brand identity for the NIH-funded HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) and its projects. This role collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to design HPTN materials and provide creative direction and project management. The role involves producing a wide range of print, presentation, and web-based communication materials for the HPTN.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical and creative support for the development and dissemination of information, media, and project deliverables in accordance with funding requirements, HPTN guidelines, the manual of procedures, and stakeholder requests.
• Lead the development and delivery of high-profile HPTN design projects and proposals, including project planning and budget responsibility.
• Create infographics, diagrams, and illustrations for HPTN scientific manuscripts, presentations, protocols, manuals, and other technical materials.
• Own and enforce multiple brand guidelines and communicate content changes and updates to the HPTN project teams and leadership.
• Conceptualize and develop marketing and advertising materials in response to the project’s community engagement and strategic communication goals.
• Estimate and develop graphic production for HPTN studies and external communication activities.
• Must be able to communicate the best practice, recommended methods, and value of an approach to get buy-in with HPTN partners and leadership.
• Work with internal and external HPTN stakeholders on material design, content strategy, and presentation.
• Help shape strategic messaging for study communication and external relations materials.
• Meet all deadlines and work within budget parameters.
• Review work and provide creative direction to staff and partners.
• Solicit, reconcile, and input revisions efficiently and accurately.
• Work within and maintain an established visual system in accordance with brand guidelines for multiple projects.
• Prepare mock-ups and concept proposals for design and communication projects.
• Write/review print specifications, prepare print-ready files as needed, and work with print vendors.
• Review and advise on production projects.
• Collaborate with protocol teams, build rapport, and nurture productive professional working relationships through the course of the project.
• Contribute to all presentation materials required by HPTN leadership and executive decision-makers.
• Proactively offer input on improving technical or procedural processes, quality, and organizational best practices.
• Review and approve proofs to ensure complete accuracy before files go to print.
• Maintain an archive of projects following the established file structure and organization.
• Help to plan, design, and assist with the on-site execution of project-led annual and regional meetings.

Requirements

• Advanced proficiency and experience in graphic design, visual literacy, color theory, typography, and layout principles.
• Experience designing complex data visualizations, infographics, or scientific figures.
• Familiarity with plain-language principles and health literacy design considerations.
• Able to manage the dynamic needs of large projects versus a single design assignment.
• Able to translate complex technical content into clear, audience-appropriate visuals.
• Experience preparing and delivering print-ready files (bleeds, crop marks, color profiles) to vendors.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite software products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)).
• Experience with alternative design software (e.g., Canva Pro, Figma) is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience of web design, illustration, motion graphics, photography, and video editing and production are advantages.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Marketing/Advertising, Visual Arts, Communication Design, Fine Arts, Health Communication, or Related Field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5-8 years of professional graphic design experience required.
• Experience with illustration, UX, brand design, and motion graphics is prioritized.
• Experience within the fields of science, clinical research, healthcare, or public health is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience illustrating complex, scientific, or technical information in visual media is required.
• Non-governmental organization (NGO) experience preferred.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency and experience in graphic design, visual literacy, color theory, typography, and layout principles.
• Experience designing complex data visualizations, infographics, or scientific figures.
• Familiarity with plain-language principles and health literacy design considerations.
• Able to manage the dynamic needs of large projects versus a single design assignment.
• Able to translate complex technical content into clear, audience-appropriate visuals.
• Experience preparing and delivering print-ready files (bleeds, crop marks, color profiles) to vendors.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite software products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)).
• Experience with alternative design software (e.g., Canva Pro, Figma) is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience of web design, illustration, motion graphics, photography, and video editing and production are advantages.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.