Graphic Designer

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Graphic Designer SALARY: $79,000 - $85,000 FLSA: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Communications LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C REPORTS TO: Multimedia Director NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: 0 LAST REVISED: May 2026 POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Multimedia Director this role will create graphic designs, choose and procure photos, assist with proofing and revisions, oversee pre-print process and bidding, work with printers and other vendors to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of Defenders' design deliverables. Take charge of production and printing process to ensure timely and on-budget designs. Assure that all Defenders designs maintain high standards consistent with Defenders' branding standards and guidelines and play an integral role in rebranding. Capture, edit, and organize photos of events, wildlife, wild places, and staff. Uphold organizational standards for accurate, human-captured images of wildlife and wild landscapes, photo researching, editing, rights-negotiating, multimedia organization, and managing PhotoShelter, our cloud-based database of images for organization-wide use. Create motion graphics and animations for specific projects and as visual storytelling support for organizational campaigns. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide art direction for Defenders' printed and online materials to ensure visually compelling graphic designs that follow Defenders' branding guidelines. Oversee pre-press operations, check color and coordinate proofing process. Ensure that printing, assembly and delivery of publications meet the highest standards of quality, environmental sustainability, timeliness and economy. Keep track of all schedules and deadlines, keep all projects on time and on budget. Maintain archive of designed materials in SharePoint and Media Den shared network spaces. Solicit and review bids from printers and other contractors, help prepare and monitor contracts with vendors and review, submit for payment and track vendor invoices. Create display and social ads, infographics and other elements for digital advertising. Must be open to innovating design style and requests to meet a rapidly evolving landscape. Respond to requests for images from marketing, communications, fundraising, program and other departments throughout the organization. Research and edit candidate photos to ensure that images meet standards for accuracy, realism and quality. Negotiate for appropriate rights and/or purchase photos, working within assigned budgets. Obtain and provide accurate credit and caption information, and ensure this information is included in final product, as appropriate. Review, update and manage a database of photos, ensuring that these meet standards for accuracy, realism and quality. Oversee entry and cataloging of these photos on Defenders' digital asset management, PhotoShelter. Work with stock agencies and/or individual photographers to obtain images to augment this database of images staff can freely use. Design deliverables including ads, out of home, annual reports, calendars, invitations, brochures, newsletters, fact sheets, PowerPoint templates, virtual backgrounds, motion graphics, infographics, animations, flyers, briefs, cards and other printed and digital materials as requested. This position requires occasional domestic travel. Perform all other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor's (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent Experience: 5 years of relevant experience in progressively responsible positions in design and production, print, photography, motion graphics, and animation preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Graphic Designer Expertise in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Lightroom, Canva, After Effects, font management and digital asset management. Expertise in Apple hardware and software, able to transfer files from PC to Mac environment (and vice versa). Ability to make decisions, work independently, and juggle many different responsibilities. Knowledge of, and experience, with web design and HTML. Knowledgeable with maintaining branding identity and consistency in all designs. Organized and able to work efficiently under deadline pressure. Willingness to work cooperatively and accept constructive criticism. Knowledge of and interest in nature and environmental issues. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Activities Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. O Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. O Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. C Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. O Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions. O Communicating with others to exchange information. C Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. C Operating machinery and/or power tools. N Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. O Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. C Environmental Conditions Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly Low temperatures. O High temperatures. O Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. O Noisy environments. O Hazardous conditions. O Poor ventilation. O Small and/or enclosed spaces. O No adverse environmental conditions expected. C Physical Demands Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. X Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more. Visit to apply. All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law. Please be advised this position is union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.