The full-time Graphic Specialist position is a key part of Mongabay’s growing visual storytelling team. This role is expected to produce data visualizations and designs that improve the quality and visual appeal of Mongabay’s journalism. The main responsibility is to produce maps, charts, and graphics depicting environmental changes utilizing data, particularly earth observation and near-real time remote sensing data. This Graphic Specialist will find, clean, analyze, visualize, and interpret data to produce visualizations for use in news articles, data-driven features, and videos. This person should have strong analytical and technical skills, a refined design sensibility, and the judgment to discern what data is important for understanding stories and appealing to readers. Extensive knowledge of data visualization principles and tools is required while experience in environmental sciences such as forestry and/or oceanography and familiarity with relevant data sources are strong positives.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Graphics production (80% of time)

• Create data visualizations including maps, charts, infographics, and illustrations;
  Design and develop reusable visual components, databases, and dashboards for frequent reporting topics;
• Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors and staff to integrate data visualizations into their stories;
• Assist other team members with data research, which includes finding and cleaning datasets and producing wireframe designs;
• Research relevant data sources to generate story ideas based on data analysis;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for interpreting data and validating findings;
• Review and fact-check graphics prior to publication;
• Publish graphics via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress) and other relevant publishing platforms;
• Learn new graphics production technologies or programming languages, as needed;
• Monitor and share examples of high-quality data journalism practice.

Strategic planning & administration (20% of time)

• Report regularly to Mongabay’s Global Program Director on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
• Develop Mongabay’s visual style guide for maps and graphics;
• Maintain an archive of digital files for all produced materials;
• Collect data on impacts of stories including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, skype, phone and messaging platforms.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

• One to three years of graphics production experience is required, particularly working on projects involving online news design and interactivity is preferred;
• A portfolio that shows a clear design sensibility, containing graphics and visualizations that demonstrate an understanding of visual storytelling;
• Expertise in a favorite tool or programming language for data management, analysis, and visualization;
• Significant experience combining, transforming, and cleaning dirty data;
• Foundational understanding of layout, typography, and UX, particularly regarding mobile-web development;
• Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator and other Creative Cloud applications;
• Capable in front-end web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (and its libraries);
• Familiarity with WordPress (or similar CMS) software is preferred;
• Animation, motion graphics, or video production experience a plus;
• Knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues are essential, remote sensing and landscape ecology related topics are preferred;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skill in English is required;
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required; and
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role (40 hours per week) and available during regular business hours.

TO APPLY

Apply online here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, reference information (2), and to upload the following two documents:

• Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1-2 pages)
• Resume – (1-2 pages)
• Two references