RAND is a not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of experience in conducting policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations, and other organisations. We believe that good research helps shape sound answers to pressing societal challenges, ultimately making communities safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous in the future. RAND Europe has approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.
We wish to recruit a Design officer to work in our Cambridge office to work closely with the Head of Publications and Production, the wider communications and partnerships team, and the research programmes to create engaging materials that highlight RAND Europe's research. This role includes designing reports, infographics, presentations, and event materials. The Design Officer also creates cohesive visual identities for projects and contributes to innovative design solutions that help expand the reach of RAND Europe's work.
Responsibilities
Design and branding
- Develop a range of designed materials, including reports, infographics, presentations, and event collateral, ensuring all outputs are visually appealing and impactful
- Collaborate with the Communications and Partnerships team to understand key messages and objectives, translating them into effective visual content
- Work with multidisciplinary experts to convey complex research outcomes in a clear and visually engaging manner
- Create cohesive visual identities for research projects and events, providing a unified and polished look for all associated materials
- Design engaging social media assets tailored for different audiences and platforms
- Maintain RAND Europe's branding standards across all design work, ensuring consistency and quality
Document creation
- Produce visually engaging documents, including reports, policy briefs, perspectives, and corporate publications
- Design professional report covers
- Develop digital and print materials, such as brochures and social media graphics
- Create report layouts that enhance accessibility and reader engagement
- Design graphs, charts, and figures that are consistent and easy to interpret
- Collaborate with the Publications Officer to ensure edits are accurately reflected across all outputs
Infographic and presentation design
- Work with researchers to create infographics, charts, and visuals that clearly convey key messages in reports and presentations
- Design visually appealing slide decks that align with RAND Europe branding, conveying key messages effectively for client meetings, workshops, and conferences
Innovation and continuous improvement
- Partner with the Head of Publications and Production to identify and develop new design formats and products that enhance the reach and impact of our research
- Offer design expertise during the conceptual stages of research projects
- Stay informed about industry trends and design best practices, applying this knowledge to improve the quality and effectiveness of deliverables
- Keep design guidance on the intranet regularly updated and accessible to colleagues
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, including RAND Europe Management Systems and IMS standards
Requirements
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop). Familiarity with other design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Canva
- Experience with creating graphs, charts, and infographics to visually convey data
- Experience in creating designs for both digital platforms (e.g., social media graphics, website content) and print materials (e.g., brochures, posters)
- Strong understanding of layout principles, typography, and colour theory
Qualifications
- A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field
- Alternatively, equivalent work experience in design in a similar role, ideally in a communications or publishing team, an in-house creative department, or a design agency.
Salary
£30,000 - £35,000 Depending on experience
Benefits
- Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
- 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
- Annual salary review;
- BUPA medical insurance;
- Generous company sick pay;
- Enhanced family friendly policies;
- Group income protection scheme;
- Group life assurance;
- Compassionate leave;
- Flexible working arrangements;
- Learning and development opportunities;
- Employee wellbeing training and support;
- Fresh fruit every day;
- Free on-site parking;
- Cycle to work scheme;
- Access to company bikes;
- Service awards
How to Apply
If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12th January 2025, however applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may be conducted before the closing date.
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.
