Visual Designer & Web Specialist

The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) is seeking a Visual Designer & Web Specialist to join our small, collaborative Communications team. This role blends graphic design and web production to create compelling, visually consistent materials that communicate ISB's mission to donors, scientists, students, and the public. The ideal candidate brings strong design skills, a sharp eye for detail, and comfort across digital and print. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys taking projects from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

Visual Design & Branding

• Design and produce visual assets across presentations, reports, social media graphics, infographics, event collateral, and donor materials.
• Ensure brand consistency across platforms, adhering to ISB's brand guidelines and visual identity.
• Support scientific communications with figures/illustrations and cover art for publications and proposals.
• Assist with photography and light video editing as needed.

Web & Digital Production

• Maintain, update, and enhance ISB's WordPress websites (main site and microsites).
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic CMS and website support issues.
• Customize WordPress templates, themes, and plugins to meet organizational needs.
• Maintain, update, and enhance ISB's intranet site.
• Produce and format digital content for ISB channels, including email campaigns (MailChimp) and intranet.
• Perform basic accessibility (WCAG) checks and cross-browser/mobile QA.

Collaboration & Support

• Work closely with the Director of Communications on campaigns, events, and storytelling projects.
• Partner with internal teams (research labs, Development, Education, IT) to meet design and web needs.
• Coordinate with external vendors (print houses, photographers, developers) when required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• BA/BFA/BS in graphic design, visual communication, digital media, or related field.
• 3 or more years of professional experience in graphic design and web production (science/research, nonprofit, or academic setting a plus).
• Portfolio required demonstrating relevant design and web work.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop; Premiere Pro or After Effects a plus).
• Experience with WordPress CMS (multisite experience desirable).
• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS; JavaScript familiarity a plus.
• Ability to produce clean, responsive web content and digital campaigns.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, PowerPoint/Google Slides, and email marketing platforms (MailChimp).
• (Nice to have) Basic on-page SEO and comfort with analytics (GA) for content performance checks.

Soft Skills

• Strong visual storytelling; ability to simplify complex concepts into accessible design.
• Excellent time management; able to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset with strong communication.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn new tools and platforms.

Logistics

• Reports to: Director of Communications
• Location: Seattle, WA (hybrid; candidates must be based in the Seattle area)
• Priority deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications encouraged
  
  

Benefits: https://isbscience.org/careers/benefits/

Pay Range: $69,050 - 114,620 annually; candidates can expect the annualized pay to fall between $75k-90k DOE

ISB is a D/V/EOE.