The Knowledge Media Design Institute (KMDI) at the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto, is seeking to fill a Data Visualization & Graphic Designer position reporting to the Institute’s Director.
The Data Visualization & Graphic Designer will focus on promoting research produced by members of the KMDI – Semaphore to diverse communities, which include cross-sector partners, children and youth, people from marginalized groups, as well as the public at large. The successful hire will also develop a new logo design for the KMDI and advise on its implementation across the Institute’s various communications and marketing.
Qualifications:
- Experience in Graphic Design, Intermediate to Advanced Skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and/or other comparable graphic design software (e.g. Inkscape, Corel)
- Specialized skills in data visualization practices and software
- Familiarity with research methods used in the social sciences and science and technology studies (STS), including qualitative and quantitative approaches
- Ability to convey complex information, including findings and theoretical advances, through polished and engaging visuals
- Demonstrated ability and experience in clearly communicating research findings through data visualizations, interactive charts, graphs and other tools to diverse audiences.
- Experience teleworking or working remotely, including collaborating with co-workers and team members through teleconferencing/virtual collaboration programs (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Excellent reading comprehension and communication skills
- Solid understanding of marketing and branding
- Excellent organizational skills
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated; takes initiative; proactive
- Committed, reliable, ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Desired Skills
- Familiarity with popular social media platforms, e.g. Hootesuite, Facebook, Discord, and Twitter
- Familiarity with current web standards-based HTML, CSS
Responsibilities:
- Creating data visualizations of select KMDI research findings and activities, that support effective knowledge translation and knowledge mobilization to audiences from diverse sectors and communities;
- Creating original graphics and infographics for use in research communications (e.g. reports, conference presentations), public outreach, marketing and branding purposes;
- Assisting in the development of new data visualization and visual communication design “iSkills” workshops and complementary course modules, aimed at KMD and Faculty of Information students.
Qualified applicants must have the resources and availability to complete most (potentially all) of the work remotely) (in accordance with COVID-19 physical distancing requirements), and must be legally entitled to work in Canada for the duration of the contract. The KMDI is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
The successful applicant will be offered an initial contract of 150 hours, to be completed between May 25, 2020 – December 31, 2020 (with possibility of renewal). Hours are flexible but should average a minimum of 5 hours a week for the duration of the contract. Salary will be commensurate with experience, projected between $33-$37/hour.
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.
To apply, email a CV, cover letter, and portfolio to KMDI Director Dr. Sara M. Grimes (sara.grimes@utoronto.ca) by Friday, May 22, 5pm or until position is filled.