Senior Designer, Information + Data Visualization Specialist

About Cognition

Cognition Studio is a global leader in health communications, driving impactful change for over two decades. We partner with pioneers to create a healthier world through design, strategy, and research. If you’re ambitious and committed to excellence, join us in this high-caliber environment.

Role overview

As a Senior Designer, Information + Data Visualization Specialist, you’ll transform complex scientific and global health topics into clear, accurate visual stories—figures, charts, frameworks, and systems—used across reports, presentations, and digital experiences. You’ll manage your own workstreams, collaborate closely with client teams, analysts and researchers, and contribute to patterns and workflows that improve quality and speed—working within a global health communications team. Top candidates have technical design proficiency + consultancy training to help guide both process and client engagement through the working process. Location: Seattle or Washington, DC (onsite/hybrid) — travel is anticipated for this role. Level: Senior, 5–7 years of core experience required. Compensation: $125,000–$135,000.

Key responsibilities

• Lead through design methods and visual communication strategy to deliver best in class visual communication designs.
• Translate analyst/research input into audience-ready visualizations (figures, charts, frameworks) that are faithful to data and narrative intent.
• Produce high-clarity visuals from existing templates/patterns—and craft net-new visuals when needed.
• Prioritize and deliver multiple concurrent requests; uphold consistency through design standards and lightweight workflows.
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts and client teams; present work clearly and incorporate feedback.
• Contribute to pattern libraries and production efficiencies that scale high-quality output across projects.
• Learn and grow global health design and communications best practices as an aspiring thought leader in this domain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Design (e.g., Communication, Information, Interaction) or closely related field. (Minimum requirement.)
• 5–7 years professional core experience in information design/data visualization (agency, consultancy, in-house, or research).
• Portfolio demonstrating complex information graphics, data visualizations, and systems thinking for scientific/health topics.
• Growing expertise in visual communication strategy, consultancy practices and behaviors, and transdisciplinary design methods.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Flourish, GraphPad Prism and Excel; experience with Figma; familiarity with R, Phython, D3/Processing/Chart.js preferred.
• Clear client communication, strong organization, and attention to detail; ability to run consultative methods for intake and work definition and problem solving techniques; present concepts and integrate feedback.
• Required: Experience in Global Health communications (public health, global development, health policy).
• Preferred: Experience in Global Financing communications, scientific communication, and One Health dynamics.

Requirements

• Operate effectively in a time-and-materials environment with disciplined time tracking; thrive in a nimble, resource-conscious studio.
• Collaborative, ego-free mindset; able to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Consultative, able to use design methods and practices to guide non-visual clients through processes to create visual solutions.
• Exponential thinking, able to translate one solution across many delivery methods and expand meaning across modalities. Looks at solutions as shareable and impacting total communication strategies.
• Growing design thought leaders, working in an experimental manner. Documents and drives design as a core remit through information and data knowledge integration.
• Produce top-quality work across media/platforms; maintain rigorous self-review (QA) and invite peer review (QC).
• Align with Senior expectations in our Design Leadership Track: support project strategy, manage your own workstreams, mentor juniors informally, and ensure the quality of your deliverables.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package that is focused on work harmony.
• A unique opportunity to work with global health leaders, supporting transformative public health initiatives through a two-year secondment with the World Bank Group.
• Exposure to a variety of projects across global health, public policy, and advocacy.
• A collaborative, high-caliber environment that prizes innovation and relentless learning.
• Fast-tracked professional growth within a cutting-edge, visionary team.

Join us at Cognition

Be part of a team that doesn’t just aim for strength but exemplifies excellence. Apply today to drive innovation in design and make a tangible impact in health and life sciences.

Equal employment opportunity policy statement

Cognition Studio, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. We make employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements, and qualifications, and encourage applicants of all ages and backgrounds.