About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Multimedia Graphic Designer will produce visual content and develop creative strategies to draw wider attention to the work of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF-USA). The designer will bring fresh ideas to enhance our storytelling, engage audiences, and inform the public about our medical humanitarian action around the world.

The designer will produce graphics primarily for digital media and video, including infographics, interactive graphics, and motion graphics. The designer will help shape MSF-USA’s visual identity across platforms, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines. Strengthening our visual communications is intended to expand MSF-USA’s reach and awareness, increase social sharing and website traffic, and inspire greater support for the organization.

DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Communications Department is responsible for developing a coherent voice and delivering clear public messages to inform both US and international audiences of MSF, its field activities and the humanitarian principles that underpin them; to raise awareness about the plight of the populations we serve; to promote public communication aimed at exposing and describing the field reality, including dilemmas and challenges; and to garner public understanding for our advocacy messages related to field operational concerns and the Access Campaign, via the media, print and digital channels, public awareness and advocacy campaigns, conferences, etc.

External Communications

Develop and distribute external communications products across multiple channels to bear witness to humanitarian needs, speak out with patients and communities, engage with audiences, and achieve strategic objectives.

Public Engagement & Advocacy

Identify significant medical humanitarian issues and execute integrated communications plans to increase public awareness, audience engagement, and support for advocacy priorities.

Brand Positioning

Develop and contribute toward brand strategy, brand positioning, and tactics to increase brand visibility.

Content Creation

Develop and support the production of creative and engaging external communications across audiences and channels, including for the website, social media, and live events.

Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Promote DEI principles across all communications products and channels.

ROLE SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

Content Creation

Produces powerful graphics—including infographics and motion graphics—to effectively convey MSF’s reporting and witnessing from our medical humanitarian projects around the world. Often within a short timeframe, distills complex concepts, medical data, and other information into clear, compelling, and accurate graphics for use on social media platforms and websites. 

Produces print design materials for signage, merchandise, and more as needed for exhibitions, demonstrations, and other needs and contributes expertise on print projects.   

Collaborates with producers, editors, and others in the Communications department and other staff at MSF USA to produce graphic design materials, most often with a focus on digital content, but at times with print materials as well. Priorities include rapid response to breaking news and emergencies as well as longer-term projects to highlight medical humanitarian issues. 

Consistently takes initiative by proposing ways that graphics could be used to enhance MSF USA’s storytelling capabilities and increase the impact of our communications materials. Actively participates in strategy meetings about content production and dissemination. Identifies ways to augment presentation of MSF USA’s work on digital platforms to increase engagement.

Public Engagement Execution

Develop and deliver visual assets to inform and engage audiences, and provide others with expert advice while working within established communications systems.

Public Engagement Planning

Contribute to the development of visual elements to support social media campaigns and public engagement activities.

External Communications

Contribute to developing and delivering multimedia strategies and plans for significant aspects of external communications with guidance from the Director of Communications.

Brand Positioning

Implement brand strategy and guidelines to achieve organizational goals.

These core accountabilities should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job.  Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned

COMPLEXITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

• Uses comprehensive knowledge, highly developed skills, and professional judgment to work independently while providing guidance and training to others on developing appropriate plans or performing necessary actions based on recommendations and requirements.
• Works at an advanced level to assess the facts and circumstances of the current situation and/or environment and adapt thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario. Typically works independently and provides guidance.
• Keeps up with MSF’s medical humanitarian activities to appropriately represent MSF in communications materials, via reading MSF reports and updates, regular attendance of office presentations, program briefings, etc. 

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.

People Focus

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.

Global Perspective

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.

Cultivates Innovation

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.

RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.

Drives Results

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.

PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.

Values Differences

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Plans and Aligns

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.

Financial Acumen

Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

Tech Savvy

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications .

Data Collection and Analysis

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

Project Management Skills

The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.

Presentation and Written Communication Skills

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No supervisory responsibilities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

At a minimum the Job Holder should possess:

•  
• Minimum 3 years of directly relevant experience, preferably with a non-profit and/or media organization. 
• Strong portfolio of digital assets and motion graphics with similar non-profit, media, or client work. 
• Solid background in print design. 
• Degree or equivalent experience in visual communications design, information design, graphic design, digital/media arts, film/video, photography or related field. 
• Project management experience, including keen attention to detail, the ability to track multiple projects at one time, and to prioritize ongoing vs. immediate needs appropriately. 
• Demonstrated ability to produce compelling multimedia designs and motion graphics. Expert eye and hand for design, including information design and data visualization, with keen understanding of the interplay between design and social media. 
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and InDesign. Experience in Premiere Pro and/or Final Cut Pro. 
• Advanced information graphics skills, including ability to manipulate and chart data in Excel, Powerpoint, and Illustrator. 
• Strong written and oral communications skills, ability to research, write, and fact-check graphics 
• Ability to synthesize complex source material in order to propose clear and effective communications and marketing content. 
• Experience ensuring brand consistency. 
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms. 
• Passion for MSF USA’s social mission to provide medical humanitarian aid. 
• Interest in international humanitarian affairs and medical issues. 
• Ability to be a self-starter who actively proposes creative ideas. 
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment. 
• Dedication to producing high-quality, engaging, and accurate design materials. 

Preferred

•  
• Non-profit and/or fundraising experience 
• Portfolio of similar non-profit, media, or client work, graphics and animation
• Experience designing custom map graphics using GIS (graphic information systems) datasets 
• Video editing experience
• Illustration experience
• Professional writing and/or editing experience

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to travel, as required, for standard domestic and international business travel. 

Expected to work in a hybrid work environment with the ability to come into the NYC office 2 days per week. 

OFFICE LOCATION

NYC (Hybrid- in office Tuesdays and Wednesdays) 
This role is based in New York, where most of the team and operational infrastructure are located. Due to current staffing and budget constraints, we’re unable to support this position in our Washington, DC, or California offices. 

Compensation 
 $78,399 - $117,599

In alignment with MSF USA’s compensation framework, new hires are generally offered between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on relevant experience, skills, and internal equity. 

Safeguarding Statement

 All Employees and Representatives of MSF USA have a duty to treat the individuals, families, and communities with whom we interact and serve with dignity and respect, and to ensure their safety and protection. We are committed to fostering a workplace and organizational culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from harassment, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. This commitment is supported by policies and procedures that promote an environment where misconduct and abuse are not tolerated.

Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and/or background screening appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.

We seek a diversity of experience and skills for our workplace and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our openings.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement:
MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at recruitment@newyork.msf.org.

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.