Open Call: Freelance Designers (Hourly, On-Call)

ABOUT THE POSITION

RDI is building a movement to renew democracy in the US and around the world through incisive commentary, thought-provoking events, direct aid to frontline communities, and cultivating unlikely alliances. We’re looking for a freelance designer we can call on for hourly work, often on short notice. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Work will be assigned project-by-project.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Depending on your strengths, you’ll take on work in one or both of these areas: 

Graphic Design

  • Design event materials (flyers, invitations, signage, and presentation slides), in keeping with RDI’s brand guidelines
  • Design reports and one-pagers (layout, charts, and simple data visualization)
  • Create graphics for social media and email campaigns 

Web Work

  • Regular website updates including content, images, pages, and plugins for current WordPress website
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues promptly, within the 24-48 hour turnaround window
  • Build new pages or landing pages for campaigns and events as needed

HOW IT WORKS

  • Requests: Our communications team sends a brief with the deliverable, specs, and deadline. You let us know within a few business hours whether you can take it.
  • Turnaround: Rush requests for small assets are typically needed within 24 hours. Larger projects run 2-5 days.
  • Brand: You’ll receive RDI’s brand guidelines and asset library to work from.
  • Files: You deliver final files plus editable source files. RDI owns all final work.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Everyone

  • Ability to meet 24-48 hour turnaround times on standard requests with clear communication when timelines shift
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to following brand guidelines
  • Experience with nonprofit, advocacy, media, or campaign work is a plus

Graphic Design 

  • A strong portfolio showing range across social, print, and digital work
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and/or Canva
  • Ability to prepare print-ready files to vendor specs (bleeds, CMYK, etc.)

Web Work

  • Proficiency in WordPress, Webflow, Squarespace, or similar CMS platforms
  • Working knowledge of HTML and CSS; ability to troubleshoot front-end issues independently
  • Links to websites you’ve built or maintained (MAYBE)

TELL US WHERE YOU SHINE

We’re hiring more than one freelancer for this work, and we know the best designers often specialize. In your application, please tell us which best describes you:

  • Graphic design (e.g., event materials, reports, one-pagers, social and print)
  • Web design (e.g., WordPress updates, site content, and front-end troubleshooting)
  • Both

There’s no wrong answer, and your response won’t disqualify you in any way. It just helps us match the right projects to the right people.

Apply here