CIRES/Graphic Designer and Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Graphic Designer and Communications Specialist within the CIRES Communications team. This is a full-time professional position that sits at the intersection of graphic design, excellence, strategic brand thinking, and user-centered science communication.

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in environmental science research, housing more than 900 scientists, engineers, and professionals who work to understand the Earth system and people’s relationship with the planet. The CIRES Communications team amplifies this work across diverse audiences from policymakers and the public to the scientific community and university collaborators. The Graphic Designer and Communications Specialist will play a central role in shaping how CIRES looks, feels, and tells its story: elevating the institute's visual identity, supporting flagship publications, leading trainings that empower researchers to communicate their science more effectively, and applying design thinking and design research methods to strengthen communication strategy across the CIRES enterprise.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Visual Design and Brand Leadership (~30%)
• User-Centered Design for Science Communication Products (~20%)
• Training and Capacity Building (~20%)
• Writing, Editing, and Publication Production (~15%)
• Cross-Institutional Collaboration and Strategic Communication (~15%)

What You Should Know

This is a full-time, ongoing position, contingent on funding availability. The position is based in Boulder, Colorado, and will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule. At least 2 days a week in-office presence will be required, with Wednesday being one of those mandatory in-person office days.

What We Can Offer

CIRES offers a generous compensation package. The annual hiring salary range for this position is $58,292-$96,678.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, design, visual communication, communication, environmental science, journalism, or a relevant field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design, with a portfolio demonstrating excellence in editorial design, branding, information design, and/or science communication visuals.
• Demonstrated experience leading or substantially contributing to long-form publication design.