Graphic and Visual Designer

Request for Proposals

Overview

The Knight-Georgetown Institute (KGI) seeks proposals from qualified graphic designers or design studios to provide ongoing visual design services in support of our publications, research, events, and communications. We are looking to establish relationships with one or more visual designers who can produce high-quality, accessible, and visually engaging materials in alignment with KGI’s existing brand and visual identity.

Our work sits at the intersection of technology policy, design, and governance. We publish research reports, policy briefs, explainers, and digital communications intended for policymakers, researchers, journalists, industry leaders, and the public. Design plays an essential role in making these materials clear, compelling, and accessible.

Apply here today. Applications are due by August 3, 2026.

About the Knight-Georgetown Institute

KGI is dedicated to connecting independent research with technology policy and design. KGI serves as a central hub for the growing network of scholarship that seeks to shape how technology is used to produce, disseminate, and access information. KGI is designed to provide practical resources that policymakers, journalists, and private and public sector leaders can use to tackle information and technology issues in real time. Georgetown University and the Knight Foundation came together to launch the institute in 2024.

KGI seeks to inform policy debates by translating existing research, producing novel research and policy outputs, and synthesizing evidence about the impacts of policy interventions domestically and abroad. Our work is situated within three related fields of technology policy: platform governance, competition policy, and artificial intelligence policy and technology.

Scope of Services

The selected designer(s) will provide design support on an as-needed basis across a range of communications products. Projects may include:

• Layout and design of reports, white papers, policy briefs
• Design of infographics, charts, diagrams, and data visualizations
• Social media graphics and related visual assets
• Presentation templates and slide decks
• Event branding and materials, including programs, signage, and promotional graphics
• Website graphics and digital illustrations
• Email and newsletter graphics
• Adaptation of existing designs into new formats 
• Short and long-form video editing and production

Designers will be expected to work within KGI’s existing brand guidelines while bringing creativity, strong visual storytelling, and thoughtful execution to each project.

Desired Qualifications

We welcome proposals from freelancers, independent designers, and design studios with experience serving mission-driven organizations, academic institutions, nonprofits, think tanks, or public-interest organizations. While our primary need is for graphic and visual design services, we also encourage proposals from video editors and producers who have experience creating short-form and long-form video content, motion graphics, and multimedia assets that support research dissemination, public engagement, and digital communications.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Exceptional editorial and publication design skills
• Experience laying out or designing graphics for long-form reports and policy publications
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear visual communications
• Experience creating accessible digital and print materials
• Familiarity with designing for multiple formats, including web, social media, and print
• Excellent project management and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

Experience working with research organizations or public policy institutions is strongly preferred.

Deliverables

Depending on project needs, deliverables may include:

• Web-optimized graphics
• Print-ready PDFs
• Source files (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Canva, or equivalent)
• Canva templates
• Social media assets in multiple aspect ratios
• Presentation files

Working Relationship

This engagement intends to establish a pool of select design partners who may receive project-based assignments over the coming year. There is no guaranteed minimum volume of work.

Projects will vary in scope, timeline, and budget. KGI’s Communications Director will provide project briefs, editorial direction, brand guidelines, and feedback throughout the design process.

Proposal Requirements

Interested applicants should submit at the link here:

1. A cover letter describing your experience, relevant clients/projects, interest in working with KGI, and a list of your relevant technical skills and design applications you use (e.g., data visualization, illustration, animation, video editing, and tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Figma, Canva, etc).
2. A proposal that outlines your hourly rates, fee schedules, and/or sample project pricing. Please also note estimated turnaround times for small, medium, and large projects.
3. A portfolio highlighting relevant work, particularly graphic design for publications, reports, infographics, social media, digital communications, and short or long-form video (if applicable).

Submission Instructions

Please submit applications/proposals electronically in PDF format here. Applications are due by August 3, 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Quality of portfolio
• Experience with editorial and publication design
• Ability to communicate complex information visually
• Experience working within established brand systems
• Understanding of accessibility and inclusive design
• Cost and overall value
• Responsiveness and communication

Timeline

RFP Issued: July 20, 2026

Questions Due: July 27, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 3, 2026 (midnight ET)

Shortlisted vendors notified no later than: August 12, 2026

Contracting process to begin by August 31, 2026

Questions

Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to: Julie Anne Miranda-Brobeck, jm3885@georgetown.edu

Responses to substantive questions may be shared with all prospective applicants.

Additional Information

KGI reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, negotiate with selected applicants, request additional information, or make multiple awards under this RFP if doing so best serves the Institute’s needs.

We encourage proposals from designers and firms with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and are committed to working with partners who share our commitment to producing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality communications.

We anticipate design projects to commence in Fall 2026.