Data Visualization Specialist (Contract)

Title: Data Visualization Specialist (Contract) Location: Remote (PST Hours Preferred) Duration: 6-Month Contract with Possible Extension Work Type: Remote | Potential occasional travel as needed Pay rate: $100 - $120/hr. on W2 Responsibilities • Design charts, graphs, infographics, and visual systems that communicate complex datasets and technical information clearly and accurately • Translate research findings, AI/ML concepts, product benchmarks, and market insights into compelling visual narratives • Develop and maintain reusable visualization systems, templates, and design standards across teams • Establish best practices for chart styles, accessibility, labeling conventions, and visual consistency • Partner closely with research, marketing, communications, policy, engineering, and web teams • Create polished presentation decks, social assets, one-pagers, and branded collateral • Ensure data integrity through accurate representation, honest scales, and thoughtful visual encoding • Contribute to visualization libraries, component systems, and Figma-based design workflows • Support web-based and interactive visualization initiatives where applicable • Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining high attention to detail and quality Required Qualifications • 5+ years of experience in data visualization, information design, computational journalism, editorial graphics, or visual storytelling • Strong portfolio showcasing data-driven storytelling and high-quality visual design • Expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) • Experience with visualization tools and libraries such as D3.js, Observable, Matplotlib, or similar • Strong understanding of typography, hierarchy, layout, color theory, and accessibility standards • Ability to simplify complex or technical information into intuitive visual narratives • Experience building reusable chart systems, templates, or design guidelines • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills • Highly organized and comfortable working independently in remote environments Preferred Qualifications • Background in computational journalism, editorial/news graphics, research institutions, or agency environments • Experience creating interactive or web-based visualizations • Familiarity with accessibility standards including WCAG and colorblind-safe palettes • Experience visualizing scientific, technical, or AI-related subject matter • Working knowledge of spreadsheets and data preparation workflows • Interest in AI, emerging technologies, and research communication