Senior Director, Data Visualization & Storytelling

The Senior Director, Data Visualization & Storytelling will bring Strada’s research to life—transforming complex data into powerful, visual stories that inspire action. This role sits within the Strada Institute for the Future of Work and reports to the Institute’s Executive Director. As a creative strategist and visual communicator, the Senior Director will lead the design of compelling graphics, dashboards, and digital tools that communicate insights clearly and persuasively to a wide audience—including policymakers, education leaders, employers, and learners.

This is a highly collaborative role that blends data science, research communication, and public engagement. The ideal candidate has a strong command of analytical tools and techniques, an exceptional eye for design, and a passion for turning research into impact. This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC. The Senior Director is expected to work in Strada’s DC office two days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely from home the remaining three days.

About Strada and the Institute for the Future of Work

Strada Education Foundation is a national nonprofit organization on a mission to improve lives by forging clearer and more purposeful pathways between education and employment. We work with partners in education and the workforce to identify and scale solutions that help more Americans access postsecondary education and training that leads to good jobs, meaningful careers, and economic mobility.

The Strada Institute for the Future of Work produces rigorous, field-leading research focused on strengthening the connection between postsecondary education and economic opportunity. Our work informs policy, practice, and public dialogue, especially in areas where evidence is limited but critical for advancing equity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Create clear, engaging visuals that make complex research findings understandable and compelling to diverse audiences.
• Develop charts, infographics, slide decks, maps, dashboards, and interactive tools that tell powerful stories through data.
• Apply advanced design principles—including layout, color, and composition—to elevate the visual quality and accessibility of Strada’s work.
• Collaborate with researchers, strategists, and communicators to enhance reports, briefs, and digital content.
• Partner with internal design and digital teams to publish content across platforms.

• Translate research objectives into visual storytelling strategies.
• Use data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, D3.js, Flourish) and design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma).
• Develop custom visualizations using coding languages (e.g., JavaScript, Python, R) when needed.

• Collaborate with policy, strategy, and communications teams to align visual storytelling with advocacy goals.
• Identify new ways to present Strada’s research in accessible, interactive, and engaging formats.
• Contribute to public presentations, events, and digital engagement efforts.

• Mentor staff on best practices in visual communication.
• Champion inclusive and equitable design practices.
• Promote a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in data visualization, graphic design, data science, computer science, or a related field—or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data visualization, information design, or storytelling with data.
• Proven ability to design for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong understanding of visual storytelling and how to make data meaningful and actionable.
• Fluency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, Adobe Creative Suite, and design platforms like Figma or Sketch.
• Experience coding custom visualizations with tools like D3.js, JavaScript, Python, or R.
• Knowledge of best practices in accessible and inclusive design.
• A portfolio that demonstrates high-quality visual design, clarity, and creativity.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• 401k retirement plan with employer contributions
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness reimbursement
• Professional development resources

Travel Requirements: It is likely the role will naturally entail some travel for conferences and other meetings up to 10%.

Mission and Values Alignment:

Committed to providing equitable pathways to opportunity through PSET, particularly for individuals who have faced significant barriers. Demonstrated alignment with Strada's guiding values, commitment to building a strong and healthy workplace culture, and working in a collaborative environment.    

Strategy and Innovation Leadership:

Adept at operationalizing strategy and effectively communicating strategic endeavors within the organization and in external contexts, both verbally and in writing. Particular skill in designing annual plans, monitoring progress, and refining plans as needed. Adaptable with tolerance for ambiguity. Able to problem-solve and navigate varied viewpoints. Capacity to refine efforts based on evidence that change is needed. Ability to lead efforts to visualize and monitor change. Capability to see and support innovative ideas and opportunities across the organization, and to embed innovation within operational plans. Capabilities in taking the perspective of others and adapting an agenda and approach – toward a shared aim - accordingly.   

Strategic Problem Solving: 

Ability to effectively utilize a hypothesis-driven approach to problem solving, with effective quantitative and communication skills. Ability to take on broad-reaching and sometimes ambiguous questions while working collaboratively and cross-functionally with Strada team members across the organization.  

Execution and Operations Leadership:

Ability to translate innovative, strategic ideas into tangible, actionable steps, as well as to effectively monitor progress and partner with others on identifying improvements during implementation to increase the likelihood of successful execution.  

DEI Commitment:

Commitment and professional experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within and organization, including incorporating stakeholder perspectives in the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic efforts.    

Relationship Building and Collaborative Capabilities: 

Demonstrated ability to cultivate, grow, and manage positive, mutually beneficial relationships at all levels of an organization and with partners outside the organization. Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills—including identifying and working through challenges—underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence. Proven collaborator, able to work with colleagues at all levels in the organization. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to Strada’s organizational vibrancy, employee experience, and mission. Strada is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplace-certified by Diversity for Social Impact, a strategic professional and organization development company dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion to drive social impact worldwide. We strongly encourage applicants from people of color/the global majority, immigrant, bilingual, and bicultural individuals; people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+  and gender nonconforming communities; and people with other diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We believe every member on the team enriches our workplace by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver critical insights and solutions.