UI/UX Designer

About GiveDirectly:

GiveDirectly (GD) aims to reshape international giving -  and millions of lives - by allowing donors to provide capital grants directly to the world’s poorest. The Brookings Institution estimates that $70B of cash transfers would be required to eliminate the poverty gap; the aid sector currently spends $135B each year, much of which is spent on evidence-free interventions. GiveDirectly wants to change that, establishing a benchmark as Vanguard did for the financial industry (i.e., index fund), and in the process accelerate the end of extreme poverty.

 

GiveDirectly has raised over $250M in revenue and reached nearly 150,000 households, while being recognized as one of the most innovative non-profit companies by Fast Company. The New York Times Magazine writes, “The beautiful thing about GiveDirectly’s approach is that it lets people devise their own path out of poverty.” The growing movement toward cash transfers and GD’s role in that movement have also been featured in This American Life, Foreign Affairs, The Economist, and  Business Insider.

 

We’re looking for exceptional talent to grow GiveDirectly and the broader cash movement. Our culture is direct, analytical, non-hierarchical, fast-paced, transparent, and hard working. We are open to candidates from any industry and typically recruit from top organizations - members of our team have come to us from private-sector companies (consultancies, law firms, investment banks, etc.), start-ups, and government. We value ability and willingness to learn over years of experience. We offer competitive salary and benefits and performance-based bonuses. 

 

Overview:

As GiveDirectly’s Contract Designer, you’ll help design website pages, product flows, and user interaction.

Since GD launched in 2013, our website and GD.Live’s unfiltered, unedited stories have been the main way for thousands of donors to connect with recipients and the cash movement. In 2021, we’re building a Product Team to deliver compelling new digital products and experiences to our donors and the public. As our freelance/contract designer you will be an integral member of this team, with the potential to drive step-change difference in the dollars we can commit to the poor. There is a possibility to move to a full time position in the future on this team. 

This role is best suited for candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset and product and web design experience (graphic design is a plus). The designer must be skilled at quick learning and iterating. You will work closely with the Product Director and Senior Marketing Manager to implement end-to-end product and web page lifecycles, from prototype designs to full launch. This role is the ultimate owner for delivering exceptional designs for our visual and digital materials and products.

Responsibilities: 

1. 5-10 hours per week of design time - flexible on when the work is done
2. Lead graphic design for a range of content, including products, web pages, presentations, and social.
3. Refine our visual brand that continues to articulates our values and identity across mediums
4. Conduct research on user preferences to craft seamless UI and UX for new digital products and improved web-pages
5. Collaborate closely with GiveDirectly’s technical teams on the end-to-end design and launch of new digital products, including mock-ups, user testing, and iteration

What we're looking for:

1. 3+ years of design experience (and an exceptional portfolio of diverse types of work)
2. Experience working closely with product and engineering teams
3. Self-starter who can execute on complex projects end-to-end
4. Expert knowledge of Adobe CC (After effects animation a plus) and working knowledge of Sketch or Figma
5. Exceptional alignment with GD values (outlined below)

GD Values

Recipients first. We prioritize recipient preferences over donor preferences or our own.

Team Next. We do what is best for the success of the organization - not the individual.

Be proactively candid. We say what we believe and are honest in sharing information.

Create positive energy. We strive to be a source of energy - not drain it - for our colleagues.

Think rigorously. Act Quickly. We are intellectually rigorous and oriented towards action - not debate.

Know yourself and grow. We recognize and accept our imperfections with a focus on growth

Accept reality. Propose solutions. We don't dwell on problems. We are actively working to create solutions.

Be productively ambitious. We take the risk of pursuing industry-changing successes, not marginal advancements.

**GD is committed to observing all local, national and international laws that protect children, vulnerable adults, and basic human rights of all. GD is committed to a policy of “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH)” and expects anyone who works for GD to uphold the protection and safeguarding of our recipients as a priority.**