About Vera
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone in the system is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.
Purpose of Request for Qualifications
Vera is seeking the services of qualified graphic designers to work on print and digital publications, including but not limited to reports, research and policy briefs, fact sheets, data visualizations, infographics, and photo and illustration research.
Anticipated Scope of Work
Services may include, but are not limited to:
- designing reports, fact sheets, and briefs according to a design template, Vera brand guidelines, and direction from creative lead;
- designing presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint and/or PDF format;
- designing data visualizations and infographics using Adobe Illustrator or Datawrapper;
- promptly implementing multiple rounds of line and design edits to all designed materials;
- delivering clean and error-free design files using Adobe Creative Suite, in accordance with Vera’s brand guidelines and direction from the creative lead;
- editorial photo and illustration research;
- meeting deadlines as specified by Vera;
- corresponding with Vera as needed to answer substantive and process questions; and
- attending meetings relating to projects, as requested.
These services may be provided on an as-needed basis to Vera by agreement described in specific task orders and based on the terms set forth in a master agreement with Vera. Please note that execution of a master agreement would not guarantee any minimum amount of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Interested and qualified Vendors that meet the following minimum qualifications are invited to submit a response to this RFQ:
- 3-5 years’ experience working on a range of complex publication design projects (experience in the nonprofit sector a plus);
- experience designing data visualizations and infographics using Adobe Illustrator and/or Datawrapper or similar software;
- experience implementing line and design edits quickly and accurately;
- experience doing research for editorial photography and illustration;
- experience working with printers and executing print-ready documents;
- experience executing clean InDesign files with carefully set up paragraph and character styles;
- excellent sense of layout with clear visual hierarchy;
- excellent typographic skills;
- experience designing for 504 accessibility compliance a plus;
- a portfolio of at least five examples of design projects with a mixture of print and digital publications;
- skill in project management;
- exceptional attention to detail and ability to implement precise design changes;
- excellent written and oral communication skills and experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders to accomplish project goals;
- speed and accuracy;
- deep commitment to racial equity—in a system built on racism and inequity, Vera works to ensure equity both in our workplace and in the world and aims to work with others who incorporate this value and share it with others;
- knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to working on design projects relevant to transforming the criminal legal and immigration systems and other social justice issues a plus.
Selection Criteria
During the review process, we will focus primarily on the following criteria to evaluate responses from Vendors that meet the Minimum Qualifications:
- vendor’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- qualifications and experience, including successful completion of a design test;
- review of portfolio;
- familiarity with Vera's issues and initiatives;
- adequacy, clarity, and completeness of response;
- references; and
- availability.
Fees
Vera compensates design consultants between USD $50-$70/hour, depending on experience, for all design services. These rates are non-negotiable.
Submission Process and Timeline
To apply, please fill out this application and provide the following materials:
- resume or CV with contact information to at least three references;
- link to an online portfolio or PDF portfolio of relevant design projects with a focus on publication design projects.
Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis.
Terms of RFQ
Vera has the right to amend or cancel this RFQ at any time. Vera reserves the right, at the time of evaluation of any Response, to request any additional information that it deems necessary. Vera further reserves the right to reject any or all Responses after evaluation, and to be the sole judge of the merits of those received. Vera will not be responsible for late or incomplete responses. Any Response which does not comply with this RFQ may not be considered. Vera will not return any materials it receives and will not reimburse applicants for any costs incurred in developing a Response. Master agreements will have a term of five years or less, as determined by Vera.
Contact Information
Documents submitted via email will not be considered.
If you have any questions, including accessibility questions, or need assistance completing this application, please contact::
Sara Duell
sduell@vera.org
Senior Designer
Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.
34 35th Street, Suite 4-2-A
Brooklyn, NY 11232