Data Design Engineer

Who We Are

Murmuration is a nonprofit organization that amplifies the power of civic engagement by providing data, digital tools, and research-driven insights to community-focused organizations so that together we can create an America where everyone can lead healthy, free, and dignified lives.

Every day, people are trying to shape our future for the better. Fighting for water that’s safe to drink. Schools that serve students equitably. Gun laws that make sense. And rallying people who care like we do. And yet too often the skillful organizers working to mobilize communities lack access to technology that could supercharge their efforts. Knocking on every door instead of knowing which will open most easily. And going up against outside interests that have half the heart, but twice the tools.

In communities across America, Murmuration’s partners are leveraging our data, tools, and insights to help thousands of organizers orchestrate millions of individual people to do big things together. Demand big things together. To create the world they want. Together.

About the Position

The Data Design Engineer plays a key role in advancing Murmuration’s mission by designing and developing impactful data visualizations and user interfaces within Explorer, our newest research tool that makes civic data accessible for community organizations. This role focuses on translating complex datasets into intuitive, insightful visualizations while also contributing to the broader frontend development of Explorer—ensuring a seamless, user-friendly experience for our partners.

Beyond Explorer, the Data Design Engineer serves as a data visualization expert and force multiplier for special projects across Murmuration’s Research and Data division. This includes developing reusable visualization components, advising on best practices, and elevating the overall quality and clarity of how data is communicated in our other research and data products.

As both a data visualization specialist and frontend developer, this role bridges the gap between raw data, design, and user experience—crafting tools that not only present information clearly and accurately but also tell compelling stories that drive civic engagement.

Job Level: IC3

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain dynamic, user-friendly data visualizations and interfaces within Explorer to help community organizations translate complex civic data into clear, actionable insights;
• Contribute to the broader frontend development of Explorer and other data products, ensuring a seamless, intuitive, and accessible user experience;
• Collaborate closely with research engineers, data scientists, product managers, designers, and community partners to understand user needs and translate them into effective visual and interactive solutions;
• Prototype and iterate on data visualization and UI concepts, exploring new ways to present data and insights that resonate with diverse audiences;
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable, reusable data visualization and UI components ensuring efficient integration with Murmuration’s product ecosystem;
• Support special projects including publishing insights, designing presentation materials, and contributing to external-facing reports and products to help communicate complex information to a broader audience;
• Ensure all data visualizations and interfaces adhere to best practices for accessibility, usability, and design consistency;
• Optimize frontend performance, ensuring smooth integration of real-time and static datasets into visualizations and interfaces; and
• Stay current on the latest trends and technologies in data visualization, frontend development, and civic tech to continuously improve Murmuration’s tools and workflows.

• 4+ years of experience in data visualization and frontend development, ideally within a product-focused environment;
• Proficiency in React and Redux or similar frameworks, and a strong understanding of component-based architecture and state management;
• Experience with data visualization libraries and frameworks (e.g., Visx or D3.js) for building complex, interactive visualizations;
• Experience translating complex datasets into intuitive, engaging visual stories that drive user insight and action;
• Strong understanding of design principles, including visual hierarchy, color theory, typography, and user experience, applied to both interfaces and data visualizations;
• Familiarity with data querying and transformation (e.g., SQL, Python, or R) to support visualization needs;
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices and a commitment to creating inclusive, user-friendly experiences;
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, especially when optimizing frontend performance and rendering large datasets;
• Proven track record of collaborating within small, agile teams—comfortable wearing multiple hats and contributing across disciplines; and
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical and design concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Haves

• Experience working in civic tech, advocacy, or nonprofit sectors;
• Familiarity with GIS mapping and spatial data visualization tools;
• Knowledge of civic or political data ecosystems and related data sources;
• Background in data journalism, public policy, or storytelling through data;
• Experience with user-centered design methodologies and usability testing
• Familiarity with data analytics and statistical methods to inform visualization choices;
• Exposure to building data-driven applications in small, mission-driven, agile teams; and/or
• Understanding of performance optimization techniques for large-scale, interactive data visualizations.

Talented Data Design Engineers come from all walks of life and career. If you are passionate about civic engagement and technology, please apply, even if you do not check every box!

Location and Compensation

The Data Design Engineer is a full-time, salaried position with a comprehensive benefits package (more detail below). It is based anywhere in the U.S. The starting salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000 and is commensurate with experience. This pay range reflects what the organization expects to offer for this position at the time of posting. In alignment with applicable laws, compensation will be determined based on the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and the specific requirements of the role. Please note that the organization may adjust this pay range as needed.

Our Culture of Care

We work hard to create a culture of care to ensure that our staff are best equipped to lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives. To that end, we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered for you and qualifying family members;
• Retirement benefits with a 5% employer match;
• A flexible unlimited PTO plan;
• Generous paid parental leave;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits;
• A company laptop;
• A flexible remote work environment;
• A home office setup stipend for all new employees;
• Monthly reimbursement for remote work expenses;
• A yearly professional development fund;
• Mental health and wellness benefits through Calm and Better Help; 
• Yearly in-person staff retreats; and
• A welcoming culture that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Murmuration is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation and national origin. We reasonably accommodate staff members and/or applicants with disabilities, provided they are otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job.

Note: Murmuration is two organizations working together to pursue our mission of amplifying the power of civic engagement: Murmuration Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) that conducts research to identify, design, and create the data, tools, and insights that build healthier and more equitable communities; and Murmuration, Inc., a 501(c)(4) that supports organizations working across the country on the nation’s most challenging issues with access to data, tools, and research that build healthier and more equitable communities.