Application Guide

How to Apply for Web & Graphic Designer

at The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

🏢 About The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

SPUN is a pioneering NGO focused on mapping and protecting mycorrhizal fungal networks, which are crucial for Earth's climate regulation and ecosystem health. As a startup, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking environmental science through design, blending mission-driven work with creative impact in a remote, collaborative setting.

About This Role

This contract role involves designing web and graphic assets for SPUN's digital and print channels, including websites, presentations, reports, and social media, to support brand and communications. It's impactful because your designs will help visualize complex scientific data and advocacy efforts, directly aiding SPUN's mission to protect underground fungal networks.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve collaborating remotely with SPUN's team via tools like Figma and Google Docs to design layouts for a scientific presentation or social media graphic, iterating on brand assets, and preparing print-ready PDFs for reports, all while adapting to tight deadlines to support ongoing advocacy campaigns.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) Is Looking For

  • Has 3-8 years of experience with a portfolio showcasing strong execution in digital, print, and presentation design, ideally for NGOs or science-related projects
  • Is highly proficient in Figma, with experience using design systems or shared component libraries for collaborative work
  • Demonstrates strong skills in Adobe InDesign for creating print-ready and interactive PDFs, including mastery of master pages and styles
  • Is comfortable producing presentations and documents in Google Docs and Keynote, and can work efficiently under tight timelines common in startup environments

📝 Tips for Applying to The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

1

Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects involving scientific, environmental, or NGO-related content, emphasizing how your designs simplified complex information

2

Include specific examples in your resume of using Figma for design systems and Adobe InDesign for print layouts, quantifying results like improved efficiency or brand consistency

3

Research SPUN's current visual identity (e.g., website, social media) and suggest one small, actionable improvement in your cover letter to show proactive thinking

4

Mention experience with remote collaboration tools and tight deadlines, as SPUN is a startup NGO where agility is key

5

If you have prior NGO or science communication experience, emphasize it prominently, as this role bridges design with environmental advocacy

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your passion for environmental causes and how your design skills can help visualize SPUN's mission to protect fungal networks", "Highlight specific experience with Figma design systems and Adobe InDesign for print, linking it to SPUN's need for consistent branding across channels", 'Provide a brief example of a past project where you designed under tight timelines, showcasing your ability to deliver quality work quickly', "Express interest in SPUN's startup culture and remote work, emphasizing your self-motivation and collaboration skills"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore SPUN's website and social media channels to understand their current visual identity and design gaps you could address
  • → Learn about mycorrhizal fungal networks and SPUN's mission, so you can discuss how design can support their scientific and advocacy goals
  • → Review SPUN's public reports or presentations (if available) to see how they present data and identify opportunities for design improvement
  • → Look into the NGO and environmental design space to understand trends and how SPUN compares to similar organizations

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach designing a presentation or report to make complex scientific data about mycorrhizal networks accessible to a general audience?
2 Describe your experience with Figma design systems: how have you used shared component libraries to maintain brand consistency in past roles?
3 Can you walk us through your process for creating a print-ready PDF in Adobe InDesign, including your use of master pages and styles?
4 How do you prioritize and manage design tasks when working on multiple projects with tight deadlines, as common in a startup NGO like SPUN?
5 What ideas do you have for extending SPUN's visual identity across social media or other digital platforms to increase engagement?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic portfolio without examples related to science, environment, or NGO work, which may show lack of alignment with SPUN's mission
  • Failing to demonstrate proficiency in Figma design systems or Adobe InDesign specifics, as these are core tools mentioned in the job description
  • Not addressing the remote and contract nature of the role, such as by overlooking examples of self-management or experience with remote collaboration

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)!

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