Digital Graphic Designer

CACI International
Full-timeβ€’$71k-149k/year (USD)β€’Alexandria, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Graphic Designer

Company: CACI International

Location: Alexandria, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: June 23, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and execute visually compelling digital graphics and multimedia content to support critical government operations and strategic initiatives.

  • Manage the end-to-end design process, from concept and client consultation to final product delivery, ensuring alignment with project objectives and brand standards.

  • Leverage a broad range of design software and techniques to create impactful presentations, reports, and communication materials for high-level stakeholders.

  • Contribute to a secure operational environment by maintaining strict adherence to clearance requirements and handling sensitive information with discretion.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the title is "Digital Graphic Designer," the context of supporting a "Joint Interagency Task Force" reporting to the "Deputy Secretary of Defense" and focusing on "Joint C-sUAS capabilities" strongly suggests a role with significant operational implications. This is not a purely creative role but one embedded within a government defense context, requiring an understanding of operational needs, security protocols, and stakeholder communication within a federal agency. The emphasis on "defeat adversary threats" and "promote sovereignty over national airspace" points to a mission-critical function where design directly supports operational effectiveness and communication.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce high-impact digital graphics, multimedia presentations, pamphlets, and informational handouts using industry-standard software.

  • Develop and integrate cohesive slide masters, templates, and formats to ensure consistent aesthetic quality and visual hierarchy across all design products.

  • Enhance presentations with digital images, video, audio, and animations, employing advanced techniques for maximum visual impact and message clarity.

  • Manage the lifecycle of raster and vector images, including creation, editing, resizing, cropping, color correction, and format conversion.

  • Collaborate closely with government customers to interpret requirements, provide expert recommendations on design solutions, alternative approaches, and production timelines.

  • Maintain and organize an accessible electronic library of digital assets, including imagery and video, to facilitate efficient retrieval, review, and reuse.

  • Prepare and assemble briefing packets and booklets, ensuring accuracy and professional presentation for senior leadership.

  • Perform administrative duties as required, supporting the operational needs of the supported organization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and client-facing consultation within a government context. The requirement to "advise customers on solutions, alternative approaches, best practices and production timelines" highlights a consultative aspect of the role, demanding not just technical design skills but also strategic thinking and project management capabilities. The focus on "balances presentation features for visual impact and emphasis" and "incorporates digital images, video, audio, animations and slide transitions" indicates a need for dynamic and engaging content creation, beyond static graphics.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • High School Graduate (or GED) with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience OR

  • Associate’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in graphic design, multimedia, communications, or a related field. Experience:

  • Proven experience in digital graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects.

  • Experience working within government, defense, or a similar highly regulated or mission-critical environment is highly desirable. Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in MS PowerPoint: Advanced skills in creating, formatting, and delivering complex presentations.

  • Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation, vector graphics, and layout design.

  • Graphic Design Principles: Solid understanding of visual communication, layout design, typography, color theory, and composition.

  • Multimedia Integration: Ability to integrate various media types (images, video, audio, animation) into cohesive digital products.

  • Active Secret US Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active Secret security clearance.

Preferred Skills:

  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interagency team.

  • Client-Focused Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to understand and meet customer requirements and deliver exceptional service.

  • Workflow Management: Experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Content Curation: Experience in organizing and managing digital asset libraries.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is presented as a range (5-10 years) depending on education level. The emphasis on "Government-provided software applications" suggests potential familiarity with specific government-standard tools or workflows, though the core requirements focus on widely recognized industry software. The "Secret US Clearance" is a critical, non-negotiable requirement that will filter candidates significantly.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Visual Communication Case Studies: Showcase projects demonstrating the ability to translate complex information into clear, impactful visual narratives, particularly for technical or strategic content.

  • Presentation Design Examples: Include examples of dynamic and engaging multimedia presentations, highlighting the use of animation, video integration, and effective slide master utilization.

  • Image Manipulation & Vector Graphics: Portfolio pieces that clearly demonstrate proficiency in both raster (e.g., Photoshop, Lightroom) and vector (e.g., Illustrator) editing capabilities, including resizing, color correction, and format conversion.

  • Template & Brand Consistency: Examples of creating and adhering to design templates and style guides, demonstrating an understanding of maintaining brand consistency across various media.

Process Documentation:

  • Client Requirement Gathering: Evidence of a structured approach to understanding and documenting client needs, translating them into actionable design briefs.

  • Workflow Optimization: Demonstrated ability to suggest and implement efficient design workflows, including asset management and revision processes.

  • Software Proficiency Demonstration: Portfolio pieces that implicitly or explicitly highlight the skillful application of required software (PowerPoint, Adobe Suite) for specific design outcomes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a role like this within a government context, a portfolio is crucial. It's not just about aesthetic appeal but about demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively and professionally within specific operational and security constraints. The emphasis should be on clarity, impact, and adherence to requirements, rather than purely artistic expression.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,800 - $148,600 per year

Explanation of Range: This salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Digital Graphic Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the specialized nature of supporting a Joint Interagency Task Force and the requirement for a Secret clearance. CACI International's compensation philosophy accounts for factors such as geographic location, contract labor categories, relevant experience, specific skills, education, and certifications.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources to support employee well-being.

  • Financial Planning: Benefits designed to support financial security, which may include retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k).

  • Retirement Savings: Robust retirement plan options.

  • Family Support: Benefits and resources to support employees and their families.

  • Continuing Education: Support for professional development, certifications, and ongoing learning.

  • Flexible Time Off: A unique flexible time off benefit, offering autonomy in managing personal time.

  • Paid Time Off: Standard paid time off benefits in addition to flexible options.

Working Hours:

  • Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

  • May require occasional travel (up to 10%) within the Continental US.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, reflecting the potential variability based on the specific contract, exact experience match, and level of expertise within the Adobe Suite and PowerPoint. The benefits listed are standard for a large government contractor like CACI, with "Flexible Time Off" being a notable differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Information Technology / Defense Sector

Company Size: Large (CACI International is a significant employer, often cited as having 20,000+ employees). This size indicates a structured environment with established processes and a wide range of resources.

Founded: CACI was founded in 1962, signifying a long history and deep experience in supporting government and defense missions. This longevity suggests stability and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

  • Operations-Focused Unit: The role supports a specific "Joint Interagency Task Force," implying a close-knit, mission-driven team environment focused on defense and national security objectives.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: While the primary role is design, collaboration will be essential with analysts, strategists, program managers, and potentially other technical personnel within the Task Force.

  • Reporting Hierarchy: The Task Force reports to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, indicating a high-stakes environment with direct visibility to senior leadership. The graphic designer will likely report to a manager within the Task Force's communications or support element.

Methodology:

  • Mission-Driven Design: Design work will be guided by the specific operational requirements and objectives of the Joint C-sUAS Task Force, prioritizing clarity, accuracy, and impact.

  • Security Protocol Adherence: All design processes and asset management will operate under strict government security protocols, including clearance requirements and data handling procedures.

  • Agile and Responsive Support: The nature of a task force suggests a need for adaptability and responsiveness to evolving mission needs and urgent requests.

Company Website: https://www.caci.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: CACI International is a major player in government contracting, particularly in IT and defense. The company culture emphasizes integrity, innovation, and a commitment to national security. For operations professionals, this means working within a structured, process-oriented environment that values security, reliability, and mission success.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior individual contributor within a specialized operational unit. It requires a high degree of technical skill in design software and a strong understanding of how visual communication supports mission objectives in a defense context.

Reporting Structure: The Digital Graphic Designer will likely report to a Communications Lead, Program Manager, or a designated operations support manager within the Joint Interagency Task Force. Collaboration will extend across various functional areas within the Task Force.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of communication for a critical national security initiative. High-quality visuals can enhance understanding of complex threats (C-sUAS), streamline reporting to senior defense officials, and contribute to the overall operational effectiveness of the Task Force. The ability to visually represent data, strategies, and threats is crucial for decision-making at the highest levels.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization in Defense Graphics: Deepen expertise in designing for military and intelligence audiences, understanding specific visual language and operational needs.

  • Transition to Lead Designer/Manager: With experience and demonstrated leadership, opportunities may arise to lead design teams or manage creative projects for larger government contracts.

  • Broader Government Sector Roles: Leverage experience and clearance to move into other operational support roles within CACI or other government agencies, potentially in areas like training development, technical documentation, or program support.

  • Skill Expansion: Opportunities to gain certifications or training in new design technologies, project management, or related fields relevant to government operations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely tied to demonstrating impact within the specific mission context and maintaining security clearances. Career progression might involve taking on more complex projects, managing design elements of larger initiatives, or moving into roles with broader strategic influence within CACI's defense sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position in Alexandria, VA. This suggests a traditional office environment, likely within a CACI facility or a government-affiliated building.

Office Location(s): Alexandria, VA. This location offers proximity to various government agencies and defense contractors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

  • Secure Environment: The workspace will adhere to strict security protocols, requiring an active Secret clearance. This may involve specific procedures for handling classified or sensitive information.

  • Collaborative Setting: While individual design work is key, the environment will foster collaboration with team members and stakeholders within the Joint Interagency Task Force.

  • Technology-Rich: Access to government-approved software and hardware, including the specified Adobe Creative Suite and MS PowerPoint, will be standard. Potential for specialized government design tools or systems.

Work Schedule:

  • Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), 40 hours per week.

  • Occasional flexibility may be required to meet urgent mission deadlines or support events, aligning with the "up to 10% travel" requirement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the need for a Secret clearance indicate a work environment that prioritizes security and direct collaboration within a government operational context. The environment is likely professional, structured, and mission-focused.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio against minimum qualifications (experience, clearance, software proficiency).

  • Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to review the candidate's portfolio in detail. Expect to discuss specific projects, design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you've met client requirements. You may be asked to walk through a case study.

  • Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing teamwork, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and experience working in a secure or government environment. Questions about handling feedback and working under pressure are common.

  • Clearance Verification: Confirmation of active Secret clearance status.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leadership within the Task Force to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (multimedia presentations, clear visual communication for complex topics, effective template use).

  • Highlight Government/Defense Relevance (if applicable): If you have experience with government clients or defense-related projects, emphasize this. Showcase how you adapted your design approach to meet specific governmental needs.

  • Detail Your Process: For each project, be prepared to explain your thought process: understanding the client's objective, target audience, design challenges, your creative solutions, the software used, and the outcome/impact.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the success of your designs (e.g., "improved engagement by X%," "streamlined information flow," "received positive feedback from senior leadership").

  • Be Ready to Discuss PowerPoint: Given its prominence, be prepared to showcase your advanced PowerPoint skills and how you leverage it beyond basic slide creation.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Mock Presentation: Practice presenting a few key portfolio pieces as if you were in the interview, focusing on clear articulation of your process and outcomes.

  • Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you approach designing a presentation on a sensitive topic for senior military officials?" or "How do you handle conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders?"

  • Software Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you'd use specific Adobe tools to solve a hypothetical design problem relevant to defense communications.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical design skills and the ability to operate within a secure, government-oriented environment. The portfolio review is a critical gate, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just creativity but also strategic thinking and client management capabilities.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • MS PowerPoint: Essential for creating and delivering multimedia presentations. Advanced proficiency expected for slide masters, animations, and integration of various media.

  • Adobe Creative Suite:

    • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, diagrams, and illustrations.
    • Adobe Photoshop: For photo editing, image manipulation, raster graphics, and digital painting.
    • Adobe Lightroom: For managing and editing large volumes of digital images, color correction, and batch processing.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, including interactive elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary focus, understanding how to present data visually for reports (e.g., charts, graphs within PowerPoint or via Adobe tools) is important. Familiarity with basic data visualization principles is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how digital assets are stored and accessed within a larger organizational system (e.g., a government asset management system) may be relevant.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and specific techniques used within these applications.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all work, especially within a government and defense context.

  • Mission Focus: Dedication to successfully supporting the Joint C-sUAS Task Force's objectives and national security goals.

  • Excellence: Striving for high-quality, impactful design solutions that meet rigorous standards.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse team members to achieve collective success.

  • Security Consciousness: Maintaining vigilance and adherence to all security protocols and clearance requirements.

Collaboration Style:

  • Client-Centric: Prioritizing understanding and meeting the needs of government customers.

  • Team-Oriented: Actively participating in team discussions, offering design insights, and supporting colleagues.

  • Responsive: Adapting to changing requirements and providing timely support for mission-critical needs.

  • Professional Communication: Clear, concise, and respectful communication, both written and verbal, with team members and stakeholders.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture within CACI, especially in defense-related roles, heavily emphasizes mission accomplishment, integrity, and security. Operations professionals in this environment are expected to be reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to national security objectives.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge will be to visually represent highly technical or sensitive information related to C-sUAS capabilities and adversary threats in an easily understandable format for varied audiences.

  • Adhering to Strict Security Protocols: Working within a classified or sensitive environment requires constant awareness and adherence to strict security guidelines for data handling, asset management, and communication.

  • Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and feedback from multiple stakeholders within a joint interagency task force, ensuring design solutions meet strategic objectives.

  • Keeping Pace with Evolving Threats & Technology: The C-sUAS domain is rapidly evolving; designs may need to adapt to new technologies, threats, and operational strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Defense Design Training: Opportunities to learn about military briefing standards, intelligence community visualization needs, and specific defense-related design conventions.

  • Advanced Software Training: Potential for advanced training in specific Adobe applications or new design technologies relevant to government operations.

  • Project Management Fundamentals: Exposure to project management methodologies used in government contracting.

  • Clearance Level Advancement: Potential to work towards higher security clearance levels for more sensitive projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the operational context of national security and defense. Growth opportunities will likely stem from mastering these challenges and demonstrating value within that specific domain.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical or complex information into a clear visual presentation. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving and communication skills.)

  • "How do you ensure visual consistency and brand adherence across multiple design deliverables for a large organization or project?" (Demonstrate your understanding of standards and process.)

  • "Imagine you receive conflicting design feedback from two different senior stakeholders. How would you handle this situation to ensure project success and stakeholder satisfaction?" (Assess your conflict resolution and client management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about supporting a Joint Interagency Task Force focused on C-sUAS capabilities?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and national security.)

  • "How do you approach working in a secure environment with strict protocols, and what is your understanding of maintaining a Secret clearance?" (Highlight your awareness of security requirements.)

  • "CACI values integrity and mission focus. How do these values resonate with your own professional approach?" (Align your values with the company's.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your creative solution, the tools used, and the impact/results.

  • Focus on "Why": Explain the strategic thinking behind your design choices, not just the aesthetic elements.

  • Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Have specific examples ready of how you used Photoshop, Illustrator, and especially PowerPoint to achieve certain effects or solve design problems.

  • Demonstrate Adaptability: Showcase projects that highlight your ability to adapt your style and approach to different client needs and project requirements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only a skilled designer but also understands the unique demands of working within a government defense context, including security, mission criticality, and stakeholder management.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the CACI Careers portal via the provided link.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with MS PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom). Quantify achievements where possible, especially those related to presentations, visual communication, or asset management. Emphasize any experience in government, defense, or secure environments.

  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible (online link preferred), and showcases your strongest work relevant to multimedia presentations, graphic design for complex topics, and image editing. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail.

  • Research CACI International: Understand the company's mission, values, and its role in government contracting, particularly in the defense sector. Familiarize yourself with CACI's commitment to integrity and national security.

  • Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral questions, technical questions about design software, and scenario-based questions related to working in a secure, government-focused environment. Be ready to articulate your interest in the specific mission of the Joint Interagency Task Force.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Requires an active Secret US Clearance and proficiency in MS PowerPoint and Adobe applications. Candidates need either an Associate's degree with 5 years of experience or a high school diploma with 10 years of experience.