DPAE CVN Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DPAE CVN Graphic Designer

Company: CACI International

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and execute creative visual assets for internal and external communications, supporting the DPAE CVN program.

• Manage and produce multimedia content, including motion graphics and animation, to enhance briefings and presentations.

• Provide comprehensive graphic design and production support for various events, collateral, and digital platforms.

• Maintain rigorous configuration management for all photographic and graphic deliverables, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

• Leverage expertise in graphic technology and reproduction processes to deliver cost-effective and high-quality visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Communications and Creative Services domain, with a strong emphasis on visual asset creation and management for a government-related program (DPAE CVN). The "Secret Clearance" requirement indicates a focus on sensitive government projects, necessitating a high level of discretion and adherence to security protocols. The blend of graphic design, photography, and multimedia production suggests a versatile creative role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceive, design, lay out, and coordinate editorial illustrations and creative artwork to visually communicate complex themes and information.

• Develop interpretive themes that effectively convey specific ideas, viewpoints, and visual impressions for diverse audiences.

• Create compelling graphic presentations that articulate mood, emphasis, insight, and strategic viewpoints through visual storytelling.

• Provide expert guidance and recommendations on graphic technology, software, and best practices to internal stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand project requirements, translate needs into visual concepts, and ensure cost-efficient design solutions.

• Produce high-quality computer graphic services, including web artwork, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.

• Advise on reproduction and printing processes, liaising with in-house resources or external vendors to ensure optimal output.

• Deliver DPAE CVN-wide support in graphics and presentation production, acting as a central resource for visual content.

• Provide design, revision, and production support for DPAE CVN briefs and presentations, adapting to evolving requirements.

• Manage the configuration of all DPAE CVN photography and graphic deliverables, establishing robust organizational systems.

• Offer on-site, real-time digital photography support for various events or meetings, including associated image editing and production.

• Design and produce award certificates, posters, banners, pamphlets, signage, and displays for events.

• Develop multimedia and motion graphics/animation for briefings, presentations, video projects, and standalone applications.

• Regularly update Visual Management Boards to ensure current and accurate representation of program information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and supportive role within the DPAE CVN program. The emphasis on "DPAE CVN wide support" and "on-site, real time digital photography support" indicates a need for versatility and responsiveness. The requirement to manage "configuration management of all DPAE CVN photography and graphic deliverables" points to a need for organizational rigor and meticulous record-keeping, crucial in government contracting environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Multimedia/Graphic Design or an equivalent field of study.

• Master's degree in Multimedia/Graphic Design or an equivalent field of study is desired. Experience:

• 5+ years of related graphic design experience.

• 3+ years of related photography experience.

• Experience in production printing is required.

• Active-duty experience is a plus, with a preference for Navy experience.

• Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) experience is desired.

• Video editing experience is desired. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).

• Strong graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Expertise in digital photography, including capture, editing, and post-production techniques.

• Experience with multimedia design and production, including motion graphics and animation.

• Understanding of print production processes and vendor management.

• Ability to develop and execute visual concepts for editorial illustrations and graphic presentations.

• Excellent configuration management skills for digital assets.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Editorial skills for refining visual narratives.

• Experience with video editing software.

• Familiarity with government contracting environments and specific agency requirements (e.g., NAVSEA).

• Understanding of web graphic design principles and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of required and desired skills indicates a need for a well-rounded creative professional. Proficiency in both Adobe and Microsoft Suites is standard, but the emphasis on "motion graphics/animation" and "digital photography support" alongside traditional graphic design suggests a need for advanced multimedia capabilities. The "Secret Clearance" is a critical qualification that will be thoroughly vetted.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency across various mediums (print, digital, web).

• Include examples of editorial illustrations and creative artwork that convey specific ideas or themes effectively.

• Present case studies of graphic presentations, highlighting the strategic message and visual impact achieved.

• Demonstrate experience with motion graphics and animation, showcasing skill in dynamic visual content creation.

• Provide examples of digital photography work, including event coverage and image editing capabilities.

• Highlight projects involving the design and production of collateral such as posters, banners, and pamphlets.

• Include work that illustrates an understanding of reproduction and printing processes. Process Documentation:

• Detail the workflow for conceptualizing and designing graphic assets from brief to final delivery.

• Illustrate the process for managing and organizing digital assets, including configuration management procedures.

• Explain methods for collaborating with stakeholders to gather requirements and incorporate feedback.

• Describe the approach to troubleshooting and providing guidance on graphic technology.

• Outline the steps involved in on-site event photography and subsequent image processing.

• Showcase the process for creating and updating Visual Management Boards.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to meet the core responsibilities. The emphasis on "editorial illustrations," "interpretive themes," and "visual impressions" suggests the need for portfolio pieces that go beyond basic design and showcase conceptual thinking. For government roles, clear documentation of asset management and workflow processes is often a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Wellness programs designed to support employee health and well-being.

• Financial planning and support services.

• Robust retirement savings plans.

• Family support benefits, including parental leave and resources.

• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

• Flexible time off policy, allowing for work-life balance. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• Travel required up to 10% for local engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, reflecting CACI's acknowledgment of various influencing factors, including location, contract specifics, experience, and skills. Washington D.C. is a high cost-of-living area, and the upper end of the range likely reflects senior-level expertise and specialized skills. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes unique elements like "Flexible time off," which is a significant perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government contracting, Information Technology, Defense, and National Security. CACI International provides IT solutions and services to defense, intelligence, and federal civilian government agencies.

Company Size: CACI International is a large enterprise, with a significant global presence and a large employee base (likely in the tens of thousands), operating under numerous government contracts.

Founded: CACI was founded in 1962, giving it a long history and established reputation in the government contracting sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Communications or Creative Services team, potentially supporting specific program offices like DPAE CVN.

• Reporting structure would typically be to a Creative Director, Communications Manager, or a Program Manager overseeing the DPAE CVN contract.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with program managers, technical writers, subject matter experts, and other project stakeholders to translate complex information into visual assets. Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches to visual communication, ensuring that designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effectively convey information and achieve communication objectives.

• Emphasis on adhering to government branding guidelines, security protocols, and client-specific requirements.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies to manage project timelines and resource allocation efficiently, especially given the on-site and travel requirements.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be leveraged where possible, particularly in the production of repetitive visual elements or managing digital asset libraries.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's focus on government contracting means the company culture will likely be professional, mission-oriented, and security-conscious. The "culture of integrity" and "environment of trust" mentioned in the job description are key values. For operations professionals, understanding the nuances of government contracts, security clearances, and compliance is paramount. The company's size suggests opportunities for diverse project exposure and potential career advancement within a large, established organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Graphic Designer, requiring significant hands-on experience (5+ years in design, 3+ in photography) and specialized technical skills. It's a specialized creative role rather than a traditional "operations" role, but it supports operations through visual communication and asset management.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Communications or Creative Services department, who will likely oversee multiple creative projects and personnel supporting various government programs. Direct interaction with program leads for DPAE CVN is expected.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is significant in enhancing the clarity, effectiveness, and professionalism of communications for the DPAE CVN program. This includes improving briefing comprehension, supporting event success, and maintaining a consistent brand identity for critical government initiatives. Their work directly contributes to the program's ability to communicate its mission and achievements effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, animation, advanced photography techniques, or specialized design software.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer role, Lead Designer, or potentially a Creative Team Lead position, overseeing junior designers or specific project streams.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to other areas within CACI's government contracting services, such as technical writing, program management, or IT solutions, offering broader career perspectives.

• Certifications & Training: Access to CACI's continuing education benefits can support obtaining advanced certifications in design software, project management, or relevant creative technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a direct "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the principles of impact, growth, and structured career progression apply. The "operations impact" here is through effective visual communication supporting program objectives. The growth opportunities lean towards specialization within creative fields or moving into creative leadership roles within the government contracting sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within CACI's facilities or a client site in Washington, DC. The mention of "local travel" suggests potential work at various client locations or event venues within the DC metropolitan area.

Office Location(s): Primarily Washington, DC, with potential for travel to other client sites or event locations within the local vicinity.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting equipped with standard office technology and design software.

• Access to necessary hardware (computers, cameras) and software licenses for Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.

• Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues within the design team and with program stakeholders in shared office spaces or meeting rooms.

• A work environment that prioritizes security and adherence to government protocols. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility might be offered within the standard work week, but on-site presence is required.

• Potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project deadlines or events, especially given the 10% travel requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Washington, DC, is crucial. This location often implies working within or near government agency facilities, which can involve specific security protocols and access requirements. The "local travel" component suggests a need for adaptability and reliable transportation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will review applications and resumes, focusing on required qualifications like education, experience, and security clearance eligibility.

• Technical Interview: A hiring manager or senior designer will likely conduct an interview to assess technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and experience with relevant software and processes. This may include a portfolio review.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work on specific projects. Be prepared to articulate how your work aligns with government communication needs.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions may focus on teamwork, handling feedback, managing deadlines, and working within a government/contracting environment.

• Security Clearance Verification: The process will involve verification of the candidate's ability to obtain or maintain an active Secret clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates graphic design, photography, and multimedia capabilities. If possible, include examples relevant to government, defense, or similar professional services.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain the initial brief, your design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Highlight how you translated complex requirements into clear visuals.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., improved presentation clarity, successful event engagement, adherence to brand standards).

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and tools used for each project and your level of expertise.

• Visual Management/Configuration: If you have examples of organized asset libraries or visual management systems you've implemented, showcase them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical brief (e.g., design a poster for an event, create a visual for a complex concept) to complete within a set timeframe. Focus on strategic thinking, concept development, and clear execution.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely. Be prepared to answer questions about your work and defend your creative decisions.

• Government Context: Research CACI's work, especially within the defense and intelligence sectors. Understand the importance of security clearances and professional conduct in this environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Secret Clearance" means this is a critical gatekeeper. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain it. The portfolio review will be key, focusing not just on aesthetics but on the strategic application of design skills within a professional, often government-oriented, context. The "configuration management" aspect also suggests that an organized approach to asset handling will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, photography editing, motion graphics, and animation. Specific applications likely include:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital painting, and raster graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of print and digital publications (briefs, pamphlets, posters).
  • Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing (desired).

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: Critical for presentation design and delivery.
  • Word: For document creation and integration with graphics.
  • Excel: For data visualization and charts within presentations or reports.
  • Outlook: For communication and scheduling.
  • SharePoint: For collaboration and document management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how visual assets contribute to communication effectiveness might involve basic analytics related to digital content engagement or presentation impact. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how visuals integrate into broader communication platforms or CRM systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects, is non-negotiable for this role. The inclusion of Microsoft PowerPoint and Office Suite is standard for any professional role, but its integration with design output is critical here. The "desired" skill in video editing suggests an interest in expanding multimedia capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and honesty in all design work and interactions, especially critical in a government contracting environment.

• Mission Focus: Aligning creative output with the strategic objectives and mission requirements of the DPAE CVN program and CACI's broader goals.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new creative approaches and technologies to enhance visual communication and problem-solving.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in all deliverables, from initial concept to final production, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and incorporating feedback to achieve collective success.

• Efficiency: Optimizing design processes and resource utilization to deliver timely and cost-effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with program managers, technical experts, and other stakeholders to understand project needs and translate them into effective visual assets.

• Process Review & Feedback: Open to constructive criticism and actively seeking feedback to refine designs and improve communication strategies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and insights with team members to foster collective growth and elevate the team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's stated values of integrity, innovation, and a focus on mission are central. For a graphic designer, this translates to producing work that is not only visually appealing but also accurate, secure, and supportive of critical government objectives. The collaboration style should be proactive and responsive, reflecting the demands of government projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge will be transforming technical or abstract government program information into clear, engaging, and accurate visual assets.

• Security and Compliance: Adhering to strict security protocols, clearance requirements, and government branding/compliance standards while maintaining creative freedom.

• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the varied expectations and feedback from multiple stakeholders across different departments or agencies.

• Rapid Turnaround: Responding effectively to urgent requests for design support, especially for briefings or events with tight deadlines.

• On-site Demands: Managing on-site photography and event support alongside regular design duties, requiring adaptability and efficient time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design technologies.

• Government Sector Design: Gaining specialized knowledge in visual communication strategies for defense, intelligence, and federal agencies.

• Photography & Videography Skills: Developing advanced skills in digital photography, lighting, editing, and potentially video production/editing.

• Programmatic Understanding: Learning about the specific DPAE CVN program and other government initiatives CACI supports, providing context for design work.

• Project Management Basics: Understanding project management principles relevant to creative workflows and client delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles supporting government programs, where accuracy, security, and clear communication of complex topics are paramount. The growth opportunities are focused on enhancing creative technical skills and gaining domain expertise within the government contracting sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a visually understandable format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your design process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your designs adhere to brand guidelines and security protocols, especially in a government context?" (Highlight your understanding of compliance and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that involved motion graphics or animation. What was the objective, and how did you achieve it?" (Be ready to discuss your multimedia skills and creative rationale.)

• "How do you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project, especially when there are conflicting opinions?" (Demonstrate your collaboration and conflict-resolution skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CACI International and its work in the government contracting space?" (Research CACI's mission, values, and key services.)

• "How do you see your role as a Graphic Designer contributing to the mission of the DPAE CVN program?" (Connect your creative skills to program objectives.)

• "Our culture emphasizes integrity and innovation. How do these values manifest in your work?" (Provide specific examples.)

• "Are you comfortable with the requirement for an active Secret clearance, and do you have any experience working in secure environments?" (Be direct and honest about your clearance status and comfort level.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, the challenges, and the results.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that showcase your graphic design, photography, and multimedia skills. If you have government-related or complex information design examples, prioritize them.

• Demonstrate Process: Show sketches, wireframes, or early concepts to illustrate your creative thinking and iterative design approach.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about software functionality, design principles, and production methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical skills, creative problem-solving, and the ability to operate within a government contracting environment. Preparing specific examples that showcase your experience with complex information, security awareness, and multimedia capabilities will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this DPAE CVN Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the CACI careers portal link provided.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight 5+ years of graphic design experience, 3+ years of photography experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, and any relevant government contracting or defense industry exposure. Explicitly mention your ability to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant design, photography, and multimedia projects. Organize them clearly, and be prepared to discuss your process, rationale, and impact for each piece.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and Microsoft PowerPoint. Practice explaining your workflow and problem-solving approaches.

• Research CACI: Understand CACI's mission, values, and its role in government contracting. Familiarize yourself with the types of projects they undertake, particularly in defense and intelligence.

⚠️ 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.