Graphic Designer | Active Secret clearance

General Dynamics Information Technology
Full-timeβ€’$60k-81k/year (USD)β€’United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer | Active Secret Clearance

Company: General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role focuses on creating impactful visual assets for government projects, specifically supporting the Navy Neptune Enterprise Cloud Management team.

  • Responsibilities include designing both digital and print materials to enhance communication, marketing, and training initiatives.

  • The Graphic Designer will ensure brand consistency and translate complex information into clear, engaging visual concepts.

  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts is a key component of this position, requiring strong communication and project management skills.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the context provided by GDIT's work with government contracts and the requirement for a Secret clearance suggests a focus on mission-critical support, potentially involving sensitive information or projects. The role is categorized under Marketing & Communications but has a strong operational support component due to its application within government IT projects.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce a variety of digital assets, including presentations, infographics, social media graphics, web elements, and email templates, adhering to brand guidelines.

  • Create print materials such as brochures, posters, reports, signage, and promotional items for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Translate complex technical information and project objectives into clear, compelling, and visually engaging concepts.

  • Develop, implement, and maintain visual brand standards, templates, and style guides to ensure consistency across all creative outputs.

  • Collaborate closely with project managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other stakeholders to gather requirements, provide creative direction, and deliver high-quality solutions on time.

  • Ensure the accuracy, quality, and consistency of all design work, from initial concept to final production files.

  • Effectively manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting established deadlines in a dynamic environment.

  • Prepare final artwork files for various publishing and production needs, ensuring proper specifications are met.

  • Stay abreast of current design trends, emerging tools, and new technologies to continually enhance creative output and efficiency.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic application within a government contracting context. The need to translate "complex information" suggests a requirement for strong analytical and conceptual thinking beyond basic design skills, common in operations support roles that bridge technical and communicative needs.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

  • Active Secret security clearance.

  • U.S. Citizenship required.

  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

  • Strong command of typography, layout principles, and branding best practices.

  • Demonstrated ability to interpret feedback and iterate designs effectively to meet project goals.

  • A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work and creative problem-solving.

  • Excellent creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Keen attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

  • Proven time management and organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects.

  • Adaptability and a proactive willingness to learn new tools and technologies. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with motion graphics, video editing, or basic animation techniques.

  • Familiarity with User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design principles.

  • Understanding of corporate branding strategies and internal communications best practices.

  • Prior experience working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, particularly within government contracting or IT sectors.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Active Secret clearance" and "U.S. Citizenship Required" are critical gatekeepers for this role, highlighting its placement within a defense or government-focused sector. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and a strong portfolio are standard for graphic design roles, but the "translating complex information" aspect suggests a need for candidates who can grasp technical concepts and represent them visually, a trait valuable in operations and GTM support.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design projects demonstrating a breadth of creative output.

  • Include examples of digital assets (presentations, infographics, web elements) and print collateral (brochures, reports, signage).

  • Highlight projects where complex information or technical concepts were translated into clear, engaging visual narratives.

  • Demonstrate strong typography, layout composition, and brand application across various media.

  • Provide evidence of collaboration and the ability to incorporate feedback into design iterations. Process Documentation:

  • While not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial concept development to final file delivery, during portfolio reviews.

  • Be prepared to discuss how you manage project timelines, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and ensure brand consistency throughout the design lifecycle.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of file preparation for both digital and print production workflows.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting government projects, a portfolio is paramount. The "Process Documentation" aspect, while not a formal submission requirement, implies that candidates should be able to articulate their workflow, problem-solving approach, and how they manage projects, mirroring the process-oriented mindset expected in operations roles.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for this position is $59,500 - $80,500 annually. This range is a guideline and actual compensation will be determined by factors such as experience, geographical location, and specific contractual requirements.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

  • Dental plan options.

  • Vision plan.

  • 401(k) plan with a company match, allowing pre and post-tax contributions.

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick, and personal time.

  • 10 paid holidays per year.

  • Paid Parental Leave (up to 160 hours in a rolling 12-month period).

  • Paid military, bereavement, and jury duty leave.

  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits.

  • Life insurance.

  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

  • Personal Accident Insurance.

  • Critical Illness Insurance.

  • Business Travel and Accident Insurance.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week. The company offers a "full-flex work week where possible," indicating potential for flexible scheduling within the 40-hour framework to support work-life balance.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate. GDIT's extensive benefits package is detailed, emphasizing a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security, which is a significant draw for candidates in any field, including operations support roles. The "full-flex work week" suggests a degree of autonomy that operations professionals often seek.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Professional Services, specifically supporting government, defense, and intelligence communities. GDIT leverages technology to deliver mission services.

Company Size: GDIT is a large enterprise, employing approximately 26,000 experts globally. This scale means ample resources, diverse project opportunities, and established processes.

Founded: While the founding date of GDIT itself isn't provided, the company is a significant entity within the defense technology sector, suggesting a history of supporting government missions.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing and Communications department or a dedicated creative services team supporting specific government contracts.

  • Reporting structure will likely involve a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Project Lead depending on the team's organization.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is expected with project managers, subject matter experts (SMEs) from various technical domains (like cloud management), and potentially other support functions. Methodology:

  • GDIT's approach emphasizes leveraging technology for mission success, suggesting a data-informed and process-driven environment.

  • For this role, methodologies will include adhering to established brand guidelines, project management frameworks for creative delivery, and potentially agile principles for iterative design.

  • A focus on delivering high-quality, impactful creative solutions within stringent government project requirements is central.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: GDIT's focus on government contracts implies a culture that values security, precision, and mission-critical delivery. The size of the company suggests opportunities for career development and exposure to large-scale, complex projects. The "Talent Community" link indicates an active recruitment strategy and a desire to engage with potential candidates.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It's a specialist role within the creative domain, offering opportunities to deepen expertise in graphic design for government and IT projects.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a manager or team lead within a Marketing, Communications, or Project Management function. This provides a clear line of guidance and performance evaluation.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense (like RevOps or SalesOps), this Graphic Designer's work directly supports the operational success of critical government IT projects by enhancing communication, training, and project visibility. Effective visual communication is crucial for project adoption, stakeholder understanding, and team cohesion, all of which contribute to operational efficiency and mission achievement.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like infographics, presentation design for technical audiences, or UI/UX principles.

  • Advanced Technologies: Explore opportunities to work with motion graphics, video editing, or animation, as indicated in preferred qualifications.

  • Project Leadership: Potentially lead design efforts for specific projects or contribute to larger branding initiatives.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience in diverse government IT domains through collaboration with various project teams.

  • Internal Mobility: GDIT's "AI-powered career tool" and "internal mobility team" suggest structured pathways for career advancement within the company.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities here are framed around deepening design expertise and expanding technical skills within the context of government IT. The "AI-powered career tool" and emphasis on internal mobility are significant for candidates looking for structured career progression within a large organization, a common aspiration for operations professionals as well.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering significant flexibility in work location within the United States.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, GDIT operates globally, with a significant presence in the US. The "VAHOME" designation in the raw data might indicate a strong presence or administrative hub in Virginia, though the remote nature of this specific role removes direct location constraints.

Workspace Context:

  • Candidates will need a reliable home office setup conducive to focused design work and virtual collaboration.

  • Access to necessary software (Adobe Creative Cloud) will be crucial, and GDIT may provide licenses or require candidates to use their own.

  • The remote environment necessitates strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and proficiency with collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, project management software).

  • Opportunities for virtual interaction with colleagues through team meetings and collaborative platforms will be available.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the potential for a "full-flex work week" to manage personal and professional priorities. This flexibility is beneficial for managing design projects that may have varied demands.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role is a key feature, aligning with modern work trends and offering broad accessibility. The "full-flex work week" is a strong indicator of a culture that trusts employees to manage their time and deliverables effectively, a characteristic often sought by operations professionals.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to involve several stages designed to assess technical skills, creative thinking, cultural fit, and security clearance suitability.

  • Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to gauge technical proficiency and alignment with basic requirements.

  • Technical/Creative Interview: A discussion with hiring managers or senior designers to review the portfolio, assess design approach, and evaluate problem-solving skills. This may include case study presentations or design challenges.

  • Behavioral/Cultural Interview: Questions focused on teamwork, communication, adaptability, and how candidates handle feedback and project pressures.

  • Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of the active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest and most relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in digital and print design, especially those involving complex information.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your role, your process, and the outcome/impact.

  • Highlight Versatility: Include examples of different types of design work and demonstrate your ability to adapt to various brand styles.

  • Focus on Impact: If possible, quantify the results of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, clearer communication).

  • Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential design challenges that might involve creating a visual representation of a complex concept or adapting existing branding.

  • Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining the rationale behind your creative choices.

  • Understand GDIT's mission and its work with government clients to tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of their context.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a creative role, the portfolio is the primary tool. The advice here focuses on making that portfolio effective. The mention of "complex information" and "government clients" signals the need for candidates to prepare for questions that probe their ability to understand and visually communicate technical or mission-specific details, a skill highly valued in operations roles.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating a wide range of digital and print assets.

  • Other Design Tools: Familiarity with additional design software may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a direct analytics role, designers may need to interpret basic performance data for digital assets (e.g., social media engagement) to inform future designs. CRM & Automation:

  • No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role. However, understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or digital workflows could be a plus.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The primary tools are standard for graphic design. The absence of explicit mentions of operations-specific tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or BI platforms (Tableau, Power BI) reinforces that this is a specialized creative role, not a core operations function. However, the ability to design for digital platforms implies an understanding of how these assets function within broader marketing and communication systems.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the company's mission and client objectives, particularly within government and defense sectors.

  • Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and visually compelling work that meets stringent standards.

  • Collaboration: An emphasis on teamwork, clear communication, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders.

  • Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to embrace new design trends, tools, and technologies to enhance creative output and problem-solving.

  • Integrity & Security: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining the security of sensitive information is paramount given the clearance requirement.

Collaboration Style:

  • The role requires a highly collaborative approach, working closely with project managers, SMEs, and other team members to understand project needs and deliver creative solutions.

  • Open communication and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback are crucial for iterating designs and achieving project goals.

  • Expect a structured, professional environment where clear communication and timely delivery are valued.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: GDIT's values, particularly regarding mission focus, integrity, and security, are critical given its government contracting nature. For a graphic designer, translating these values into visual assets means ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also accurate, appropriate, and aligned with the seriousness of the projects they support.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Complex Technical Information: A primary challenge will be visually simplifying and communicating intricate technical concepts related to cloud management and IT solutions for various audiences.

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring adherence to strict brand guidelines across a wide range of assets and projects.

  • Balancing Creative Freedom with Project Constraints: Delivering innovative designs within the specific requirements and limitations of government projects.

  • Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and communicating creative ideas and feedback in a fully remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Design Skills: Opportunities to develop expertise in areas like advanced infographic design, data visualization, or UI/UX principles.

  • Motion Graphics & Animation: Pursue growth in creating dynamic visual content as outlined in preferred qualifications.

  • Industry Trends: Stay current with emerging design software, techniques, and digital media trends.

  • Cross-Domain Exposure: Gain insights into various government IT initiatives and the communication needs associated with them.

  • Formal Training: GDIT's commitment to learning may offer access to training programs or certifications relevant to design and technology.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not just technically skilled but also a strong problem-solver and communicator. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding the designer's toolkit and impact within the organization's mission-critical projects.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical or complex concept into a visually understandable design. What was your process?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, research, and visual strategy.)

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency across a variety of design projects and media?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines, template usage, and quality control.)

  • "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What were the objectives, your role, and the outcome?" (Prepare a concise narrative for 1-2 key portfolio pieces.)

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Emphasize your collaborative and iterative approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about GDIT and our work supporting government clients?" (Research GDIT's mission, recent projects, and values.)

  • "How do you see your skills contributing to the success of projects like the Navy Neptune Enterprise Cloud Management team?" (Connect your design capabilities to the specific context of the role.)

  • "How do you maintain motivation and productivity in a fully remote work environment?" (Highlight your self-discipline, communication strategies, and time management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Digital Focus: Ensure your portfolio link is easily accessible and optimized for viewing on various devices.

  • Project Prioritization: Be ready to present 3-5 key projects in detail, focusing on those that best align with the job description (e.g., infographics, presentations, complex information visualization).

  • Process Articulation: For each presented project, clearly explain the problem, your design process, the tools used, and the final impact or solution.

  • Conciseness: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time while demonstrating your expertise.

  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your creative choices, technical skills, and ability to work under pressure.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role centers on demonstrating not only design talent but also the ability to operate within a structured, mission-oriented environment. The emphasis on translating complex information and handling feedback is key, mirroring the skills needed for effective operations support.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the GDIT careers portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, digital/print design, and any experience translating complex information visually.

  • Resume Optimization: Clearly list your 3+ years of experience, mentioning any government or IT-related design work. Emphasize your active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing to discuss your portfolio, and researching GDIT's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and deadlines.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with GDIT's work, particularly in IT services and government contracts, to demonstrate your understanding of their operational context and client base.

⚠️ 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

Candidates must have at least 3 years of professional graphic design experience and proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud. An active Secret security clearance and U.S. citizenship are required for this role.