Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Artemis Arc

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop visually engaging multimedia products for a large-scale federal contract, focusing on translating complex scientific and technical information into accessible communications.

• Create a wide range of graphics, layouts, infographics, illustrations, and animated/motion-ready visual materials for print, digital, web, video, social media, events, and exhibits.

• Ensure all visual deliverables adhere to strict Section 508 accessibility requirements and maintain client branding guidelines.

• Collaborate with researchers, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to gather requirements, provide artistic and technical advice, and ensure scientific accuracy in visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a federal contract environment, implying a need for strict adherence to government regulations, accessibility standards, and established branding guidelines. The emphasis on translating complex scientific information suggests a requirement for strong conceptual thinking and the ability to simplify intricate details visually. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for self-management and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design graphic content for print and digital media, including brochures, press kits, and various documentation.

• Create and edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, ensuring visual appeal and clarity for stakeholder communication.

• Design infographics and illustrations to visually explain complex scientific and technical subject matter accurately.

• Produce graphics for trade shows, event booths, conferences, exhibits, and media events, ensuring brand consistency.

• Develop graphic materials for video production, including animation and motion graphics for web content and social media platforms.

• Create original illustrations, both traditional and digital (including 3D where applicable), to clarify intricate descriptive information.

• Strictly follow and advise stakeholders on client branding guidelines and help establish/maintain the agency's visual identity.

• Conduct research on subject matter and collaborate with researchers to ensure scientific accuracy in all visual depictions.

• Gather project requirements from stakeholders, manage creative direction, and collaborate effectively within a team and independently.

• Ensure all created content meets current Section 508 accessibility standards for federal government compliance.

• Provide technical and artistic guidance to staff regarding visual information and communication strategies.

• Participate in special projects and perform other creative and visually related duties as assigned by management.

• Utilize Adobe Creative Cloud suite and other visual content production applications proficiently to complete assigned tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on scientific communication and accessibility, which are critical in federal contracting. The requirement to "gather requirements from stakeholders" and "advise stakeholders on implementation" indicates a need for strong communication and consulting skills, common in operations-adjacent roles that bridge technical execution and client needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience developing visually engaging multimedia products.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).

• Demonstrated experience creating content that meets Section 508 accessibility requirements.

• Ability to gather requirements from stakeholders, interpret creative direction, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.

• Proven ability to create or support highly detailed, scientifically accurate visual depictions of complex subject matter.

• Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects and consistently meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong conceptual thinking skills with the ability to develop cohesive design treatments across a suite of related products.

• Expert-level experience with project management or digital asset management software.

• Experience designing for print media and digital platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills for problem-solving.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Proven ability to organize, prioritize tasks, and work effectively within a team.

• Clear written and oral communication skills for articulating thoughts, ideas, and solutions.

• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

• Capacity to receive feedback from clients and implement changes rapidly and effectively.

• Ability to quickly grasp and become proficient with complex issues and subject matter.

• Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

• Experience with 3D illustration or motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" mirror traits often sought in operations roles, such as strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, alongside the ability to handle pressure and adapt quickly. This suggests that while the core role is design, the operational aspects of project management, client interaction, and rapid adaptation are highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of visually engaging multimedia products and design projects.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating complex information (scientific, technical, or otherwise) into clear, accessible visual formats like infographics and illustrations.

• Include examples that explicitly highlight adherence to accessibility standards, ideally Section 508 compliance, with explanations of the implemented solutions.

• Showcase experience in maintaining and applying brand identity guidelines across various media.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for creative projects, showing how efficiency and quality were improved.

• Evidence of process implementation and automation techniques used in design production or asset management.

• Demonstration of how process performance and output quality are measured and analyzed, including metrics related to project completion and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting a federal contract, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate a deep understanding of functional requirements like accessibility and clarity in complex subject matter. The emphasis on project management and stakeholder interaction suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for managing projects and collaborating with diverse teams, similar to how operations professionals manage workflows and stakeholder expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The stated salary is $0 USD annually, indicating it was not specified in the original listing. Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Washington, D.C., a competitive annual salary range would likely be between $65,000 - $85,000 USD. This estimate considers the cost of living in the D.C. metro area, the specialized requirements (federal contract, Section 508, scientific communication), and the typical compensation for mid-level creative roles.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package, typically including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education relevant to graphic design and accessibility standards.

• Potential for remote work flexibility, contributing to work-life balance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While remote work is anticipated, some on-site presence in the Washington, D.C. metro area may be required, suggesting a need for flexibility within the work schedule to accommodate potential in-office days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary of $0 suggests the data was incomplete. The estimate is based on research from reputable sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and industry-specific salary surveys for Graphic Designers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area with 3-5 years of experience, heavily weighted by the specialized requirements of federal contracting and accessibility compliance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Professional Services supporting Federal Agencies (specifically National Science Foundation). This context implies a highly structured environment with a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and delivering high-quality, mission-critical support.

Company Size: Artemis Arc is part of Aptiv Resources, a company that partners with clients to provide specialized talent solutions. While Aptiv's overall size is significant, the specific team supporting Artemis Arc's federal contracts might be more specialized. The description suggests a large-scale federal contract, indicating a substantial project scope requiring a dedicated team.

Founded: Artemis Arc's parent company, Aptiv Resources, was founded in 2006. This signifies a company with over a decade of experience in providing professional services and talent solutions, suggesting established processes and a mature operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a communications or outreach team supporting the National Science Foundation's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). This team may include writers, editors, project managers, and other creative professionals.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager within the Artemis Arc team, with oversight from government client liaisons within OLPA.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches are implied, as the role involves translating complex scientific research into understandable visuals, requiring analysis of subject matter.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be crucial for managing multiple simultaneous assignments and meeting deadlines within a federal contract framework.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be valuable, particularly in leveraging Adobe Creative Cloud and potentially digital asset management systems to streamline production.

Company Website: https://careers.aptiveresources.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The federal contract environment dictates a culture of precision, adherence to process, and a focus on mission objectives. The "Artemis Arc" branding suggests a specialized unit within Aptiv Resources, likely focused on government clients. Understanding this context is key for candidates to align their skills and approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer (2-5 years of experience). It requires independent work on assigned projects but also emphasizes collaboration and taking direction. The scope includes producing a wide array of visual products and advising stakeholders, indicating a level of responsibility beyond entry-level design tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within Artemis Arc, who likely oversees the creative and communications team supporting the NSF contract. They will also work closely with government client representatives within the National Science Foundation's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA).

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the National Science Foundation's ability to communicate complex scientific research and initiatives effectively to various audiences. High-quality, accessible visuals are critical for public understanding, stakeholder engagement, legislative reporting, and maintaining the agency's brand integrity. This role contributes to the operational efficiency of the OLPA team by ensuring clear, consistent, and compliant visual communications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in scientific illustration, data visualization, accessible design (Section 508), or motion graphics within a federal context.

• Skill Advancement: Deepen proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, learn new design software, or gain certifications in accessibility compliance or project management.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, team lead, or potentially transition into creative project management or operations management roles within government contracting, leveraging experience with federal clients and complex projects.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various scientific disciplines and public affairs strategies through close collaboration with researchers and communicators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities lean towards specialization within design and leveraging the unique federal contract experience. The mention of "operations management" as a potential path highlights how specialized creative roles can intersect with broader operational functions in government contracting environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid." While remote work is anticipated, candidates should be local to the Washington, D.C. metro area as on-site work may be required. This suggests a mix of remote collaboration and potential in-office days for meetings, team collaboration, or client interaction. The specific office environment would be within a government contracting setting, likely professional and structured.

Office Location(s): Washington, D.C. metro area. Specific office locations are not detailed but would be conducive to supporting the National Science Foundation.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment is expected, with opportunities to work alongside writers, editors, researchers, and other communication professionals.

• Access to standard design tools and technology, including the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, is essential. The company likely provides necessary software licenses and potentially hardware.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with both the Artemis Arc team and government client personnel within OLPA, fostering a dynamic work experience.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time positions. The hybrid nature suggests some flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing remote productivity with potential in-office requirements. Adherence to project deadlines remains paramount, regardless of work location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature combined with potential on-site requirements necessitates strong self-discipline and communication skills. Candidates should be prepared for a work environment that balances flexibility with the structured demands of federal contracting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio through the company's careers portal.

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical/Creative Interview: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, and answer questions about their design process, technical skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, Section 508 knowledge), and ability to handle scientific content.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A design challenge may be administered to assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to accessibility standards under timed conditions.

• Stakeholder/Client Interview: Interviews with government client representatives (NSF OLPA) to assess cultural fit, communication style, and understanding of federal contract requirements.

• Final Offer: Contingent upon client approval, security clearance verification, and adherence to any on-site requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, emphasizing scientific communication, infographics, accessibility, and brand consistency.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes. Use visuals to illustrate your thought process.

• Highlight Accessibility: Explicitly point out how you addressed Section 508 compliance in your designs. If possible, provide examples of accessible documents or explain your methods for ensuring accessibility.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of print and digital work, and if applicable, examples of motion graphics or animated content.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with the National Science Foundation's mission and typical communication outputs.

• Practice Speed & Accuracy: Be prepared for a timed challenge that tests your ability to produce high-quality, accessible designs quickly.

• Focus on Accessibility: Ensure any challenge response incorporates Section 508 best practices from the outset.

• Articulate Your Approach: Be ready to explain your design decisions and process rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio, Section 508 compliance, and scientific accuracy means candidates must tailor their application materials to directly address these specific requirements. The interview process is likely rigorous due to the federal contract nature, requiring preparation for technical assessments and client-facing interactions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Experience with After Effects for motion graphics is highly desirable.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced skills required for designing and editing professional presentations.

• Project Management Software: Expert-level experience is required. Examples include Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms used for task tracking, workflow management, and team coordination.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Software: Expert-level experience is required. This could include systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets, crucial for maintaining brand consistency and managing large volumes of content.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role. However, familiarity with collaborative platforms and workflow automation within the Adobe suite or project management tools will be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "expert-level experience" in project management or digital asset management software is a key differentiator. This suggests these systems are central to the operational workflow, not just supplementary tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their practical experience with specific platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Precision: High importance placed on scientific accuracy and meticulous attention to detail in all visual outputs, reflecting the nature of scientific communication.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Commitment to ensuring all content is accessible to the widest possible audience, aligning with Section 508 mandates.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within a team and with external stakeholders to achieve shared communication goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Driven by the need to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work efficiently, essential for contract fulfillment.

• Adaptability & Proactiveness: A culture that values individuals who can adapt to changing project requirements and proactively solve problems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with writers, editors, researchers, and government program managers to translate complex information into clear visuals.

• Feedback-Driven Process: Openness to receiving and implementing feedback from clients and team members to refine designs and ensure project success.

• Knowledge Sharing: A supportive environment where team members share insights, best practices, and technical expertise, particularly regarding design techniques and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, deadline-oriented, and focused on delivering compliant, high-impact communications for a government agency. A proactive and collaborative approach will be key to thriving in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge is effectively simplifying and visualizing highly complex scientific and technical information for diverse audiences, ensuring both accuracy and accessibility.

• Adhering to Strict Standards: Consistently meeting Section 508 accessibility requirements and maintaining strict client branding guidelines across a wide range of deliverables can be demanding.

• Managing Multiple Priorities: Juggling numerous simultaneous assignments with tight deadlines requires exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Evolving Requirements: Adapting to changing project scopes, client feedback, and evolving federal regulations requires flexibility and a proactive approach.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of Section 508 standards and best practices for various media types.

• Scientific Visualization Techniques: Develop specialized skills in illustrating complex scientific concepts, data visualization, or molecular/biological representations.

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Enhance skills in creating dynamic visual content for video and web platforms, a growing area in government communications.

• Project Management Best Practices: Further develop expertise in project management methodologies and tools relevant to government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-stakes communication roles. Growth opportunities are focused on building specialized skills that are in high demand within federal contracting and scientific communication sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex scientific or technical concept you had to visualize. How did you approach breaking it down, ensuring accuracy, and making it accessible?" (Focus on your process, tools, and understanding of Section 508).

• "How do you manage competing design priorities and tight deadlines while ensuring quality and adherence to client guidelines?" (Highlight project management skills, prioritization techniques, and communication strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on a federal contract, specifically with the National Science Foundation?" (Show research into NSF's mission and your motivation for public sector work).

• "How do you ensure your designs meet accessibility standards like Section 508?" (Be specific about your knowledge and practical application of these standards).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each project, explaining the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, well-organized, and easy to follow, mirroring the quality you'd produce in your work.

• Accessibility Focus: Dedicate specific talking points to how you addressed accessibility requirements in your showcased projects.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used, especially Adobe Creative Cloud features relevant to complex design tasks.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time by being direct and impactful in your explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily emphasize the unique aspects of this role: federal contracting, scientific communication, and Section 508 compliance. Demonstrating an understanding of these elements will set candidates apart.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Artemis Arc careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating scientific/technical visualization, Section 508 accessibility compliance, and experience with corporate/government branding. Select 5-8 key pieces that align directly with the job description's responsibilities.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Section 508 requirements, project management/DAM software, and experience with federal contracts or complex communication projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, and your approach to meeting accessibility standards. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions, especially those related to scientific communication and deadline management.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Artemis Arc, Aptiv Resources, and the National Science Foundation's mission and communication goals. Understand the importance of their work and how your design skills can contribute to their public outreach efforts.

⚠️ 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.