Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: CA&M, Inc.

Location: Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Creative & Media / Graphic Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the primary visual storyteller for a leading military medical center, translating complex information into compelling visual communications.

• Lead the design and production of a wide array of visual materials, including publications, public health campaigns, patient education, environmental graphics, digital signage, and social media content.

• Manage the entire lifecycle of design projects from conceptualization to final production, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and brand integrity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive visual strategies for major initiatives and crisis communications.

• Ensure strict adherence to brand standards, HIPAA, and Protected Health Information (PHI) safeguarding principles in all visual products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required experience suggest a role with significant strategic input and a focus on high-impact visual communication for a sensitive and regulated environment. This is not a typical entry-level design role; it requires a seasoned professional capable of managing complex projects and understanding critical compliance requirements. The "Contractor" employment type indicates this is a contingent hire, dependent on a proposal award, which is important for candidates to understand regarding job security and project continuity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and production of diverse visual materials, including command-level publications, public health campaigns, patient education materials, environmental graphics, digital signage, and social media content, ensuring strict adherence to brand standards.

• Act as the project lead for all graphic design requests, developing project timelines, managing a production calendar, and coordinating with stakeholders across the medical center to define requirements, manage feedback, and ensure timely delivery.

• Translate complex medical, military, and scientific concepts into clear, accessible, and engaging infographics and visual aids that resonate with diverse audiences, from patients and families to senior military leadership.

• Create and edit photographic and video assets, integrating them into comprehensive visual communication products that enhance storytelling and engagement across all platforms.

• Collaborate with the public affairs and communications team to brainstorm creative concepts and develop cohesive visual strategies for major hospital events, initiatives, and crisis communications scenarios.

• Manage the approval workflow for all visual materials, presenting concepts and final products to senior graphic designers and leadership for review and final sign-off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution, project management, and strategic thinking within a regulated environment. The role requires not just design execution but also the ability to act as a project lead, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure compliance with critical regulations like HIPAA.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field. Experience:

• 5+ years of professional experience in graphic design.

• Demonstrated experience in healthcare communications, Military public affairs, or a similar regulated, high-visibility environment. Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Proven ability to create compelling visual stories through graphic design.

• Expertise in layout design for both print and digital media.

• Strong skills in data visualization and infographic creation.

• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent projects, set priorities, and meet firm deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Thorough understanding of and ability to rigorously apply the principles of safeguarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Protected Health Information (PHI) in all visual products.

• Familiarity with pre-press and digital file preparation processes. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing and motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience, coupled with specific domain knowledge (healthcare, military, regulated environments) and a strong portfolio, indicates a mid-to-senior level designer. The emphasis on HIPAA/PHI compliance is a critical differentiator, requiring a level of diligence and understanding beyond standard design roles. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline, but the mention of video/motion graphics as a significant advantage suggests a desire for a multi-disciplinary designer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling portfolio showcasing expertise in branding, layout for print and digital, and data visualization (infographics).

• Demonstrations of how complex medical, military, or command information was translated into clear, engaging visual communications.

• Examples of projects managed from conceptualization through final production, highlighting project lifecycle management.

• Evidence of work within regulated environments, such as healthcare or government, with an understanding of compliance considerations (e.g., HIPAA).

• Case studies or examples that illustrate strong project management skills, including prioritization and meeting firm deadlines. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of the design process, from initial brief and concept development to final delivery and stakeholder approval.

• Examples of workflow coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage feedback and ensure timely project completion.

• Documentation of how brand standards and compliance requirements (HIPAA/PHI) are integrated into the design workflow.

• Illustrative examples of how complex information was simplified and visualized effectively for diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just aesthetic appeal and demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle complex information, manage projects strategically, and adhere to strict regulatory requirements. The interviewer will likely scrutinize how the candidate approached past projects, managed feedback, and ensured compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers in the Bethesda, MD area with specialized experience in healthcare/military communications and strong project management skills, a competitive hourly rate is estimated to be between $45 - $75 USD. This range accounts for the required 5+ years of experience, mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, and specialized knowledge of HIPAA/PHI compliance and government contracting environments. The specific rate will depend on the candidate's qualifications, portfolio strength, and final negotiation. Benefits:

• As a contractor, standard benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans may be offered through a third-party agency or directly by CA&M, Inc., depending on the specific contract terms.

• Potential for professional development opportunities through exposure to high-profile government projects.

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful visual communications for a leading military medical center.

• Involvement in a proposal-driven project, offering potential for long-term engagement upon contract award. Working Hours:

• Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• On-site work required at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

• Standard business hours are anticipated, with potential for occasional adjustments based on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from analysis of similar roles in the Bethesda, MD region, considering the specified experience level, required technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite), and specialized domain knowledge (healthcare, military, HIPAA). The contractor status means benefits may differ from full-time employee positions and should be clarified during the application process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Creative Services / Healthcare Support. CA&M, Inc. focuses on providing creative solutions for government clients, particularly within the healthcare and military sectors. This context implies a need for adherence to strict protocols, security clearances (potentially), and a mission-oriented approach.

Company Size: Small Business. This suggests a more agile, hands-on environment where individuals may wear multiple hats and have direct interaction with leadership. For operations professionals, this can mean less bureaucracy and more direct impact, but also potentially fewer defined processes or resources compared to larger organizations.

Founded: CA&M, Inc. was founded to serve government clients, indicating a long-standing commitment to this sector. The company's focus on creative solutions implies a value placed on innovation and effective communication within a structured framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will support a team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, likely within a Public Affairs or Communications department.

• This team will consist of other creative professionals, potentially including writers, photographers, and other designers, working under a lead or manager.

• Collaboration will be essential with various stakeholders across the medical center, including medical staff, administrative personnel, and leadership. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data analyst role, the designer must be able to interpret complex medical/military data and translate it into understandable visual insights (infographics, data visualizations).

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires managing project timelines, production calendars, and stakeholder feedback loops to ensure efficient project delivery.

• Automation & Efficiency: Familiarity with efficient digital file preparation and potentially streamlining design workflows will be beneficial.

Company Website: https://caandm.bamboohr.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: As a small business serving government clients, CA&M likely operates with a strong emphasis on compliance, precision, and mission delivery. The "contingent hire" status for this role means the positions are dependent on CA&M winning a specific contract proposal, which is a crucial piece of context for potential applicants regarding job security and project commencement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level to senior Graphic Designer position, focusing on specialized applications within a high-stakes environment. It's not a typical "operations" role in the sense of RevOps or SalesOps, but it requires significant operational rigor in project management, process adherence, and compliance.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Lead Designer, Communications Manager, or Public Affairs Officer within the team supporting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is crucial for the effective communication of critical health information, public awareness campaigns, and the overall brand perception of a premier military medical center. Their work directly influences how patients, staff, and the public understand and engage with the institution's mission and services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare/military communications, advanced data visualization, or motion graphics within a unique domain.

• Project Leadership: Gain experience managing larger, more complex design projects and potentially leading design initiatives for specific campaigns or departments.

• Contract Continuity: If the proposal is awarded, there's potential for long-term contract work and continued engagement with CA&M and the client.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a portfolio with high-profile, impactful projects that can open doors to further specialized design roles in government or healthcare sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers growth primarily through specialized experience and project management within a niche sector. While not a direct path into traditional "operations" roles, the emphasis on project management, process adherence, and strategic communication aligns with many operational skill sets.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, MD. This means working within a large, active military medical facility.

Office Location(s): Bethesda, Maryland, on the campus of Walter Reed National Medical Center. This location provides access to a major metropolitan area with significant government and healthcare presence.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will likely have a dedicated workspace within a Public Affairs or Communications office at WRNMMC.

• Access to necessary design hardware (computers, monitors) and software (Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided.

• The environment will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with other members of the communications team and various departments within the medical center.

• Expect a professional, potentially formal, environment due to the military and healthcare setting, with a strong emphasis on security and protocol. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Bethesda location.

• While standard hours are expected, occasional flexibility may be needed to meet critical project deadlines or support urgent communications needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a military medical center means adhering to specific protocols, security procedures, and potentially a more structured environment than a typical corporate office. Understanding and respecting this setting will be key to success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit for the role's requirements, particularly experience in healthcare/military communications and Adobe Suite proficiency.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they handled complex information and feedback. Questions about HIPAA/PHI compliance and experience in regulated environments will be critical.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to assess practical skills in areas like data visualization or brand application.

• Stakeholder/Manager Interview: Discussion focused on project management capabilities, collaboration style, understanding of the client's mission, and overall cultural fit within the CA&M and WRNMMC teams.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills: branding, print/digital layout, data visualization/infographics, and ideally, healthcare or government-related work.

• Highlight Process: For each project, be prepared to walk through your design thinking – the problem you were solving, your research, concept development, challenges faced, how you incorporated feedback, and the final outcome.

• Emphasize Impact & Compliance: Clearly articulate the objective of each project and its impact. For relevant projects, specifically address how you ensured compliance with any regulations (like HIPAA) or brand guidelines.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant tools.

• Data Visualization Clarity: For infographic/data visualization projects, ensure the data is presented accurately and the visuals are clear, concise, and easy to understand for a non-technical audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve taking a piece of complex information (e.g., a medical fact sheet, a military briefing summary) and translating it into a visually engaging infographic or a social media graphic.

• Focus on clear communication, adherence to a given brand style (if provided), and efficient execution within a time limit.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the portfolio for evidence of practical skills, strategic thinking, and regulatory understanding. Candidates should prepare to not just show their work but to explain the 'why' and 'how' behind each design decision, especially concerning complex information and compliance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout and publication design (command-level publications, patient education materials).
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations, especially for infographics and data visualization.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets.

• Pre-press Software: Familiarity with software and processes for preparing files for professional printing.

• Digital File Preparation Tools: Understanding requirements for various digital platforms (web, social media, digital signage).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, the designer will need to understand how their visuals will be used and potentially contribute to reporting on campaign effectiveness through visual aids. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with project management or task tracking tools might be beneficial for workflow coordination. Other Potential Tools:

• Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects: Highly advantageous for video editing and motion graphics, used for creating dynamic visual content.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or similar may be used for tracking project progress and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is non-negotiable. The mention of video editing and motion graphics software as a significant advantage suggests that candidates with broader multimedia skills will be strongly preferred.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: Given the healthcare and military context, meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in all visual representations is paramount.

• Mission Focus: A strong understanding of and commitment to the mission of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the goals of CA&M's government contracts.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, clearly communicating design ideas and incorporating feedback constructively.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, including strict adherence to HIPAA/PHI regulations and brand guidelines.

• Creativity & Innovation: While operating within strict guidelines, a drive to find creative and effective visual solutions to complex communication challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with writers, public affairs specialists, medical professionals, and potentially military personnel.

• Feedback-Driven: A willingness to receive and incorporate constructive criticism from stakeholders and senior team members to refine designs.

• Proactive Communication: Taking initiative to clarify requirements, provide updates on project status, and proactively identify potential design challenges.

• Team Support: Contributing to a positive and productive team environment by sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a blend of creative agency dynamism and government/military protocol. Expect a professional, results-oriented environment where collaboration, accuracy, and mission alignment are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: The primary challenge is simplifying highly technical, medical, or military information into easily understandable and engaging visual formats without losing accuracy.

• Navigating Regulations: Consistently adhering to strict HIPAA/PHI guidelines and military branding standards across all projects requires vigilance and a deep understanding of compliance.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and feedback from various departments and leadership levels, each with potentially different priorities and perspectives.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting firm deadlines for critical communications in a high-visibility setting, especially during events or crisis situations.

• Proposal-Dependent Role: The contingent nature of the hire means the role's commencement is dependent on contract award, which can introduce uncertainty.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Developing expertise in medical illustration, data visualization for public health, or government-specific branding.

• Project Management Acumen: Enhancing skills in managing complex projects, timelines, and stakeholder relationships within a government contracting framework.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience working with a premier military medical institution and understanding its communication needs.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong portfolio with impactful projects that demonstrate high-level design capabilities in a challenging sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but also present opportunities for profound professional growth. Candidates who thrive on complexity and are motivated by mission-critical work will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Visualizing Complexity: "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical or complex data into an easily understandable visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio, focusing on the challenge, your approach, and the impact.)

• Compliance & Regulation: "How do you ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA or specific brand guidelines in your design work? Can you provide an example?" (Be ready to discuss your understanding of these regulations and how they are integrated into your workflow.)

• Project Management Scenarios: "Imagine you have multiple high-priority design requests from different departments, all with tight deadlines. How would you prioritize and manage these projects?" (Discuss your approach to stakeholder communication, prioritization frameworks, and time management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in working with a military medical center like Walter Reed, and how do you see your design skills contributing to its mission?" (Research WRNMMC's mission and values, and connect your skills to their objectives.)

• Collaboration Style: "How do you typically collaborate with clients or stakeholders who may not have a design background? How do you handle constructive criticism?" (Provide examples of effective communication and feedback integration.)

• Tool Proficiency: "Beyond Adobe Creative Suite, what other design or project management tools are you proficient in? How have you used them to improve efficiency?" (Highlight any relevant video editing, motion graphics, or PM tool experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a clear story: the problem, your solution (design process), and the result (impact, metrics if available).

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to handle complex information, adhere to brand standards, and ideally, have a connection to healthcare, government, or regulated industries.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss the specific tools and techniques used in your projects.

• Highlight HIPAA/PHI Awareness: If you have relevant experience, explicitly mention how you considered or implemented these compliance measures.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Have a few key projects ready to present in detail, and be prepared to offer others briefly if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also project management capabilities, a strong understanding of compliance, and the ability to communicate effectively within a professional, mission-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a compelling portfolio through the CA&M careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating expertise in branding, print/digital layout, data visualization (infographics), and any relevant healthcare or government sector experience. Highlight how you translate complex information into clear visuals.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of professional experience, mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), project management skills, and any experience in regulated environments (healthcare, military, HIPAA compliance). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and project management approach. Be ready to discuss your understanding of HIPAA/PHI and your ability to work within a military medical facility. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio for discussion.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CA&M's work with government clients and the mission of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Understand the importance of creative solutions within this context.

⚠️ 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.