Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: CACI International

Location: Fort Meade, MD, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Communications / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and create innovative visual concepts for all external and internal communications, including literature, print, web applications, and presentations.

• Translate complex technical data, policy documents, and strategic initiatives into clear, engaging, and highly accessible visual products.

• Ensure 100% compliance of all digital deliverables with Section 508 and ADA accessibility guidelines.

• Lead the design, typesetting, and formatting of high-profile agency deliverables, such as reports and strategic briefings.

• Maintain and enforce strict customer branding guidelines, including correct usage of official seals, logos, typography, and color palettes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a government contracting environment, requiring a high level of security clearance and adherence to federal design standards. The emphasis on Section 508 compliance and data visualization suggests a need for operational efficiency in producing accessible and understandable visual content for critical government missions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative graphic design concepts across various media, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

• Create complex infographics, technical diagrams, charts, and maps to effectively communicate dense government data to diverse audiences.

• Lead the design, typesetting, and formatting of official agency publications, reports, and strategic briefings, ensuring a professional and polished output.

• Serve as a brand steward, meticulously applying and enforcing customer branding guidelines, including logo usage, typography, and color palettes.

• Produce high-impact graphics for executive-level presentations, such as PowerPoint decks, to convey key messages effectively.

• Collaborate directly with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), writers, and Public Affairs Officers to refine design concepts and finalize external-facing materials.

• Utilize Adobe Acrobat Pro for Section 508 remediation, including tagging, reading order adjustments, and alt-text verification for digital deliverables.

• Manage digital assets, ensuring compliance with copyright laws, public domain sourcing, and secure digital asset management practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and strict adherence to compliance and client-specific standards, typical of operations roles within government contracting. The emphasis on translating complex information into visual formats points to a need for strong analytical and communication skills beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for experience in government contracting.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint and Word, for presentation and document design.

• Proven experience with Section 508 and ADA accessibility guidelines and remediation techniques using tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• Strong understanding of copyright laws, public domain sourcing, and secure digital asset management best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to design complex infographics, technical diagrams, charts, and maps for data visualization.

• Experience in publication and report layout, including typesetting and formatting.

• Ability to maintain and apply strict brand guidelines for government entities.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for working with SMEs, writers, and stakeholders.

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with HTML/CSS or UI/UX design principles for government web portals.

• Prior experience working within the Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of the Navy (DoW) design ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (7+ years) combined with a Bachelor's degree suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The mandatory TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a critical qualifier for roles within sensitive government operations. The preference for government contracting and DoD/DoW experience indicates a need for familiarity with specific operational environments and compliance frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on data visualization, infographic design, and publication layout.

• Specific examples demonstrating the ability to translate complex technical or policy information into clear and engaging visual formats.

• Projects that highlight adherence to branding guidelines and accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508 compliance).

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, problem-solving approach, and impact of the visual solutions.

• Inclusion of examples of executive-level presentation graphics and technical diagrams. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a portfolio requirement, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, workflow optimization strategies, and how they ensure efficiency and quality in their deliverables.

• Examples of how they have managed feedback loops with stakeholders and incorporated revisions.

• Understanding of version control and asset management processes for design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on government communications and data visualization, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, adherence to strict requirements (like Section 508), and the ability to work within established brand and security protocols. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices and the process used will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $84,900 - $178,400 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical coverage options.

• Wellness programs: Initiatives to support employee well-being.

• Financial planning: Resources and support for financial management.

• Retirement benefits: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plans.

• Family support: Benefits designed to assist with family needs.

• Continuing education: Opportunities for professional development and learning.

• Flexible time off: A unique flexible time off benefit to support work-life balance.

Working Hours: The role is listed as Full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule may vary but is expected to align with typical business hours in the Eastern Time Zone.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, reflecting the wide spectrum of experience and the impact of the required security clearance and specialized skills within the government contracting sector. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for large organizations like CACI, with a notable mention of "flexible time off" which is a significant perk for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology (IT) and Government Contracting. CACI International provides IT solutions and services to defense, intelligence, and federal civilian government customers.

Company Size: CACI International is a large enterprise, employing over 23,000 people. This size indicates a robust organizational structure, established processes, and a wide array of resources and career opportunities.

Founded: CACI was founded in 1962. With a long history, the company has a deep understanding of the government sector and a stable, established presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Communications or Creative Services team, potentially embedded within a larger project or program focused on intelligence or defense.

• This team will collaborate closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), writers, Public Affairs Officers, and potentially project managers and technical teams.

• The structure is likely hierarchical, with clear reporting lines, but also emphasizes cross-functional collaboration to ensure mission success. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating complex government data into accessible visual formats, requiring analytical rigor and a focus on information architecture.

• Process Optimization: Ensuring efficiency and compliance in design workflows, particularly regarding Section 508 accessibility and brand standards.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Collaborative approach to design, involving regular feedback and iteration with SMEs and clients to meet specific mission requirements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a large government contractor like CACI means operating within a structured, mission-driven environment. The company culture emphasizes integrity, trust, and continuous growth, which translates to a professional setting where adherence to protocols and delivering high-quality, compliant work are paramount. The "creative operations" aspect of this role is evident in the need for structured processes to deliver accessible and compliant visual assets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Graphic Designer, requiring significant professional experience (7+ years) and specialized skills in data visualization and accessibility compliance. It's an operational role within the creative domain, focused on producing tangible, compliant assets that support broader government missions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Lead, Communications Manager, or a Project Manager within their assigned program. They will likely work closely with other functional teams such as writers, technical experts, and public affairs specialists.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity, accessibility, and effectiveness of critical government communications. By translating complex information into understandable visual formats and ensuring compliance, they contribute to informed decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and the successful execution of national security missions. Their output is integral to the operational effectiveness of client programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced data visualization, UI/UX design for government platforms, or specialized accessibility consulting.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Graphic Designer, Creative Director, or Project Manager role, overseeing design teams and projects.

• Skill Development: Pursue certifications in accessibility, project management, or advanced design software, supported by CACI's continuing education benefits.

• Cross-functional Roles: Leverage design skills in areas like technical documentation, user interface design, or program management within CACI's diverse service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer in a government contracting firm like CACI often involves moving from individual contributor to team leadership or specializing in highly technical and compliant areas. The emphasis on operations means that demonstrating process efficiency, compliance mastery, and impact on mission objectives will be key to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position located in Fort Meade, MD. The work environment is likely within a secure government facility or a CACI office that supports government contracts, implying a structured and professional setting.

Office Location(s): Fort Meade, Maryland, United States. This location is a significant hub for intelligence and defense agencies, suggesting proximity to key government clients and opportunities for collaboration within that ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While on-site, the role requires significant collaboration with SMEs, writers, and public affairs officers to ensure design accuracy and meet client needs.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite) is expected, along with potentially specialized government-approved systems.

• Security Protocols: Operations within a secure facility mean adherence to strict security protocols, potentially including limited internet access or specific data handling procedures.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is expected to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business hours. However, given the nature of government contracting and potential mission-critical deadlines, some flexibility or occasional extended hours might be required, managed through the flexible time off benefit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the mention of Fort Meade, MD, strongly indicate a role integrated into a government operational environment. This means a focus on structured workflows, security awareness, and direct collaboration with government personnel or prime contractors. The workspace will likely be equipped with the necessary tools, but within the confines of security and compliance mandates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's technical and security requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your graphic design skills, proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office, and experience with Section 508 compliance and data visualization. Be prepared to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: You may be given a design challenge or asked to present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to solve complex visual communication problems under specific constraints (e.g., accessibility, branding, data complexity).

• Security & Culture Fit Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess your fit with CACI's culture, your understanding of government contracting environments, and to confirm your ability to obtain and maintain the required TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest projects that are most relevant to this role, emphasizing data visualization, infographics, publication design, and accessible digital content.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes or impact.

• Demonstrate Compliance: Specifically call out projects where you ensured Section 508 compliance or adhered to strict government branding standards.

• Data Visualization Focus: Include examples where you effectively translated complex data into easily understandable visual formats.

• Accessibility: Be ready to discuss your methods for ensuring digital accessibility (e.g., color contrast, alt text, semantic tagging).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Constraints: If given a design challenge, pay close attention to all requirements, including target audience, message, format, and any specific compliance or branding mandates.

• Think Visually & Operationally: Frame your approach not just artistically, but also in terms of operational efficiency, compliance, and impact on the end-user.

• Practice Presentation: Be ready to present your solution clearly and concisely, explaining your design decisions and how they address the prompt's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for roles requiring high-level security clearances often involves multiple stages and thorough vetting. The portfolio is paramount, serving as tangible proof of skills. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just design aesthetics, but also process, compliance, and the operational impact of their work within a government context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign (publication layout, typesetting), Illustrator (vector graphics, diagrams), Photoshop (image manipulation), and Acrobat Pro (PDF creation, editing, and Section 508 remediation).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of PowerPoint (executive presentations) and Word (document formatting, integration with design elements).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics or how data is presented in reports can be beneficial. Experience with tools that help visualize data (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) might be a plus, though not explicitly listed. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core graphic design function, but familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or web platforms where graphics are deployed could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on core design software essential for producing compliant and high-quality visual assets in a professional, government-contracting environment. The emphasis on Adobe Acrobat Pro for Section 508 remediation highlights its critical operational role in this position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and data representation, crucial in a government contracting context.

• Mission Focus: Understanding that design serves a larger purpose—supporting national security and government objectives—and prioritizing deliverables that align with these missions.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality, polished, and effective visual communications that meet stringent client expectations.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team, sharing knowledge, and incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Compliance & Security: Adhering strictly to all security protocols and regulatory requirements, such as Section 508 accessibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with SMEs, writers, and public affairs officers, requiring clear communication and a willingness to integrate diverse input into design solutions.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture that embraces constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet the nuanced requirements of government clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices in design, accessibility, and brand stewardship within the team to elevate overall output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's stated values of integrity, trust, and continuous growth are likely reflected in this team's culture. For a Graphic Designer in this environment, demonstrating reliability, a commitment to mission success, and the ability to work harmoniously within a structured team are as important as creative talent.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: The primary challenge is to produce visually appealing and innovative designs while strictly adhering to Section 508 accessibility mandates and rigid government branding guidelines.

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively synthesizing highly technical or policy-driven information into clear, concise, and visually engaging graphics for diverse audiences.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Obtaining and maintaining a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a significant requirement that may pose a challenge for some candidates.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating feedback and requirements from multiple stakeholders, including SMEs and government officials, to ensure final deliverables meet all objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Accessibility Expertise: Deepen knowledge of Section 508 and ADA compliance through specialized training and practical application.

• Data Visualization Techniques: Explore advanced methods and tools for presenting complex data visually.

• Government Design Standards: Gain in-depth understanding of specific DoD/DoW design ecosystems and federal communication protocols.

• Project Management Skills: Develop skills in managing design projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

• UI/UX Fundamentals: Explore foundational principles of User Interface and User Experience design, especially if interested in web portal contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are deeply rooted in the operational demands of government contracting. Success hinges on the ability to manage constraints, master complex requirements, and continuously learn to stay abreast of evolving standards and technologies. The growth opportunities are aligned with developing specialized skills and moving into roles with greater responsibility within the government sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative design with strict accessibility requirements (e.g., Section 508). How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and compliance.)

• "How do you approach translating complex technical data or policy documents into understandable visual formats? Walk me through an example from your portfolio." (Highlight data visualization skills and communication clarity.)

• "Imagine you need to design a presentation for a senior government official. What steps would you take to ensure it's impactful, compliant, and aligns with brand standards?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, process, and attention to detail.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CACI's role in supporting national security missions, and how do you see your graphic design skills contributing to that?" (Showcase research and mission alignment.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project?" (Assess collaboration and adaptability.)

• "Given the sensitive nature of the work, how do you ensure the security and confidentiality of your design assets and processes?" (Address security awareness and operational rigor.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: 1) The Objective/Problem, 2) Your Role & Process, 3) Key Design Decisions, 4) Challenges & Solutions, 5) The Final Outcome/Impact.

• Quantify When Possible: If you can, include metrics like improved readability, increased engagement, or successful compliance audits.

• Highlight Compliance & Accessibility: Explicitly point out elements that demonstrate Section 508 compliance, adherence to brand guides, or effective data representation.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, design choices, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to government work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, process discipline, and a deep understanding of the operational context of government contracting, including security and compliance. The portfolio is your primary tool; be prepared to discuss it in detail, linking your work to the requirements of the role and CACI's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Section 508 compliance, data visualization, and any government contracting or DoD/DoW experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Curation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases projects relevant to this role. Be prepared to present and discuss specific examples during interviews.

• Security Clearance Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your experience with security clearances and your ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with Polygraph.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CACI's mission, values, and work within the government sector. Understand the importance of Fort Meade, MD, as a location for intelligence and defense.

⚠️ 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.