Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: DarkStar Intelligence LLC

Location: Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Technology / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and produce high-quality digital media, graphics, and cartography products to support critical national security communication initiatives.

• Leverage front-end web design, UI/UX principles, and HTML/CSS to create engaging and user-friendly digital content, including web pages, newsletters, infographics, and logos.

• Ensure all created graphics and multimedia products adhere to strict production standards, copyright laws, accessibility compliance, and public release clearances.

• Provide technical quality checks and potentially mentor junior staff, contributing to the overall quality and efficiency of the design output.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers and request management tools to deliver swift, high-quality customer support for communication requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the national security and intelligence sector, requiring a high level of discretion and adherence to strict clearance protocols. The emphasis on digital media, web design, and user experience suggests a modern approach to communication, blending traditional graphic design with interactive digital elements. The requirement for TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a critical differentiator for this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create visually compelling graphics, digital media assets, thematic maps, and multimedia products that effectively communicate complex information.

• Utilize request management systems to track, prioritize, and deliver customer communication requests efficiently, maintaining high standards of service and output quality.

• Collaborate with UI/UX designers to integrate graphic design elements into knowledge management systems, ensuring an intuitive and engaging user experience across all digital platforms.

• Conceptualize and implement designs for a diverse range of digital content, including new web pages, mobile applications, email newsletters, advertisements, infographics, banners, illustrations, and branding elements (logos).

• Uphold and enforce all production standards, copyright regulations, accessibility compliance requirements (e.g., WCAG), and public release clearance protocols for all created materials.

• Conduct thorough technical quality checks on all design deliverables to ensure accuracy, functionality, and adherence to specifications before final release.

• Develop and manage responsive web designs using HTML/CSS, ensuring optimal display and functionality across various devices and screen sizes.

• Provide expert cartography support, designing and producing thematic maps and reference maps that are both informative and visually appealing for specific operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design skills and technical implementation. The emphasis on "request management tools" and "customer support" suggests a service-oriented approach within a client-facing environment, likely supporting internal or external government stakeholders. The requirement to build responsive web designs with HTML/CSS indicates a need for practical web development skills beyond static graphic design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Web Design, or a related field, OR equivalent professional experience (9 years) in lieu of a degree.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in graphic design and multimedia production, with a strong emphasis on digital content creation and web design principles.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design principles and industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Demonstrated experience in front-end web design, including proficiency in HTML and CSS for responsive design implementation.

• Strong understanding of UI/UX principles and their application in creating user-friendly and engaging digital interfaces and content.

• Experience in multimedia production, encompassing photography and video editing techniques.

• Ability to develop and implement design concepts for various digital formats, including web pages, mobile applications, newsletters, infographics, banners, and logos.

• Familiarity with cartography principles and experience in creating thematic and reference maps.

• Experience in ensuring products conform to production standards, copyright laws, and accessibility compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct technical quality checks on design assets.

• Experience mentoring and training junior staff members in design principles and best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific request management or ticketing systems for tracking design requests.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web page deployment.

• Knowledge of animation or motion graphics software.

• Experience working within government or defense contracting environments.

• Understanding of data visualization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is paramount and non-negotiable. The experience listed under "Requirements" is extensive and encompasses both leading development and technical execution, suggesting the need for a candidate who can operate independently and guide others. The BA/BS with 3 years of experience versus no degree with 9 years of experience indicates flexibility in educational background, valuing practical experience highly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on digital media, web design, and UI/UX elements.

• Specific examples of responsive web design implementations using HTML/CSS, demonstrating adaptability across different devices.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight the creation of engaging infographics, banners, newsletters, and logos.

• Demonstrations of cartography skills, including thematic and reference maps, if applicable to past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, from conceptualization and client brief interpretation through to final delivery and quality assurance.

• Examples of how you have managed design requests and workflows, potentially using request management tools or structured methodologies.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating how you have ensured compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and other regulatory requirements.

• Evidence of quality assurance processes implemented for design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving graphic design with web integration and potential mentorship, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase aesthetic capabilities but also technical proficiency in web technologies and an understanding of client briefs and production constraints. The emphasis on compliance and quality checks suggests a need for a structured approach to design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for comprehensive health protection.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays, providing work-life balance and time for rest.

• 401(k) retirement plan options to support long-term financial planning.

• Professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and advance career.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $110,000 - $140,000 for a mid-level Graphic Designer in Bethesda, MD, with a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance, is competitive and reflects the specialized skills and security requirements. Bethesda, MD, is a high-cost-of-living area, and the clearance level significantly increases compensation potential in the government contracting sector. The benefits package is standard for the industry, with a strong emphasis on professional development, which is valuable for maintaining cutting-edge design skills.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: National Security, Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Technology, and Operational Support. DarkStar Intelligence operates within a sector that demands high levels of precision, security, and mission focus.

Company Size: Information not explicitly provided, but typical for government contractors supporting national security objectives, often ranging from small to medium-sized specialized firms.

Founded: Information not provided, but the company's mission suggests a focus on providing mission-critical support to national security operations.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader communications, intelligence analysis, or technical support team.

• The role involves direct collaboration with UI/UX designers and potentially other technical specialists.

• There is an expectation of mentoring junior staff, indicating a potential for leadership or senior contributor status within a design sub-team.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches to design, ensuring visual products effectively support intelligence and operational objectives.

• Emphasis on user-centric design principles (UI/UX) to enhance communication effectiveness and user engagement.

• Strict adherence to established production and security standards for all deliverables.

• Agile or iterative development processes may be employed for rapid response to communication requests.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DarkStar Intelligence's focus on "mission-critical support" and "strengthening decision advantage" implies a culture that values performance, reliability, and strategic thinking. The environment is likely fast-paced, demanding, and requires a high degree of professionalism and discretion due to the nature of national security work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is considered a mid-level role, requiring independent work and the ability to mentor junior colleagues. It sits between entry-level design roles and senior/lead designer positions. The responsibilities indicate a capacity to handle complex projects and contribute to strategic communication efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Communications Manager, or Program Manager overseeing support operations for specific government contracts.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the clarity, effectiveness, and accessibility of critical information for national security operations. High-quality visuals and user-friendly interfaces can significantly enhance decision-making, operational readiness, and overall mission success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Graphic Designer or Lead Designer roles, with increased project leadership and mentorship responsibilities.

• Specialization in areas such as advanced cartography, interactive data visualization, or UI/UX design for specialized government platforms.

• Opportunities to lead design aspects of larger projects or contribute to strategic communication planning.

• Potential for cross-training or transitioning into related roles within the intelligence or technology support domains, leveraging existing security clearances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The opportunity to mentor junior staff is a significant indicator of growth potential within the role. Combined with the mission-critical nature of the work and the security clearance, this position offers a strong foundation for a career in the defense and intelligence contracting sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position located in Bethesda, MD. This suggests a traditional office environment, likely within a secure facility or government-adjacent building.

Office Location(s): Bethesda, Maryland, USA. This location is a hub for government contractors and federal agencies, offering proximity to key clients and industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting equipped with necessary design hardware, software, and potentially secure network access.

• Collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate interaction with UI/UX designers, project managers, and other team members.

• A focus on productivity and adherence to security protocols within the workspace.

• Access to tools and technology required for digital media creation, web development, and cartography.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard business hours (likely 40 hours per week). However, given the nature of national security support, there may be occasional requirements for extended hours or adjusted schedules to meet critical deadlines or operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Bethesda, MD, for a company like DarkStar Intelligence implies a secure and professional environment. Candidates should expect a structured workplace with clear protocols and a focus on delivering high-quality, secure outputs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and clearance status.

• Technical Interview: Likely to include discussions about your design process, technical skills (HTML/CSS, Adobe Suite), UI/UX philosophy, and experience with cartography or multimedia. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and walk through selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, design choices, and outcomes.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and how you handle pressure or mentorship situations.

• Security & Clearance Verification: Thorough vetting process to confirm your TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, focusing on digital media, web design, and user experience.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Showcase Process: Explain your design thinking, from understanding the brief to concept development, iteration, and final execution.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples that explicitly show your proficiency in HTML/CSS, responsive design, and any multimedia editing.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes demonstrating the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, clarity of information).

• Address Compliance: Be prepared to discuss how you ensured accessibility and adhered to production standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be asked to complete a short design exercise or critique an existing design, focusing on problem-solving and your approach to user experience and technical constraints.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a typical request, such as designing a new web page or an infographic for a complex topic.

• Practice articulating your design strategy and defending your creative choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance is the most significant hurdle. For the interview process, demonstrating a strong understanding of government communication needs, user-centric design for diverse audiences, and technical implementation skills will be key. The portfolio should be tailored to showcase these specific competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (essential for graphic design, digital media, and print layouts).

• Web Development Tools: HTML, CSS (for responsive web design implementation).

• Content Creation Software: Potentially tools for video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) and photography editing.

• Cartography Software: GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) or specialized mapping tools might be used if cartography is a significant component.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior on web pages and digital content.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with request management or ticketing systems (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow, or custom government systems) for managing design requests and workflows.

• Potentially experience with content management systems (CMS) for deploying web content.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline expectation. The inclusion of HTML/CSS for responsive design indicates a need for practical web development skills. Familiarity with request management systems is also crucial for operational efficiency in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting national security objectives and contributing to the success of critical missions.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and effective design deliverables that meet stringent standards.

• Integrity & Discretion: Upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of the work.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, including UI/UX designers, analysts, and project managers, to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability: Ability to respond quickly to evolving requirements and diverse communication needs in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working closely with UI/UX designers and other team members to integrate visual elements seamlessly into larger projects.

• Responsive Service: Providing prompt and effective support for internal and external client requests.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to mentor junior staff and share expertise in design principles and technical execution.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a government contracting firm supporting national security is typically characterized by a strong sense of purpose, accountability, and a collaborative yet disciplined approach to work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Security Clearance: Obtaining and maintaining a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a significant prerequisite and ongoing requirement.

• Strict Compliance: Adhering to rigorous production standards, copyright laws, accessibility requirements, and public release clearances can be demanding.

• Diverse Stakeholders: Managing design requests and expectations from a variety of government and internal stakeholders with potentially differing needs and priorities.

• Rapid Turnaround: The need to deliver high-quality graphics and multimedia products quickly in response to operational demands.

• Mentoring Junior Staff: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced designers while managing own workload.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like interactive design, animation, or advanced data visualization.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Further development in front-end web development (HTML/CSS, JavaScript frameworks) or multimedia production.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging design technologies and best practices relevant to government and national security communications.

• Project Leadership: Gaining experience in leading design aspects of larger, complex projects.

• Security Clearance Leverage: Utilizing an active TS/SCI with Polygraph for access to a wide range of challenging and impactful roles within the sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the security clearance. Beyond that, the role requires balancing creative execution with strict technical and regulatory adherence, a common challenge in government contracting. Growth opportunities are tied to both design specialization and the leverage of a high-level security clearance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative design with strict technical or regulatory requirements. How did you ensure compliance?"

• "Walk us through your process for designing a responsive web page or a complex infographic from brief to final delivery."

• "How would you approach mentoring a junior designer who is struggling with a particular design concept or technical tool?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for DarkStar Intelligence, specifically within the national security sector?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest graphic design trends and technologies, and how do you apply them to your work?"

• "Describe your experience working on-site in a professional, potentially secure, office environment."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your most relevant skills first.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution (design process), and the outcome (impact).

• Visuals: Use high-quality images and clear examples. If presenting digitally, ensure smooth transitions and clear articulation.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques used, especially HTML/CSS for web projects.

• Conciseness: Given time constraints, focus on the most impactful projects and be succinct in your explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating an understanding of the national security context, a meticulous approach to design quality and compliance, and strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and mentorship. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practice is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with graphic design, digital media, web design (HTML/CSS), UI/UX, cartography, and multimedia production. Quantify achievements where possible and explicitly mention your TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in responsive web design, infographic creation, digital content, and any cartography work. Ensure it is easily accessible and clearly showcases your role and impact.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Review common questions related to design process, technical skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your understanding of working within a government contracting environment.

• Research DarkStar Intelligence: Understand the company's mission, values, and the types of support they provide to national security operations to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.