Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Endurion (Spathe Systems d.b.a)

Location: Tampa, FL, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for supporting the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) mission, requiring a dedicated Graphic Designer to produce high-quality visual content for educational and promotional purposes within a defense contracting environment.

• Responsibilities encompass the full spectrum of graphic design, from conceptualization and layout to final production across various media, including print, web, and electronic applications.

• The position demands proficiency in graphic design software and equipment, as well as a strong understanding of visual communication principles to effectively support USSOCOM initiatives.

• A key requirement is maintaining a SECRET security clearance, underscoring the sensitive nature of the work and the need for discretion and trustworthiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description is for a "Graphic Designer." However, given the context of supporting the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the explicit requirement for a SECRET clearance, this role is positioned within the defense contracting sector. The description has been enhanced to reflect this specific operational context, emphasizing the importance of design in supporting military education and communication within a classified environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and produce a wide range of visual assets, including course documents, publications, promotional materials, print advertisements, web graphics, and electronic application visuals.

• Create instructional materials, brochures, logos, posters, maps, charts, and diagrams, ensuring all designs align with JSOU and USSOCOM branding guidelines and objectives.

• Execute preparatory design tasks such as layout and pre-press work to ensure camera-ready artwork is optimized for professional production.

• Operate and maintain various graphic design equipment, including specialized graphics software, computers, cameras, printing devices, and lettering equipment.

• Maintain meticulous logs of all work in progress, accurately tracking time spent on each project and detailing materials utilized for project management and billing purposes.

• Perform photography and photo editing duties to support the creation of course materials, university products, and promotional content, ensuring visual consistency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed responsibilities have been expanded to include more specific operational details relevant to a defense contractor supporting a university mission. This includes emphasizing alignment with specific branding guidelines (JSOU/USSOCOM) and detailing the scope of "various types of graphic design equipment" to encompass both digital and physical production tools commonly found in such environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Graphic Design is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in graphic design is mandatory. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Layout and Composition: Strong ability to create visually appealing and effective layouts for various media.

• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of pre-press requirements, color management, and print production processes for materials like brochures, posters, and booklets.

• Digital Design Skills: Experience designing for web and electronic applications, including understanding of file formats and optimization.

• Photography & Photo Editing: Competence in capturing and editing photographs to support design projects.

• Visual Communication: Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and engaging visual representations.

Preferred Skills:

• Defense Industry Experience: Familiarity with the defense contracting environment and associated security protocols.

• Instructional Design Support: Experience designing visual aids for educational or training materials.

• Logo and Branding Development: Proven ability to create impactful logos and maintain brand consistency.

• Camera Operation: Experience operating professional-grade cameras for various photographic needs.

• Time Management & Logging: Skill in accurately tracking project time and material usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Requirements" section from the original description has been re-categorized and expanded into "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" for clarity. Specific software examples (Adobe Creative Suite) and more granular skill descriptions (e.g., "Print Production Knowledge," "Digital Design Skills") have been added to provide a more comprehensive view of the technical competencies expected in a professional graphic design role within a defense context. The "BA/BS required in Graphic Design" has been clarified to include both BA and BS.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating a strong range of graphic design projects, including examples of print collateral (brochures, posters), digital graphics (web banners, social media assets), and potentially logo designs.

• Instructional Material Examples: Include samples of designs that effectively communicate information, such as infographics, diagrams, or layouts for educational documents.

• Production Readiness: Showcase examples of work that demonstrate an understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and pre-press considerations, indicating readiness for professional production.

• Problem-Solving Through Design: Highlight projects where design solutions were used to overcome communication challenges or achieve specific objectives within a project brief.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process, from initial client brief and concept development to final asset delivery and revisions.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Be ready to articulate your experience with specific graphic design software and how you leverage them to achieve efficient and high-quality results.

• Project Management & Tracking: Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, including time allocation and material tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been developed to infer standard expectations for a Graphic Designer role, particularly within a professional services or defense contracting environment. The emphasis is on showcasing practical application of design skills, understanding of production workflows, and the ability to manage projects effectively, which are crucial for roles involving client deliverables and internal tracking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,000 - $67,500 per year

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and certifications related to graphic design and defense industry standards.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-sponsored life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of 40 hours. Specific daily schedules will be determined by project needs and management direction, typically aligning with standard business hours for on-site operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range was directly extracted from the input data. Benefits have been inferred based on common offerings for full-time positions in the defense contracting industry, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of typical employee support. Working hours are specified as 40 hours, with an acknowledgment of potential flexibility needed for project demands, typical in such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Contracting / Government Services. Endurion (Spathe Systems) operates within the specialized sector of defense contracting, providing critical support services to military and government entities, including USSOCOM. This industry demands high standards of performance, adherence to strict protocols, and a commitment to national security objectives.

Company Size: Mid-sized (likely 50-250 employees, inferred from typical defense contractor profiles and ADP platform usage). This size often allows for a balance between the resources and stability of a larger organization and the agility and personalized environment of a smaller one.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but its operation as a defense contractor suggests a period of established presence and experience in its niche market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader mission support team for JSOU, which may include instructional designers, subject matter experts, project managers, and administrative staff.

• Reporting structure will likely place the designer under a project manager or a lead for curriculum development/support services, with direct interaction with JSOU stakeholders.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with instructional designers to visualize course content, with marketing/communications teams for promotional materials, and potentially with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy in technical diagrams and illustrations. Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: While primarily a creative role, design decisions will likely be informed by educational objectives and USSOCOM communication requirements, focusing on clarity and impact.

• Iterative Development: Design projects will likely follow an iterative process, involving feedback loops with stakeholders to refine concepts and ensure alignment with mission goals.

• Compliance and Security: All design activities will be conducted under strict adherence to security protocols and government standards, ensuring all materials are properly classified and handled.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=3b0a67a7-b09e-4b87-a13d-577abd69f772

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been enhanced by inferring typical characteristics of a defense contractor like Endurion, focusing on industry specifics, potential team structures, and operational methodologies that are relevant to a Graphic Designer supporting a government client.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an individual contributor position focused on specialized creative output within a government contracting framework. It is an entry-to-mid-level role for a Graphic Designer, providing foundational experience in a unique and demanding sector.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Project Manager or a designated lead responsible for JSOU mission support. This structure emphasizes accountability within a project-driven environment and requires clear communication with leadership.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of JSOU's educational programs and outreach efforts. High-quality visual materials enhance learning retention, improve communication of complex concepts, and support the overall mission of USSOCOM by ensuring clear and professional dissemination of information.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in graphics for defense education, instructional design visualization, or specific types of government publications.

• Skill Expansion: Gain experience in areas such as advanced photo editing, motion graphics, or user interface (UI) design for educational platforms.

• Project Leadership: With proven performance, potential to move into lead designer roles on specific projects or manage smaller design initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Opportunities to work closely with instructional designers, technical writers, and project managers, broadening understanding of the defense contracting lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Career & Growth Analysis" has been tailored to frame the Graphic Designer role within the context of defense contracting and educational support. It emphasizes the operational impact and outlines potential career pathways relevant to this specialized field, moving beyond generic growth descriptions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a professional office environment within a defense contractor's facility or a government-adjacent location. This setting is typically structured, secure, and fosters a professional, task-oriented atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Tampa, FL. This location is significant as it is near MacDill Air Force Base, a hub for USSOCOM, suggesting proximity to the client and potential for integrated work environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual design work is primary, the role requires collaboration with instructional designers, project managers, and potentially USSOCOM personnel, necessitating an environment that supports team interaction.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard professional graphic design software and hardware will be provided. Given the defense context, secure network access and adherence to IT security policies are paramount.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities will exist for regular team meetings, project reviews, and direct communication with stakeholders to ensure design outputs meet specific requirements and objectives.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While typically adhering to business hours, flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines for publications, events, or urgent USSOCOM requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section has been detailed by inferring the nature of an on-site role within a defense contracting firm in Tampa, FL, emphasizing security, collaboration, and the tools necessary for such a specialized position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess qualifications against minimum requirements (degree, experience, clearance).

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant design work, focusing on clarity, creativity, and technical execution.

• Technical Interview: Discussion of graphic design software proficiency, design principles, and experience with specific types of projects (e.g., instructional materials, print collateral).

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, collaboration, and understanding of the defense environment.

• Security & Clearance Verification: Discussion and verification of SECRET clearance status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best align with the responsibilities of this role (instructional materials, promotional collateral, logos).

• Showcase Process: For key projects, be prepared to briefly explain your design process, from understanding the brief to final execution, highlighting any challenges overcome.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If a design project had a measurable outcome (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity), be ready to discuss it.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used for each featured project.

• Tailor to Defense: If you have any defense-related or government project examples, be sure to include and highlight them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a small design task or asked to critique an existing piece of design work relevant to educational materials or defense communications.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you approach designing a brochure for a new JSOU course?" or "How would you ensure brand consistency across multiple print and digital assets?"

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and revisions, especially in a client-driven environment with potentially strict guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a creative role within a defense contractor, emphasizing portfolio presentation, technical skills, and security clearance verification. The tips are actionable for candidates to prepare effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and page layouts.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Expertise in PowerPoint for presentations, Word for document formatting, and potentially Excel for data visualization or tracking.

• Graphic Design Equipment: Familiarity with operating various design hardware, including high-quality scanners, printing devices, and potentially lettering machines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., web traffic, download rates for digital assets) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are typically used by graphic designers, but understanding project management software used by the team (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) may be advantageous for workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the core software and hardware expected for a graphic designer, with a specific emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard in the industry. The mention of "defense industry standards" implies the need for proficiency that meets professional, often government-mandated, quality benchmarks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free design work that meets or exceeds client expectations and technical specifications.

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining the confidentiality and security required for defense-related projects.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across different disciplines to achieve shared project goals.

• Adaptability and Responsiveness: Ability to adjust to changing project requirements, client feedback, and tight deadlines common in government contracting.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy in design, typography, color, and adherence to guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively participating in team meetings and discussions with instructional designers, project managers, and subject matter experts to ensure design solutions are aligned with educational objectives and technical accuracy.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive criticism from peers and stakeholders to refine designs and enhance their effectiveness.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices and insights with team members to foster a collective improvement in visual communication across projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values have been inferred based on the nature of defense contracting and the need for a professional, secure, and collaborative environment. These values emphasize performance, integrity, and teamwork, which are critical for roles supporting government missions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Balancing creative expression with the need to comply with specific government branding standards, security protocols, and educational content requirements.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively juggling diverse design tasks for different JSOU initiatives simultaneously, each with its own deadlines and stakeholders.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality design work under pressure, common in defense contract environments where project timelines can be demanding.

• Visualizing Complex Information: Translating technical or abstract concepts into clear, understandable, and engaging visual formats for diverse audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Defense Industry Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in creating visuals for military education, training, and operational support.

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specialized areas of Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design technologies.

• Project Management Exposure: Gain insight into project lifecycles within defense contracting, potentially leading to roles with more project oversight.

• Security Clearance Benefits: Maintaining and potentially upgrading a SECRET clearance opens doors to a wider range of sensitive government contracting roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a defense contracting graphic design role and outlines growth opportunities that are specific to the industry and the skills developed in such a position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for creating a promotional brochure for a new university course, from initial concept to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, client interaction, and problem-solving).

• Technical Proficiency: "How do you ensure your designs are optimized for both print and digital platforms?" or "Walk me through a time you used Photoshop to overcome a specific design challenge." (Demonstrate technical skills and problem-solving).

• Adaptability & Feedback: "How do you handle constructive criticism or significant revisions on a design project?" (Showcase professionalism and ability to incorporate feedback).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding the Mission: "What interests you about supporting the Joint Special Operations University and USSOCOM?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the client's mission).

• Security Awareness: "How do you approach working in a secure environment with sensitive information?" (Demonstrate awareness of security protocols and discretion).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with instructional designers or subject matter experts." (Highlight collaborative skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, present it as a mini case study: the objective, your role and process, the solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate skills in creating educational materials, print collateral, or digital graphics suitable for a university or defense context.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, and why you made specific design choices.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and within the allotted time, ensuring clarity and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation section provides actionable advice tailored to a Graphic Designer role within defense contracting, focusing on portfolio presentation, technical questions, and understanding the specific context of supporting USSOCOM and JSOU.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant design samples, focusing on instructional materials, print collateral, and digital graphics. Prepare to articulate your design process for 2-3 key pieces.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with graphic design software, print production, and any relevant work in educational or government sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Security Discussion: Be ready to confirm your SECRET security clearance status and discuss your understanding of working in a secure environment.

• Research Endurion & JSOU: Familiarize yourself with Endurion's work in defense contracting and the mission of the Joint Special Operations University to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the role's 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.