Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Invictus International Consulting, LLC

Location: Reston, VA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Government Contracting Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-06T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop visually compelling data-driven products, strategic communication materials, and enterprise outreach collateral.

• Design interactive dashboards and sophisticated data visualizations utilizing advanced design tools.

• Produce a variety of creative assets including infographics, briefing slides, training tutorials, and branding elements.

• Support UI/UX design initiatives, contributing to wireframes, mockups, and prototypes for system interfaces.

• Ensure all visual communications strictly adhere to Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) branding and security requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is Graphic Designer, the emphasis on data visualization, interactive dashboards, and supporting government/national security missions (indicated by the TS/SCI clearance) suggests a specialized role within operations, focusing on visual communication for intelligence and defense-related projects. This implies a need for understanding data nuances and translating complex information into clear, actionable visuals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate complex data sets and technical information into clear, impactful visual communications, including infographics and dynamic dashboards.

• Design and refine user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) elements for various applications and systems, creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Develop comprehensive visual communication products such as briefing slides, training materials, and visual aids for technical documentation, ensuring consistency and clarity.

• Create and manage brand assets, including logos, templates, images, and video clips, to support program branding and stakeholder engagement.

• Collaborate closely with IT Project Managers and Data Management Tool Administrators to integrate design solutions and enhance dashboard visual appeal and usability.

• Produce marketing materials and collateral for enterprise outreach initiatives, aiming to effectively engage stakeholders and communicate mission objectives.

• Maintain and enforce graphic design standards, style guides, and branding guidelines specific to IC and DoD requirements.

• Support the development of executive-level briefing materials, ensuring a professional and persuasive visual presentation.

• Coordinate with Technical Editors to ensure integrated communication products are cohesive and meet all project requirements.

• Ensure all visual products comply with relevant security regulations and classification guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities go beyond standard graphic design, encompassing data visualization for intelligence contexts, UI/UX for government systems, and strict adherence to security protocols, indicating a specialized niche within the operations or IT support functions for national security agencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field (e.g., Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Human-Computer Interaction) OR an additional 4 years of directly relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of directly related technical experience in graphic design, visual communication, or UI/UX design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Demonstrated experience in creating data visualizations and interactive dashboards.

• Strong understanding of UI/UX principles and experience with wireframing, mockup, and prototyping tools.

• Proven ability to design infographics, briefing slides, and marketing materials.

• Excellent visual communication skills with a keen eye for detail, aesthetics, and layout.

• Experience in branding and developing visual identity systems.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Strong understanding of IC and DoD branding and security requirements.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder collaboration.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or web design principles.

• Experience supporting government contracting or national security organizations.

• Knowledge of data management tools and their visual interface capabilities.

• Experience in developing templates for technical documentation and training materials.

• Familiarity with Agile or other project management methodologies.

• Ability to interpret and visualize complex technical or intelligence data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree plus 8 years of experience, or equivalent, points to a mid-to-senior level role. The explicit mention of TS/SCI clearance and adherence to IC/DoD standards is a critical qualification that significantly narrows the candidate pool and emphasizes the security-sensitive nature of the work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on data visualization and dashboard design.

• Case studies demonstrating the process of translating complex data into clear, actionable visual insights.

• Examples of UI/UX design work, including wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for system interfaces.

• Samples of marketing materials, infographics, and corporate branding elements.

• Visuals that illustrate adherence to branding guidelines and security considerations, particularly for government or sensitive projects.

• Projects that highlight collaboration with technical teams or stakeholders to achieve design objectives.

• Demonstrations of design for executive-level presentations or strategic communications. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design processes were documented, including workflow diagrams and user journey maps.

• Documentation showcasing the iterative design process, from initial concept to final product.

• Evidence of maintaining and updating style guides or design standards.

• Demonstrations of how feedback was incorporated into the design process to improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving government contracting and sensitive information, the portfolio should not only showcase creative talent but also demonstrate a structured, process-oriented approach to design, emphasizing problem-solving, collaboration, and adherence to stringent requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $165,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

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

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

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Support for obtaining and maintaining security clearances and polygraphs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team coordination, but the role is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range is at the higher end for a Graphic Designer role, likely reflecting the specialized skills, the demanding TS/SCI clearance requirement, and the strategic importance of visual communication in the government contracting and national security sector. The benefits package is assumed to be competitive, aligning with industry standards for full-time employees in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Technology Services / National Security. Invictus International Consulting, LLC, a Red River company, operates at the intersection of advanced technology, cybersecurity, and intelligence for government and national security missions. This industry demands high levels of integrity, security consciousness, and mission-focus.

Company Size: While the specific size of Invictus International Consulting, LLC is not provided, Red River (the parent company) is a significant entity in the IT solutions space, suggesting Invictus likely operates as a specialized unit within a larger, well-resourced organization. This implies access to robust infrastructure and established operational processes, while potentially maintaining a focused, agile team environment.

Founded: InvictusIC.com was established to highlight the company's mission-focused expertise in technology and services for government and national security. The parent company, Red River, was founded in 1996, indicating a long-standing presence and deep experience in the federal IT sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader project team, potentially within an IT or Program Management office.

• Collaboration will be essential with IT Project Managers, Data Management Tool Administrators, Technical Editors, and potentially client stakeholders.

• The team structure is expected to be hierarchical, with clear reporting lines, especially given the government contracting environment and security clearance requirements.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring designers to work closely with technical experts and communication specialists to ensure accuracy and compliance. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role requires translating data into visual insights, suggesting an analytical approach to understanding information before designing.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Designers will be involved in optimizing visual communication workflows to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in delivering products.

• Automation and Efficiency: While not directly automation-focused, the role may leverage design tools and templates to streamline the creation of recurring visual assets and ensure consistency.

Company Website: www.InvictusIC.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working for Invictus, a Red River company, within the government contracting and national security space is crucial. This implies a culture that values security, precision, mission support, and adherence to strict protocols. The designer's work directly impacts critical government functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Graphic Designer, requiring substantial experience (8+ years) and specialized skills in data visualization and UI/UX, alongside critical security clearances. It's not an entry-level position but a key contributor role within project teams.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Program Manager, Project Manager, or a Lead Designer/Creative Director within the organization, depending on the specific team structure. They will work closely with various technical and editorial teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity, effectiveness, and security of critical communications for government and national security missions. This includes enabling better decision-making through data visualization, enhancing user understanding of systems through UI/UX design, and ensuring compliant and professional external communications for outreach and stakeholder engagement. High-quality visual assets are crucial for mission success in this sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced data visualization techniques, interactive design, or UI/UX for government systems.

• Leadership: Potentially move into a Lead Graphic Designer role, managing junior designers or overseeing creative direction for larger projects.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into roles with more strategic communication, user experience strategy, or program management, leveraging design expertise.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design tools, visualization techniques, and gain further understanding of intelligence and defense sector communication needs.

• Advanced Clearances/Certifications: Pursue higher-level security clearances or relevant certifications in design, UX, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is tied to developing specialized skills relevant to the government/defense sector and demonstrating leadership potential. The security clearance itself is a significant career asset within this industry, opening doors to more sensitive and impactful projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Reston, VA. This typically implies a professional office setting within a corporate or government facility.

Office Location(s): Reston, VA (22191). This location is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and technology companies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with technical teams, project managers, and editors, suggesting a dynamic, interactive workspace.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to advanced design software (Adobe Creative Suite), potentially specialized data visualization tools, and secure network infrastructure will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with colleagues from diverse technical and operational backgrounds, fostering a rich learning and problem-solving environment. The TS/SCI clearance requirement may also mean working in environments with specific security protocols.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but project deadlines and client needs may require occasional overtime. The on-site nature means adherence to office hours and protocols, though some flexibility might be present depending on company policy and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a key government contracting hub like Reston, VA, combined with the TS/SCI clearance, suggests a secure and professional work environment focused on delivering critical services.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview: Assessment of graphic design skills, proficiency with design software, and understanding of data visualization and UI/UX principles. This may involve a design challenge.

• Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion of selected portfolio pieces, focusing on design process, problem-solving, collaboration, and impact.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Evaluation of how candidates handle teamwork, deadlines, client feedback, and challenging situations, with a focus on security awareness and adherence to protocols.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of active TS/SCI clearance and suitability for CI polygraph.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize work that demonstrates data visualization, dashboard design, UI/UX, and experience with complex information or government-related projects.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, explaining the problem, your approach, the tools used, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., "improved user comprehension by X%", "streamlined data interpretation").

• Address Security: Be prepared to discuss how you approach design within security constraints and branding guidelines relevant to IC/DoD.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your collaboration style, how you handle feedback, and your experience with high-stakes projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a practical design exercise, likely involving a data set or a scenario requiring visual communication solutions.

• Practice presenting your design concepts clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and design choices.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to meeting specific requirements, such as branding guidelines or security protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the security clearance and the nature of the work, interviewers will likely focus on a candidate's ability to deliver accurate, compliant, and effective visual solutions under potentially strict constraints, alongside their technical design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential.

• UI/UX Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP, or similar for wireframing, mockups, and prototyping.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, D3.js (or libraries for it), or similar platforms for creating interactive dashboards. Experience with specific government-approved visualization tools may be a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding data sources and reporting requirements is crucial for effective visualization. Familiarity with how data is structured and presented in BI tools is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into larger communication platforms or systems might be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline. Expertise in data visualization platforms and UI/UX design tools is critical for this role's unique demands. The ability to work with tools that support secure environments is also implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong dedication to supporting government and national security missions, understanding the critical nature of the work.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and adherence to security protocols.

• Excellence & Precision: Commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and polished visual products.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing teamwork and open communication to achieve shared objectives.

• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements, technologies, and security landscapes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with technical teams, project managers, and content specialists, bridging the gap between technical data and visual presentation.

• Process Review: An environment where design processes and outputs are reviewed constructively to ensure quality and compliance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design trends, and lessons learned, especially concerning security and government standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and a deep understanding of the stakes involved in government and national security work. Security awareness is not just a requirement but a core value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge is transforming intricate technical and intelligence data into easily understandable and actionable visual formats.

• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Meeting rigorous IC and DoD branding, security, and classification requirements while maintaining creative integrity.

• Rapidly Evolving Requirements: Adapting to changing project scopes, client feedback, and technological advancements in a fast-paced environment.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring designs are not only visually appealing but also highly functional, intuitive, and compliant with security protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Visualization Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master cutting-edge methods for visualizing complex data.

• UI/UX Specialization: Deepening expertise in user-centered design principles and application development support.

• Government Sector Expertise: Gaining a more profound understanding of the intelligence and defense sectors' communication needs and regulatory environments.

• New Software & Tools: Training on emerging design software, visualization platforms, and security-compliant technologies.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals within the organization and potentially through industry networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the specialized nature of the role, requiring a blend of creative talent, technical acumen, and a strong understanding of the government sector's unique demands. Growth is focused on deepening this specialized expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a dashboard to visualize real-time threat intelligence data for an executive briefing, ensuring both clarity and security?" (Focus on process, tool selection, security considerations)

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, communication, impact)

• "How do you ensure your designs comply with strict branding and security guidelines, especially when working with government clients?" (Focus on adherence, process, awareness) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Invictus International Consulting and supporting national security missions?" (Focus on motivation, alignment with company mission)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs from technical teams or stakeholders?" (Focus on collaboration, adaptability)

• "Describe your experience working within a secure environment or with classified information." (Focus on security awareness, professionalism) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story that includes the challenge, your unique solution, the tools and processes you employed, and the measurable impact of your design.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your visuals helped solve a problem, communicate effectively, or improve user experience, especially in a data-driven or technical context.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your workflow for a complex project, from initial concept to final delivery, showcasing your problem-solving approach.

• Highlight Security Compliance: If possible, point to projects where you successfully navigated specific branding or security requirements relevant to government work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly emphasize understanding the client's mission, the importance of security, and the ability to translate complex, sensitive information visually. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and demonstrate how their skills directly support government operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Invictus International Consulting's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating data visualization, dashboard design, UI/UX for complex systems, and any experience with government or defense-related visuals.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the 8+ years of technical experience, specific design software proficiency, and clearly state your active TS/SCI clearance status and ability to obtain a CI polygraph. Use keywords from the job description such as "Data Visualization," "UI/UX," "Infographics," and "Strategic Communication."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work supports mission objectives. Prepare to discuss your experience working within secure environments and adhering to strict guidelines.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Invictus International Consulting and Red River to understand their mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake within the government and national security sectors. This will help you articulate your interest and alignment during the interview.

⚠️ 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.