Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP)

Location: Arlington, VA

Job Type: Fixed Term

Category: Marketing & Communications / Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-05-29

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute visual design strategies to enhance the organization's mission and impact, particularly in areas related to AI and emerging technologies.

• Create compelling visual assets for high-profile SCSP events, ensuring consistent branding and effective communication.

• Design and format a variety of publications, including reports, newsletters, and papers, to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.

• Support digital and social media initiatives with eye-catching graphics and animations to drive engagement and brand awareness.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of SCSP's visual brand identity across all platforms and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is Graphic Designer, its context within the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), focused on AI and national competitiveness, suggests a need for visual communication that clearly articulates complex technological and strategic concepts. This role will require a graphic designer with the ability to translate intricate subject matter into accessible and impactful visuals, bridging the gap between technical analysis and broader stakeholder understanding. The focus on "operations support" in the category reflects the critical role design plays in enabling the communication and dissemination of SCSP's research and recommendations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually engaging graphics for all signature SCSP events, including promotional materials, presentations, signage, and social media assets.

• Collaborate closely with research panels and SCSP directorates to design and format reports, newsletters, papers, and other publications, ensuring clarity, visual appeal, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Create eye-catching graphics and animations for SCSP's social media channels, optimizing for each platform's requirements and maintaining brand consistency.

• Develop digital advertising assets for media campaigns to support SCSP's outreach and awareness efforts.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of SCSP's visual brand identity, potentially creating or updating brand guidelines, logo variations, and templates.

• Partner with the website developer to ensure visually appealing web pages, landing pages for events and programs, and other digital assets.

• Ensure all design outputs align with SCSP's mission to strengthen America's long-term global competitiveness through analysis of AI and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility, spanning event collateral, in-depth publications, digital marketing assets, and brand stewardship. The emphasis on collaborating with "research panels" and "directorates" indicates that the Graphic Designer will need to work with subject matter experts to accurately represent complex topics, a key requirement for operations support in a research-intensive organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design.

• Preference for experience within a non-profit, think tank, government-adjacent organization, or a field focused on technology and strategic analysis. Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating a wide range of visual assets.

• Demonstrated experience in event design, including promotional materials, presentations, and signage.

• Proven ability to design and format complex publications such as reports, white papers, and newsletters, ensuring readability and visual hierarchy.

• Expertise in creating digital and social media graphics and animations optimized for various platforms.

• Solid understanding of brand development principles and the ability to maintain brand consistency across all design outputs.

• Familiarity with web design principles and experience collaborating with web developers on digital assets.

• Experience with animation or motion graphics to enhance digital content.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for collaborating effectively with researchers, directors, and other stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

• A keen eye for detail, a strong visual aesthetic, and a passion for creating impactful, informative designs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with sensitive or complex subject matter, such as artificial intelligence, national security, or technology policy.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or website design platforms.

• Experience in creating infographics to visually represent data and complex information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 2-5 years aligns with an early to mid-career graphic designer. The preferred skills suggest that candidates with prior exposure to policy, technology, or government-related organizations will have a distinct advantage, as they will be better equipped to grasp the nuances of SCSP's mission and translate them into appropriate visual communications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including event collateral, publications, and digital/social media assets.

• Demonstrations of how design solutions were used to communicate complex information or achieve specific communication goals.

• Examples of brand identity development or application, demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency.

• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and impact of the final design.

• Evidence of collaboration with subject matter experts or stakeholders to refine design outputs. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how multiple projects were handled from brief to completion.

• Documentation or visual representation of how brand guidelines were applied or developed.

• Case studies detailing the design process for publications, showing an understanding of layout, typography, and information hierarchy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic appeal but also the communicative power of design, especially in translating complex technical or strategic information. The ability to demonstrate a structured design process, including client collaboration and iterative refinement, will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $64,000 - $92,500 per year. This range reflects the mid-level experience requirement, the specialized nature of the organization (focus on AI and technology policy), and the cost of living in the Arlington, VA area. Benefits:

• Exempt position status.

• While specific benefits are not detailed, typical benefits for a fixed-term position in a 501(c)3 foundation may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.

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

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k or similar) with potential employer match.

  • Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops.

  • Access to cutting-edge research and discussions on AI and emerging technologies. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, likely 40 hours per week, typical for an exempt position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a competitive mid-level offering for a specialized graphic design role in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The "Fixed Term" employment type suggests potential limitations on certain long-term benefits, but standard health and PTO are generally expected. The $64,000 to $92,500 range was determined by researching graphic designer salaries in Arlington, VA, factoring in the 2-5 years of experience, and considering the organization's focus on technology and policy, which often commands slightly higher compensation for specialized roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Think Tank / Technology Policy / National Security

Company Size: The description implies a focused, project-driven organization. While exact numbers aren't provided, the structure with directorates (Global Partnerships, Technology Leadership, AI Adoption) and research panels suggests a team size that allows for deep specialization and cross-functional collaboration without being overly bureaucratic. This environment is conducive to impactful contributions.

Founded: Founded by Dr. Eric Schmidt, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) is a relatively new initiative (implied by its focus on current and future technologies) dedicated to influencing national strategy regarding AI and emerging technologies.

Team Structure:

• The organization is structured into three directorates: Global Partnerships, Technology Leadership, and AI Adoption.

• The Graphic Designer will likely collaborate across these directorates, working with researchers and program leads.

• A "cross-functional team" is mentioned, indicating a collaborative approach to achieving project goals.

• The reporting structure would likely place the Graphic Designer under a Communications Director or a similar operational lead. Methodology:

• Data-driven analysis of AI and emerging technologies to inform recommendations.

• Strategic planning and forecasting to ensure long-term competitiveness.

• Collaborative research and report generation involving subject matter experts.

• Emphasis on producing actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders.

Company Website: https://www.schmidtsciences.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: SCSP's mission is highly strategic and forward-looking, centered on critical national interests related to technology. The culture is likely to be intellectually rigorous, fast-paced, and focused on producing high-impact work. The Graphic Designer's role is crucial in making this complex work accessible and compelling to key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and the public.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized individual contributor, likely at an early to mid-career stage (2-5 years of experience). The focus is on executing design tasks that directly support SCSP's operational and communication needs.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager, likely within a communications or operations department, who oversees the dissemination of SCSP's research and strategic initiatives. Collaboration will be key with various directorates and research panels.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on how SCSP's critical research and recommendations are perceived and understood. High-quality visual assets can significantly enhance the clarity, authority, and reach of SCSP's mission-critical outputs, influencing policy discussions and strategic decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas relevant to SCSP's mission, such as data visualization, motion graphics for complex topics, or advanced publication design for policy documents.

• Project Leadership: Potentially lead design efforts for specific high-profile SCSP initiatives or events, gaining project management experience within a strategic context.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of AI, emerging technologies, and national competitiveness by working closely with subject matter experts, which can inform future design directions.

• Brand Development: Play a key role in shaping and evolving the SCSP brand, offering opportunities for strategic input on visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a fixed-term role, growth is often measured by skill development and project impact rather than traditional career ladder progression. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission of national importance and build a portfolio with high-visibility, strategic content.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Arlington, VA, suggesting a professional office environment typical of a think tank or foundation. This environment is likely conducive to focused work and collaborative team interactions.

Office Location(s): Arlington, VA, provides proximity to Washington D.C., offering access to policy circles and industry events. This location is well-connected and accessible.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting where designers can interact with researchers, policy analysts, and communications staff.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions and project reviews.

• The environment likely values intellectual curiosity, rigorous analysis, and clear communication. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week) are expected for this exempt, on-site position. While flexibility might exist, the core requirement is presence in the office to facilitate collaboration and design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Arlington, VA, is strategic, placing SCSP at the nexus of policy, technology, and government in the U.S. This environment fosters direct collaboration and ensures that visual communications are closely aligned with ongoing strategic discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with SCSP's mission.

• Design Exercise/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a case study from their portfolio that demonstrates their ability to tackle complex communication problems relevant to SCSP's work (e.g., designing a graphic to explain a facet of AI adoption or global competitiveness).

• Interviews with Hiring Team: Discussions with the hiring manager and potentially members of the directorates or communications team to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of SCSP's mission, and fit within the organization's culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to design for a mission-driven organization, particularly those involving complex subject matter, reports, or events. Highlight clarity, impact, and strategic communication.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, how you interpreted the brief, collaborated with stakeholders, and the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of event design, editorial layouts, and digital/social media graphics. If you have animation or motion graphics experience, highlight it.

• Tailor to SCSP: If possible, include a conceptual piece that demonstrates your understanding of SCSP's focus on AI, technology, or national competitiveness.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention the outcome or impact of your designs (e.g., increased event attendance, improved report engagement).

Challenge Preparation:

• Research SCSP: Thoroughly understand SCSP's mission, its focus areas (AI, emerging technologies, global competitiveness), and its target audience.

• Anticipate Design Needs: Think about how you would visually represent abstract concepts related to AI, technology policy, or geopolitical strategy.

• Practice Presentation: Be prepared to articulate your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining how your visuals support the message and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design proficiency but also the candidate's ability to engage with and visually translate complex, high-stakes topics. Demonstrating an understanding of SCSP's mission and audience will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of publications (reports, newsletters, papers).

• Motion Graphics Software: (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for creating animations and dynamic visual content for digital platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how digital assets perform (e.g., social media engagement metrics) might be beneficial for optimizing future designs. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but familiarity with how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CMS could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for this role. Experience with motion graphics tools like After Effects is specifically called out as a requirement, indicating a need for dynamic digital content. Familiarity with web design principles suggests an understanding of how designs translate to digital platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong emphasis on producing work that has a tangible effect on SCSP's mission and strategic goals.

• Intellectual Rigor: A culture that values deep analysis, critical thinking, and evidence-based recommendations.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across different directorates and with subject matter experts to achieve shared objectives.

• Clarity and Precision: A commitment to communicating complex ideas with accuracy and effectiveness, both in written and visual forms.

• Forward-Thinking: A focus on future trends, particularly in AI and emerging technologies, and their implications for national competitiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, requiring designers to work closely with researchers, policy analysts, and communications specialists.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are expected to ensure that visual designs accurately represent complex information and align with SCSP's strategic objectives.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and idea-sharing will be valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The SCSP culture is likely to be highly professional, intellectually stimulating, and mission-focused. The Graphic Designer will be part of a team dedicated to informing critical national policy, requiring a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: Visually representing intricate and abstract topics related to AI, technology policy, and geopolitical strategy can be challenging.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring all design outputs adhere to SCSP's brand guidelines while also meeting the specific communication needs of diverse projects and directorates.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of policy and strategic analysis can lead to urgent design requests.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds and technical expertise to gather input and achieve design consensus.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI & Emerging Tech: Gain unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge research and discussions in AI and related fields, fostering a unique design specialization.

• Strategic Communications: Develop skills in designing for policy and national security audiences, understanding their specific communication requirements.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in motion graphics, data visualization, and publication design for high-impact outputs.

• Networking: Engage with leading experts in technology, policy, and government.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique challenge to merge creative design skills with a deep understanding of complex, forward-looking technological and strategic issues. Success will hinge on the ability to learn quickly and adapt design approaches to these specialized subject matters.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual campaign to explain the implications of AI on global economic competitiveness?" (Assesses strategic thinking and ability to translate complex ideas)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with subject matter experts to create a design. How did you ensure accuracy and effectively incorporate their feedback?" (Evaluates collaboration and communication skills)

• "Given SCSP's mission, what kind of visual elements do you think would best represent our work to policymakers and industry leaders?" (Tests understanding of audience and strategic visual communication) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about SCSP's mission and its focus on AI and emerging technologies?" (Assesses alignment with organizational purpose)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, particularly those relevant to technology or policy communications?" (Gauges professional development and industry awareness)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven team?" (Evaluates cultural fit and teamwork) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to design for complex topics, reports, events, or digital platforms, aligning with SCSP's needs.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the tools and techniques used in your projects.

• Be Ready for Design Challenges: If a specific design task is given, approach it systematically, articulating your thought process and design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong design skills but also demonstrates strategic thinking, an ability to grasp complex subject matter, and a genuine interest in SCSP's mission. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application