Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: KMRG, LLC

Location: Washington, DC 20544

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector / Administrative

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Primary performance at office, with potential for remote telework)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on graphic production and design support, primarily for government agency publications and visual materials.

• Key responsibilities include applying established branding and template standards, preparing files for print and digital use, and managing digital assets.

• A significant component involves ensuring basic Section 508 accessibility tagging for visual content.

• The position is entry-level, offering an opportunity to develop skills within a federal services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills align with a production-focused role rather than a conceptual design role. The emphasis on templates, existing branding, and file preparation indicates a need for meticulous execution and adherence to guidelines, typical of a production artist within a government or large organizational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Graphic Production & Template Support:

  • Produce a variety of AO-branded visual products, including flyers, infographics, forms, charts, and presentations, strictly following established templates and branding guidelines.
  • Apply AO Style Manual standards for typography, color, logos, and overall document structure to maintain brand consistency.
  • Format new content using approved AO templates, ensuring visual consistency across both recurring and newly developed materials.
  • Maintain production-ready templates and continuity files to ensure uninterrupted output, especially during periods of high demand or staff absence.
  • Support senior graphic designers with production tasks, file handoffs, revisions, and the development of new templates.
  • Deliver accurate and polished work that meets established turnaround times and quality expectations.

• File Preparation & Digital Assets Management:

  • Prepare files for both print and digital distribution, ensuring they are production-ready and meet archiving or handoff requirements.
  • Conduct thorough file preflight checks, verifying fonts, links, color modes, and image resolution.
  • Package completed project files, including comprehensive InDesign (INDD) packages, for archiving or internal handoff.
  • Maintain the PPD digital asset library by adhering to AO naming conventions, approved folder structures, and metadata standards.
  • Archive completed project files and actively support quarterly digital asset inventory and compliance reviews.

• Accessibility & Quality Assurance:

  • Apply basic Section 508 accessibility tagging, including setting reading order, adding alt text for images, structuring headings, and embedding metadata.
  • Utilize accessibility checking tools to identify and correct fundamental tagging issues within the scope of assigned tasks.
  • Review all assigned work for compliance with the AO Style Manual, accuracy, completeness, and overall production readiness.
  • Maintain meticulously organized files and production materials to ensure assets are current, accessible, and correctly categorized.
  • Support consistent formatting and branding across all publications, forms, presentations, and other visual communications.

• Coordination & Production Continuity:

  • Participate actively in coordination meetings, providing updates on progress, deliverables, and any production issues encountered.

  • Prepare and submit weekly status reports summarizing completed work, identified issues, and overall project progress.

  • Respond effectively to direction from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and adapt to changing production priorities, supporting continuity during routine, rush, and surge requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily weighted towards production execution, adherence to strict guidelines (AO Style Manual, Section 508), and meticulous file management. This indicates a need for candidates who excel in detail-oriented tasks and can consistently apply established processes rather than driving creative innovation. The mention of "entry-level graphic production support" further solidifies this assessment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles involving Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic production, with a focus on applying templates and branding standards. Experience in a government or large corporate environment is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated graphic production and template-based layout skills for both print and digital visual materials.

• Ability to consistently apply established branding guidelines, formatting standards, templates, and document structure.

• Proficiency in preparing and preflighting production files, including managing fonts, links, color modes, resolution, packaging, and archiving.

• Skill in organizing and maintaining digital assets using established file naming conventions, folder structures, and metadata standards.

• Ability to apply basic Section 508 accessibility tagging (e.g., reading order, alt text, headings, metadata).

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud suite, particularly InDesign (INDD), and Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint) as used in AO production workflows.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet established deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with government agencies or in a federal services environment.

• Familiarity with the AO Style Manual or similar style guides.

• Experience with advanced Section 508 accessibility features or tools.

• Basic understanding of print production processes and requirements.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Knowledge, Abilities & Skills" section in the original description is directly translated into skills. The emphasis on "applying established templates and branding standards" and "basic Section 508 accessibility tagging" suggests that while creative flair is not the primary focus, a strong understanding of production workflows and accessibility compliance is critical. The "0-2" years experience level indicates that foundational knowledge and demonstrable skills are more important than extensive experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a range of template-based graphic production work, demonstrating adherence to branding guidelines and style manuals.

• Examples of print-ready files prepared for production, highlighting preflighting and packaging capabilities.

• Visuals demonstrating the application of Section 508 accessibility features (e.g., examples of properly tagged PDFs, infographics with alt text descriptions).

• Organized file structures and digital asset management examples, if possible, to showcase organizational skills.

• Samples of work using established templates for documents, presentations, or flyers. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their process for taking a design brief or existing content and transforming it into a production-ready, branded, and accessible final product.

• Ability to describe the steps involved in file preparation, preflighting, and packaging for print and digital distribution.

• Explanation of how they would manage and organize digital assets according to defined conventions.

• Description of their approach to applying and verifying Section 508 accessibility tags.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the production-focused nature of this role, a portfolio is crucial. It should emphasize execution, adherence to standards, and technical proficiency in preparing files for various outputs, including accessible digital formats. The portfolio needs to reflect the ability to work within constraints and deliver polished, compliant materials.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,000 - $60,000 annually. This range is typical for an entry-level graphic production role in a high-cost-of-living area like Washington, D.C., especially when supporting government contracts.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package (specifics not detailed in the job description but generally include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, etc.).

• Potential for remote telework, offering some flexibility in work location.

• Opportunity to work with a federal services company supporting a significant government agency (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts).

• Exposure to government contracting environments and specific compliance standards (e.g., Section 508).

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time. This is a standard 40-hour work week, common for government-contracted roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. For benefits, standard full-time benefits are assumed for a company like KMRG, LLC, which supports federal contracts. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests some flexibility, which is a key benefit for many professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Services / Government Contracting. KMRG, LLC operates within the sector of providing professional services to U.S. government agencies. This implies a work environment that emphasizes compliance, security, and adherence to strict contractual and regulatory requirements.

Company Size: KMRG, LLC is a federal services company. While the exact size isn't provided, companies in this sector often range from small to medium-sized businesses focused on specific government contract niches. This can mean a more focused team structure and direct impact on project outcomes.

Founded: KMRG, LLC was founded to support government agencies. This suggests a company built on experience and established relationships within the federal landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Property, Printing, and Distribution Branch (PPD) supporting the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).

• This team likely includes senior graphic designers, production specialists, and potentially project managers or coordinators who liaise with the client (AO).

• Collaboration will be essential, with the entry-level designer supporting senior staff and contributing to shared production goals.

• Cross-functional collaboration might involve working with content creators, editors, or print/distribution specialists within the PPD branch. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary focus for this specific role, the broader team likely uses data to understand publication needs and track asset management.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role emphasizes following established workflows for graphic production, file preparation, and asset management, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

• Automation & Efficiency: The use of templates and maintaining continuity files aims to automate repetitive tasks and improve overall production efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on federal services dictates a culture that values precision, compliance, and reliability. The specific client (AO) suggests that the work will involve official government documentation and communications, requiring a high degree of professionalism and adherence to established protocols.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is explicitly defined as "entry-level." It's a foundational position within a production-focused graphic design function. The emphasis is on mastering established processes, tools, and standards rather than driving innovation or strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to senior members of the graphic production team within the PPD branch, who in turn likely report to a branch manager or program lead overseeing the contract with the AO. The COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) from the AO will also provide direction and oversight.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, this position impacts the clarity, consistency, and accessibility of critical government communications. High-quality visual materials and accessible documents are essential for effective information dissemination by the AO, contributing indirectly to the operational efficiency and public trust of the U.S. Courts system.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and gain proficiency in advanced Section 508 accessibility tagging techniques.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like print production, digital asset management, or accessibility compliance within graphic design.

• Project Exposure: Gain experience working on a variety of visual materials for a major federal agency, building a portfolio of government-related design work.

• Transition to Senior Roles: With experience and demonstrated proficiency, there's a path to become a Senior Graphic Designer or Production Specialist within KMRG, LLC or similar federal contracting firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to be focused on deepening technical skills and understanding of compliance within the government sector, rather than moving into strategic design leadership. The "entry-level" designation means the primary focus for applicants should be on demonstrating foundational skills and a willingness to learn and follow established procedures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building in Washington, DC. This is a professional office environment within a federal building, implying a structured and secure workspace.

Office Location(s): Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, One Columbus Circle, NE, Washington, DC 20544. This central location in Washington, D.C., offers access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, with the Graphic Designer working alongside other production specialists and designers.

• Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office) will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior team members for guidance and feedback are expected.

• The environment will require adherence to government building security protocols and office etiquette.

Work Schedule: The schedule is fixed: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time. While the job description notes "Remote telework may be authorized," the primary performance location is the office, suggesting a hybrid arrangement where remote work is an occasional possibility rather than a standard option.

📝 Enhancement Note: The government building location implies a more formal and structured work environment compared to a typical tech startup. The "hybrid" aspect, with a strong emphasis on in-office presence, is a key detail for candidates to consider.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess basic qualifications, relevant skills (Adobe Creative Cloud, accessibility), and portfolio.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing examples of template-based design, file preparation, and any accessibility work. A practical design exercise or skills test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Interview(s): Behavioral and situational questions to assess problem-solving skills, ability to follow instructions, attention to detail, and teamwork. Discussion about experience with government clients or similar environments may occur.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment based on skills, portfolio, interview performance, and cultural fit within the KMRG and AO support team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Template Adherence: Showcase projects where you successfully applied existing templates and branding guidelines. Emphasize consistency and accuracy.

• Demonstrate Production Skills: Include examples of print-ready files, demonstrating your understanding of preflighting, color modes, and file packaging.

• Showcase Accessibility: If possible, include examples of accessible documents (e.g., tagged PDFs) or explain your process for ensuring accessibility. Clearly describe your experience with Section 508 tagging.

• Organized Presentation: Present your portfolio in a clear, logical manner. For digital portfolios, ensure easy navigation. Be prepared to walk through specific projects and explain your role and process.

• Focus on Execution: Since this is a production role, emphasize your ability to execute designs efficiently and accurately according to specifications, rather than conceptual design work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a practical exercise involving applying a template, modifying existing content, or preparing a file for print/digital output according to specific instructions.

• Accessibility Task: You might be asked to identify or correct basic accessibility issues in a provided document.

• Process Explanation: Be ready to articulate your step-by-step process for completing design tasks, from receiving assets to final file delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions. The portfolio is the most critical component for demonstrating these capabilities. Expect practical assessments and discussions about process rather than high-level strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe InDesign (INDD): Essential for template-based layout, document creation, and final file preparation. Proficiency in creating and manipulating InDesign templates is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and optimization for print and digital use.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating and editing vector graphics, logos, and icons.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Microsoft Word: Likely used for content integration, template formatting, and document creation.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating presentations, applying templates, and incorporating graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, understanding file preparation for digital distribution implies awareness of file formats and optimization for web/digital platforms.

• Basic reporting on task completion and status updates will be required. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, though familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems or content management systems (CMS) for organizing files may be beneficial.

• The use of templates and continuity files serves as a form of process automation for design production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, especially InDesign, and Microsoft Office is paramount. The mention of Section 508 accessibility suggests familiarity with tools that can check or apply these standards within the Adobe suite or related PDF tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: High emphasis on delivering error-free work that adheres to strict branding and technical specifications.

• Compliance: Dedication to following established guidelines, including the AO Style Manual and Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Reliability: The ability to consistently deliver quality work on time, contributing to the smooth operation of the PPD branch.

• Teamwork: A collaborative approach, supporting senior designers and contributing to shared project goals.

• Efficiency: Utilizing templates and organized processes to ensure timely production of visual materials.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive: Entry-level designers will work closely with and support senior team members.

• Instruction-Following: A willingness to receive direction and execute tasks as specified by senior staff or client requirements.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive criticism and revisions to ensure final output meets standards.

• Proactive Communication: Sharing progress and flagging potential issues in a timely manner through status reports and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely reflect the demands of government contracting: structured, process-driven, and focused on meeting contractual obligations with high quality and compliance. Team members are expected to be dependable and work effectively within established frameworks.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Strict Adherence to Guidelines: Consistently applying complex branding standards and accessibility requirements without deviation can be challenging but is crucial for this role.

• High Volume Production: Managing a steady flow of production tasks while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

• Feedback and Revisions: Effectively incorporating feedback and making revisions on designs, often from multiple stakeholders.

• Learning Government Protocols: Adapting to the specific processes, terminology, and compliance requirements of federal agencies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly InDesign, and master file preparation techniques.

• Accessibility Specialization: Develop advanced skills in Section 508 accessibility implementation and compliance, a valuable niche in government contracting.

• Government Contracting Exposure: Gain practical experience working within a federal services environment, understanding client relationships and contract deliverables.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a strong portfolio of work for a prominent government agency, enhancing future career prospects in the federal sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth path involves mastering the technical and compliance aspects of the role. Challenges will stem from the need for meticulous execution and adaptation to specific government requirements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process-Oriented: "Describe your process for taking a piece of content and turning it into a branded, print-ready document using a template." "How do you ensure accuracy and consistency when applying branding guidelines across multiple materials?" "Walk me through your steps for preparing a file for print production."

• Problem-Solving: "If you noticed a discrepancy between a new request and existing brand guidelines, how would you handle it?" "How would you approach applying Section 508 accessibility tagging to an infographic with complex imagery?" "What would you do if you were falling behind on a deadline for a critical deliverable?"

• Technical: "What are the key considerations when preflighting a file for print?" "Can you explain the importance of alt text and reading order for accessibility?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for KMRG, LLC and supporting the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and accessibility standards?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment and team collaboration style."

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your work?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or skill demonstration (e.g., Template Application, Print Production, Accessibility Examples).

• Narrative: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the tools used, the specific challenges overcome, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Clearly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in InDesign, template usage, file preparation, and accessibility tagging.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow, software features used, and how you ensured compliance or quality.

• Showcase Detail Orientation: Emphasize your meticulous approach to file management and adherence to specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow established processes. Be ready to discuss your technical proficiency and how you apply standards like branding and accessibility.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic production position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the KMRG, LLC careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight examples of template-based design, print-ready file preparation, and any experience with Section 508 accessibility tagging. Prioritize work that demonstrates adherence to strict branding guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Production," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "InDesign," "Section 508 Accessibility," "Template-based Layout," "File Preflight," and "Digital Asset Management." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially regarding file preparation and accessibility implementation. Prepare to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office in a production context.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KMRG, LLC's federal contracting work and the mission of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) to understand the context of the role 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.