Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: REI Systems

Location: Sterling, VA (Hybrid)

Job Type: Other

Category: Creative Services / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-05T18:28:06.939

Experience Level: Mid-Level Designer (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in-office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design a wide range of marketing and promotional materials for REI Systems, encompassing social media graphics, digital banners, landing pages, print collateral, and event materials.

• Conceptualize and execute visually compelling marketing campaigns across multiple platforms and mediums, aligning with corporate branding and strategic objectives.

• Transform complex technical content into modern, intuitive proposal graphics, requiring a strong understanding of both design principles and technical subject matter.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, proposal teams, and other designers, to capture project requirements and deliver creative solutions.

• Leverage AI tools to enhance the design process, particularly in proposal development and marketing campaign conceptualization, demonstrating adaptability to evolving technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context provided clearly indicate a role heavily integrated with marketing operations and GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy, specifically through proposal development and campaign execution for a Federal IT solutions provider. The emphasis on transforming complex technical content into visual narratives for proposals is a core GTM function. The inclusion of AI tools in the description further highlights a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency within creative services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce diverse marketing collateral, including social media graphics, digital advertisements, landing pages, print materials (flyers, posters, event banners), presentations, and video assets.

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute integrated marketing campaigns that span various platforms and mediums, ensuring consistent brand messaging and visual appeal.

• Translate intricate technical information and complex solutions into clear, compelling, and modern proposal graphics, from initial concept through final delivery.

• Actively participate in strategic meetings with stakeholders to understand project narratives and requirements, then translate these into impactful visual designs.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality assets within established deadlines.

• Effectively communicate design concepts, strategies, and rationale to internal clients and external stakeholders, presenting work with clarity and confidence.

• Iteratively refine designs based on feedback from peers, leadership, and clients, ensuring all deliverables meet and exceed client expectations and brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and strong time management skills in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

• Uphold and advocate for REI Systems' corporate brand identity, ensuring consistency and adherence across all projects, products, and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are directly aligned with a Graphic Designer role supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) functions, particularly in proposal development and marketing campaign execution. The emphasis on transforming "complex technical content into modern, intuitive proposal graphics" is a critical GTM activity. The expectation to "collaborate with other designers and stakeholders at strategic meetings to capture the story or solution" further reinforces the GTM integration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a closely related creative field is preferred.

• Equivalent professional experience will be considered as a substitute for a formal degree. Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional industry experience, positioning this role as a Mid-Level Designer.

• Preferred experience working within the Federal IT sector.

• Experience as part of a proposal team, specifically in developing proposal graphics and technical solution graphics for client presentations. Required Skills:

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite, with specific emphasis on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Design Knowledge: A strong understanding of design principles, best practices, and the design process to effectively lead and justify creative approaches and strategies.

• Marketing & Branding: Proven ability to design marketing materials, including social graphics, digital ads, and print collateral, with a solid grasp of brand identity and corporate branding standards.

• Technical Graphics: Demonstrated skill in conceptualizing and designing technical illustrations and infographics that simplify complex information.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize workload effectively, and maintain strong self-management skills.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present designs and concepts clearly to both internal and external clients.

• Collaboration: A collaborative spirit, comfortable working in fast-paced, team-oriented environments, and adept at incorporating feedback.

• Attention To Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in all design outputs.

Preferred Skills:

• Web Content Management: Experience editing web content using platforms such as WordPress, Divi, and HubSpot.

• Video & Motion Graphics: Proficiency in video editing with Adobe Premiere and motion graphics creation using Adobe After Effects.

• Videography & Photography: Experience in videography and/or photography.

• Proposal Development: Direct experience working on proposal teams and creating technical solution graphics for client presentations and proposals.

• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, marketing collateral, proposal graphics, and brand identity strongly aligns with the needs of a GTM and Marketing Operations function. The preferred skills in web content management and video editing further support broader marketing operations capabilities. The requirement for experience in proposal development is a direct indicator of GTM involvement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work, with a strong emphasis on marketing campaigns, typography, infographics, and digital media.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical information into visually appealing and easily understandable graphics, particularly for proposals.

• Examples of corporate branding application and adherence to brand guidelines across various collateral types.

• Evidence of creating effective digital assets such as social media graphics, digital banners, and landing pages.

• Case studies or examples that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of design on project objectives. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate the design process, from initial concept and stakeholder consultation to final delivery and iteration.

• Understanding of workflow management within a creative services team, including project intake, feedback loops, and revision cycles.

• Experience in managing design projects within a structured environment, demonstrating efficiency and adherence to best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting GTM and proposal efforts, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic talent but also the ability to communicate complex information visually, a key GTM requirement. The "Process Documentation" aspect should emphasize the designer's ability to work within established workflows, which is critical for operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,000 - $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP), providing direct participation in company growth and success.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a company match of 50% on the employee's first 5% of contributions.

• Insurance: Company-paid life and disability insurance.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work arrangement, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and 11 paid holidays.

• Professional Growth: Wellness programs, mental health support, and dedicated professional development opportunities.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a mid-level Graphic Designer in the Sterling, VA area with the specified experience and skill set. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the ESOP, is a significant differentiator for REI Systems and should be highlighted. The mention of "occasional overtime" is standard for creative roles with project deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal IT Services and Solutions. REI Systems specializes in areas like application modernization, grants management, case management systems, and government data analytics, with a strong focus on AI integration.

Company Size: Large (typically 1,000+ employees based on common industry classifications for companies with a significant federal contract presence). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Founded in 1981, REI Systems has a long-standing history and deep experience in serving federal clients, indicating stability and established expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, which supports various departments including marketing, capture (GTM), and internal communications.

• This team likely works closely with proposal managers, business development teams, and technical subject matter experts.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Creative Services Manager or Director, with direct collaboration across project teams. Methodology:

• Mindful Modernization®: REI Systems' proprietary approach, emphasizing mission impact through aligning client objectives with measurable outcomes via people, processes, and technology.

• AI Integration: A strategic focus on leveraging AI across capture, delivery, and customer engagement processes to enhance efficiency and decision-making.

• Agile & Collaborative: The company culture encourages open communication, idea sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, particularly within the creative and capture teams.

Company Website: www.REIsystems.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding REI Systems' focus on Federal IT, their "Mindful Modernization®" approach, and their increasing integration of AI is crucial for a candidate in this role. This context helps tailor design solutions and communication to the specific needs and language of government clients and internal stakeholders. The company's history and size suggest a stable yet innovative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is expected to contribute independently to design tasks, manage smaller projects, and collaborate effectively within larger initiatives. It serves as a foundational role for developing expertise in specialized design areas relevant to government contracting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Services Manager or similar leadership role within the Creative Services department. They will work collaboratively with marketing specialists, proposal managers, and technical teams across various projects.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) success by creating compelling visual assets for proposals, marketing campaigns, and brand representation. High-quality design enhances the perception of REI Systems' capabilities, supports win rates for federal contracts, and strengthens brand recognition. The effective translation of technical concepts into understandable graphics is a critical component of successful proposal submissions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche design areas such as proposal graphics, technical illustration, motion graphics, or AI-enhanced design for federal clients.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Lead Designer role, taking on more complex projects and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional: Transition into related roles within Marketing Operations, Proposal Management, or Brand Management, leveraging design expertise in a broader strategic capacity.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in new design software, AI tools, and emerging design trends relevant to the federal IT sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from Mid-Level Graphic Designer to Senior roles or into adjacent operations functions like proposal management or marketing strategy is a key aspect for ambitious candidates. Highlighting the impact on GTM win rates and brand perception underscores the strategic value of this design role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) in the Sterling, VA office. This suggests a blend of focused individual work at home and collaborative, in-person interaction at the office.

Office Location(s): Sterling, VA office. This location is within the Northern Virginia technology corridor, offering proximity to government agencies and other federal contractors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office days are designed for team collaboration, strategic meetings, brainstorming sessions, and in-person client interactions.

• Technology-Rich: Expect access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially specialized hardware for creative tasks.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to connect with colleagues from marketing, sales, technical, and proposal teams, fostering a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Flexibility is provided through the hybrid model, allowing for personal life integration, but adherence to project deadlines may occasionally require overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature. The specified in-office days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) suggest a deliberate structure for collaboration. The Sterling, VA location is significant for those familiar with the federal contracting landscape.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), design principles, and experience with marketing collateral and proposal graphics. May include a portfolio walkthrough.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study, potentially involving transforming technical content into a visual concept, or a short turnaround design task to evaluate problem-solving and execution under pressure.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with REI Systems' values and "Mindful Modernization®" approach.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your strengths in marketing design, typography, infographics, and especially your ability to translate complex technical information into clear visuals for proposals.

• Highlight GTM Impact: For proposal graphics, explain the objective, the challenge, your design solution, and the intended audience. If possible, quantify the impact (e.g., "helped clarify complex solution for win theme").

• Showcase Process: Include a brief overview of your design process for key projects, demonstrating your problem-solving approach and how you incorporate feedback.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully maintained or applied corporate brand guidelines.

• Technical Graphics Focus: Ensure strong examples of technical illustrations or diagrams that simplify complex concepts.

• Digital Presence: Be prepared to present your portfolio digitally, with clear navigation and high-quality visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, focus on understanding the core message or technical concept you need to convey.

• Think Strategically: Consider the target audience (e.g., government evaluators, marketing stakeholders) and the objective of the design.

• Embrace AI: If the challenge involves technical content, consider how AI tools could assist in research, ideation, or initial asset generation, but emphasize your creative oversight.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a simulated timeframe.

• Verbalize Your Process: Be ready to explain your design choices, tools used, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges is standard for creative roles. For this specific role, the interviewer will likely probe for experience with proposal graphics and the ability to simplify technical information, which are core GTM functions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital artwork creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print collateral, proposals, and presentations.

• Web Content Management (Preferred): WordPress, Divi, HubSpot for editing and potentially designing web pages and landing pages.

• Video Editing (Preferred): Adobe Premiere for video production.

• Motion Graphics (Preferred): Adobe After Effects for creating animated graphics and visual effects.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for the designer, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards used by marketing teams could be an advantage.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the designer's core tools, but understanding how marketing materials integrate with CRM campaigns (e.g., HubSpot) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The preferred skills in web content management, video editing, and motion graphics significantly enhance a candidate's marketability and ability to contribute to broader GTM and marketing operations initiatives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Impact: A core value at REI Systems, emphasizing that all work, including design, should directly contribute to advancing client missions and achieving measurable outcomes.

• Innovation & Modernization: A commitment to "Mindful Modernization®" and embracing new technologies like AI to improve processes and outcomes.

• Collaboration & Open Communication: Encouragement to share ideas freely, provide constructive feedback, and work together to find the best solutions.

• Integrity & Reliability: As a company serving the federal government, a strong emphasis on trust, accuracy, and delivering dependable results.

• Employee-Centric: A culture that values employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, as reflected in their benefits and recognition.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with marketing, capture teams, technical experts, and proposal managers, acting as a bridge between technical concepts and visual communication.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture that embraces iterative design, where feedback from various stakeholders is actively sought and incorporated to refine deliverables.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design techniques, best practices, and insights with colleagues to foster continuous improvement within the Creative Services team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding REI's "Mindful Modernization®" and AI focus is key. The emphasis on mission impact and cross-functional collaboration is critical for anyone working in operations or GTM support roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge is to distill complex federal IT solutions and technical concepts into visually understandable and compelling graphics for diverse audiences (e.g., government evaluators, marketing stakeholders).

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Maintaining strict adherence to REI's corporate brand while creating unique and engaging designs for various campaigns and proposals.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Effectively navigating feedback and requirements from multiple internal clients with potentially differing priorities.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Staying current with design software updates, AI tools, and emerging digital design trends relevant to the federal sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Training and development in specialized areas of Adobe Creative Suite or new design technologies.

• AI in Design: Opportunities to explore and implement AI tools for design ideation, asset generation, and workflow optimization.

• Federal IT Industry Knowledge: Gaining a deeper understanding of government contracting, proposal processes, and the specific technical domains REI Systems serves.

• GTM & Marketing Strategy: Learning how design contributes to broader marketing campaigns, proposal win strategies, and brand positioning.

• Professional Development Programs: REI Systems offers various programs for skill enhancement and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of simplifying technical information is a core aspect of GTM support. Growth opportunities should focus on specialization within design relevant to the company's mission and industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual for a complex cybersecurity solution for a federal agency, given limited technical background?" (Assesses ability to translate technical complexity, problem-solving)

• "Describe your process for creating graphics for a government proposal. How do you ensure accuracy and compliance with RFP requirements?" (Assesses GTM proposal experience, process, attention to detail)

• "How do you incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when there are conflicting opinions on design direction?" (Assesses collaboration, communication, client management)

• "How have you used AI tools, or how might you envision using AI, to enhance your design workflow or the quality of your output?" (Assesses adaptability, forward-thinking, tech integration) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about REI Systems' 'Mindful Modernization®' approach, and how might your design philosophy align with it?" (Assesses research, understanding of company ethos)

• "How do you see graphic design contributing to REI Systems' success in the federal IT market?" (Assesses strategic thinking, understanding of role's impact)

• "Describe a time you worked in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. How did you manage your workload and stress?" (Assesses adaptability, time management) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Emphasize GTM Relevance: For proposal examples, explain how your visuals supported the win theme, clarified a technical solution, or met specific RFP requirements.

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight a range of projects demonstrating your ability to handle different mediums and styles while maintaining brand consistency.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to walk through your design process, from concept to final execution, and how you handled revisions.

• Highlight Technical Graphics: Dedicate time to showcasing your best examples of technical illustrations or infographics, explaining the complexity simplified.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions should probe for GTM relevance, technical translation ability, and AI tool usage. Portfolio presentation should emphasize impact and process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the REI Systems careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in graphic design for marketing, proposal development, and technical illustration. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed graphics that supported X% increase in proposal score").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples relevant to federal IT, proposal graphics, infographics, and marketing collateral. Be prepared to discuss your process and impact for each piece.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Anticipate a practical design exercise or case study. Practice translating complex information into visuals and articulating your design choices.

• Research REI Systems: Understand their mission, "Mindful Modernization®" approach, AI integration strategy, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers 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.

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