Graphic Designer - Cleared

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Cleared

Company: CACI International

Location: Chantilly, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: June 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute comprehensive visual communication strategies to support government client missions, integrating graphic design, web administration, and brand management principles.

• Serve as a technical authority for custom graphic design projects, encompassing website content, social media, presentations, government reports, articles, fact sheets, posters, events, and video production.

• Ensure all visual and written content adheres to standardized compliance guidelines, specifically 508 Compliance, and organizational branding standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and advisory groups to develop and refine internal communication policies, procedures, and strategic communication plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the "Graphic Designer" title might seem outside traditional Revenue or Sales Operations, the emphasis on "visual communication," "strategic planning," "organizational brand management," "website management," "presentations," and "government reports" strongly suggests a role supporting GTM, internal communications, or potentially even marketing operations functions within a government contracting environment. The requirement for a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance indicates a highly sensitive and specialized role within the defense or intelligence sectors. The inclusion of "508 Compliance" is critical for government-facing digital assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and prepare diverse materials and information to support the mission, activities, and initiatives of government clients.

• Coordinate with various organizational entities within the federal government to support employee engagement activities through visual and communication strategies.

• Act as a technical authority for custom graphic design work, including website management, social media content, presentation decks, government reports, articles, fact sheets, posters, event collateral, and video production.

• Ensure all internal and external documents and digital assets comply with standardized guidelines, particularly Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Plan, edit, design, and write content for a variety of internal communication media, such as staff intranets, meeting presentations, newsletters, email updates, and videos.

• Create and edit visual aids to effectively support internal and external government communications.

• Conduct comprehensive reviews and analyses of work products to ensure alignment with the government's overall goals, target audience, and branding objectives.

• Standardize procedures to ensure consistency with branding assets, including logos, brand marks, templates, color palettes, and brand guides across multiple forms of media.

• Collaborate with advisory groups to develop internal communications policies and procedures for senior-level approval.

• Support the development and execution of comprehensive internal and external communications plans and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep integration with government communication strategies, requiring not just design skills but also an understanding of compliance, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration. The emphasis on "standardize procedures" and "branding assets" points to a need for process-oriented thinking, akin to operations roles focused on consistency and efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related fine arts discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in graphic design and strategic communications.

• Experience interacting with senior-level employees and preparing detailed, accurate presentations for executive staff review. Required Skills:

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

• Proficiency in creating and designing projects and strategic communications using Adobe Suite products (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proficiency in creating and designing projects and strategic communications using Microsoft Suite products (e.g., PowerPoint, Word).

• Strong understanding of 508 Compliance for digital content.

• Excellent visual communication and design skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience utilizing Brand Guides for consistent messaging and visual identity.

• Experience creating graphics specifically for U.S. Government entities.

• Experience with web administration and content management systems.

• Experience with photography support and video production.

• Experience in organizational brand management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clearance requirement is paramount and non-negotiable. The minimum experience level combined with a Bachelor's degree suggests a mid-level role. The emphasis on both Adobe and Microsoft Suites, especially PowerPoint for executive presentations, is a strong indicator of the need for polished, business-ready deliverables. "508 Compliance" is a critical technical requirement for government work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two years of design work, with a strong emphasis on strategic communication projects.

• Include examples of graphics created for U.S. Government entities, demonstrating an understanding of government communication nuances.

• Present at least one detailed case study of a project involving 508 Compliance, outlining the process, challenges, and successful implementation.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using brand guides and maintaining brand consistency across various media.

• Include examples of presentations (e.g., PowerPoint decks) designed for executive review, highlighting clarity, impact, and adherence to strategic objectives. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and standardize design processes to ensure consistent application of branding assets (logos, color palettes, templates).

• Experience in developing and refining internal communication policies and procedures, with clear documentation of stakeholder input and approval pathways.

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to reviewing and analyzing work products for alignment with project objectives, audience, and branding.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving government contracts and strict compliance, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates process, adherence to standards, and strategic thinking is crucial. The ability to document processes and policies is a key operations-related skill that differentiates candidates.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $59,600 - $122,100 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Wellness programs and resources.

• Financial planning and support services.

• Robust retirement savings plans.

• Family support benefits.

• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

• Flexible time off benefits.

• Generous paid time off policies. Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, requiring a consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, reflecting differences in experience, specific skill sets, and potentially internal government contract labor categories. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large defense contractor like CACI, offering strong support for employees and their families. The "flexible time off" benefit is a notable perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Information Technology and Services / Defense & Intelligence. CACI International is a major provider of IT solutions and services to the U.S. government, particularly in defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. This context implies a mission-driven environment with a strong emphasis on security, compliance, and client success.

Company Size: Large enterprise (CACI employs tens of thousands of individuals globally). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career paths, but may also involve navigating larger organizational structures.

Founded: 1962. With a long history, CACI has established itself as a significant player in its industry, known for its long-term client relationships and adaptability.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a Communications or similar department supporting a specific government client or program.

• The team may consist of other designers, writers, communication specialists, and project managers, working collaboratively under a program manager or director.

• Reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a lead designer, communications manager, or program lead, with direct interaction with government stakeholders.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be key, working with technical teams, program managers, and client representatives to ensure visual communications effectively support mission objectives. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for understanding audience needs and the effectiveness of communication materials.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be applied to design processes, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and adherence to client requirements.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be leveraged where possible, particularly in template creation and content management, to streamline production workflows.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's focus on government contracting means the culture likely emphasizes integrity, mission support, and security. The "culture of integrity," "environment of trust," and "focus on continuous growth" described in the job posting are standard corporate messaging but should be interpreted within the context of a defense contractor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This position requires a foundation of 2+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree, indicating a professional who can work independently on assigned projects but may still be developing advanced strategic capabilities. The "technical authority" designation suggests a level of expertise and responsibility beyond entry-level.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Communications Lead, Program Manager, or a senior member of the communications team. Direct interaction with government clients and senior leadership is expected, providing exposure to high-level decision-making processes.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant in shaping the perception and understanding of government initiatives. Effective visual communication can enhance clarity, improve engagement, ensure compliance, and ultimately contribute to the success of client missions. This role bridges creative design with operational requirements for clear, compliant, and impactful messaging.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in 508 Compliance, government branding standards, and advanced design techniques for complex government projects.

• Learning & Development: Access to CACI's extensive learning resources, potentially including certifications in project management, advanced design software, or government communication strategies.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, or Communications Manager roles, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and manage larger projects or communication initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Operations" role, growth here involves mastering specialized government communication requirements, which are essentially operational constraints and objectives for creative teams in this sector. The ability to manage design processes and ensure compliance is key to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role explicitly states "onsite in Chantilly, VA" and requires a TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance, indicating a secure government facility or a contractor facility with secure working spaces.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, VA, United States. This location is a hub for government contractors and federal agencies in the Northern Virginia technology corridor.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a secure government or contractor facility, necessitating adherence to strict security protocols.

• Access to essential design tools and technology will be provided, likely including high-performance workstations and industry-standard software.

• Opportunities for collaboration with a dedicated team of communication professionals and direct interaction with government stakeholders will be a regular part of the work environment. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While structured, CACI's mention of "flexible time off" may allow for some discretion in managing personal time, provided operational needs and client demands are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The secure, on-site nature of the work is a critical aspect of the environment, demanding a high level of discretion and adherence to protocols. This is a key operational consideration for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by CACI HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Technical interview focusing on design skills, experience with Adobe/Microsoft Suites, understanding of 508 Compliance, and previous work with government clients. Expect portfolio review during this stage.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be expected to walk through their portfolio, highlighting relevant projects, explaining their design process, and demonstrating how they met project objectives and client requirements.

• Security/Client Interview: Given the clearance requirement, there may be an additional interview or vetting process conducted by the government client or security team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience with government communications, 508 Compliance, brand consistency, and executive presentations.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's objective, your role, the design process, the challenges faced (especially compliance or security-related), and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Compliance: Specifically point out how you ensured 508 Compliance and adhered to government branding guidelines.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Suite and Microsoft Suite tools in the context of your projects.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your experience with government clients, handling sensitive information, and working under strict guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge or a scenario-based question assessing your problem-solving approach to a communication task within a government context.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your creative solutions meet strategic and operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. It must clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to meet the specific, stringent requirements of government design work, especially 508 Compliance and brand adherence. The interview process will heavily scrutinize these aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for graphic design and layout.

• Microsoft Suite: PowerPoint is critical for creating executive-level presentations; Word for reports and documents.

• Web Administration Tools: Potentially Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, or specific government platforms for website updates and management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret basic website analytics or engagement metrics for social media and intranet content would be beneficial for optimizing designs. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how designs integrate into broader marketing or communication workflows might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for graphic designers, but the emphasis on PowerPoint and 508 Compliance elevates the requirement beyond basic creative software proficiency. Experience with government-specific platforms or secure web administration tools would be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining the highest level of trust, especially given the sensitive nature of government work.

• Mission Focus: Dedication to supporting the success of client missions through effective and compliant communications.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and communication outcomes that meet rigorous standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members, government stakeholders, and advisory groups to achieve shared objectives.

• Compliance: Strict adherence to all security protocols, accessibility standards (508), and branding guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with program managers, technical experts, and other communication specialists to ensure designs are accurate, relevant, and aligned with overall project goals.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular interaction with government clients to gather requirements, present concepts, and receive feedback, requiring strong communication and diplomacy skills.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to refine work products based on stakeholder input and compliance reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on integrity, mission, and compliance are defining cultural characteristics for roles within government contracting. The collaborative style must be adaptable to the structured and often hierarchical nature of government organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Compliance: Ensuring all design outputs meet stringent requirements like 508 Compliance and specific government branding standards can be complex and time-consuming.

• Working with Sensitive Information: Handling classified or sensitive information requires strict adherence to security protocols and discretion.

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Strict Guidelines: Finding creative solutions within the constraints of government regulations, security protocols, and established brand identities.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Requirements: Staying current with new design software, web technologies, and changing government communication mandates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to gain certifications in advanced design software, project management, or specific government communication protocols.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences or workshops related to government contracting, cybersecurity, or advanced visual communication.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced designers and communication professionals within CACI who can provide guidance on career development and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the operational complexities of working within the government sector. Growth opportunities should focus on mastering these complexities and leveraging them for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to ensure a design project met 508 Compliance. What was your process, and what challenges did you encounter?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and compliance knowledge)

• "How do you approach incorporating strict brand guidelines into creative design work, especially for a government client?" (Assess ability to balance creativity with operational constraints)

• "Walk us through a presentation you designed for senior leadership. What was the objective, and how did your design contribute to its success?" (Highlight strategic thinking and impact) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CACI's work with government clients, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs, particularly from government stakeholders?" (Assess adaptability and collaboration style)

• "Describe your experience working in a secure environment with classified or sensitive information." (Evaluate understanding of security protocols) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant projects. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the solution, and the outcome.

• Emphasize Process: Detail your design process, especially how you incorporated requirements, feedback, and compliance standards.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, clarity achieved).

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the unique requirements of government design work: compliance, security, and strategic alignment. The portfolio presentation is the candidate's primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the CACI careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "TS/SCI Poly," "508 Compliance," "Adobe Suite," "Microsoft Suite," "Government Communications," and "Brand Management." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features projects demonstrating your experience with government clients, 508 Compliance, and executive presentations. Ensure it is easily accessible and well-organized.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of project objectives, your process, challenges, and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with security protocols and government environments.

• Research CACI and the Role: Understand CACI's mission, its role in government contracting, and the specific demands of this cleared graphic design position. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

⚠️ 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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