Graphic Designer (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Contract)

Company: International City County Management (ICMA)

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a senior-level Contract Graphic Designer responsible for creating compelling visual communications that support ICMA's mission of advancing professional local government.

• The designer will conceptualize and execute a wide range of print and digital assets, including conference branding, publications, marketing campaigns, and educational resources, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• This position requires strong collaboration skills, working closely with Design Managers, project managers, marketers, and other stakeholders to translate project briefs into effective design solutions.

• The role offers a unique opportunity to build a diverse portfolio through varied project types within a mission-driven nonprofit organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly stated as a contractor position with potential for future full-time conversion. The required hours (25-35 per week) and availability during core Eastern Time business hours are critical for planning and managing workload.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with marketing teams, project managers, copywriters, and stakeholders to develop effective visual communications that align with project objectives.

• Translate project briefs into compelling visual concepts and polished creative assets, ensuring they resonate with local government professionals.

• Design and produce a diverse range of print and digital materials, including publications, resource guides, conference branding systems, infographics, presentation templates, and marketing collateral, all while adhering to ICMA brand standards.

• Support the development and execution of comprehensive branding for conferences, educational programs, campaigns, and other organizational initiatives.

• Execute design projects from initial concept development through final production, ensuring all assets are print-ready or web-optimized as required.

• Create visual assets such as event signage, environmental graphics, email and social media graphics, booth graphics, banners, promotional materials, and digital advertising imagery.

• Maintain visual consistency across all touchpoints and brand experiences to reinforce ICMA's identity and messaging.

• Participate actively in creative reviews, incorporating feedback thoughtfully and constructively to refine design solutions.

• Clearly articulate design rationale and help stakeholders understand design decisions, fostering buy-in and alignment.

• Provide regular project updates and participate in recurring check-ins with the Design Manager to ensure project progress and address any challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a broad scope of design work, from foundational branding to specific marketing and event materials. The need to explain design decisions highlights the importance of strategic thinking and communication beyond pure aesthetics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design principles is implied through the experience and portfolio requirements.

Experience: Five to eight years of professional graphic design experience in an agency, in-house, freelance, or contract environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Working proficiency in Canva and the Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint.

• Experience preparing files for both print and digital production, understanding technical specifications for each medium.

• Strong understanding of fundamental graphic design principles, including typography, information hierarchy, visual storytelling, and brand identity systems.

• Demonstrated ability to balance innovative design trends with long-term brand effectiveness.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and manage workflow effectively in a remote environment.

• Experience with file management systems such as SharePoint, Dropbox, or similar. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting conferences, events, and environmental graphics.

• Experience working with associations, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations.

• Familiarity with social media campaign design.

• Experience designing presentations, reports, and educational resources.

• Basic understanding of motion graphics, video editing, or Adobe After Effects.

• Familiarity with accessibility considerations in visual communications.

• Understanding of how AI can be used responsibly as part of the creative process and design toolkit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "5-8 years of professional graphic design experience" sets a clear benchmark. The preferred qualifications indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly experience with nonprofit sectors and emerging technologies like AI in design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio is mandatory, showcasing professional work in:

  • Brand identity design and its application across various mediums.
  • Publication and editorial design, demonstrating layout skills and understanding of information flow.
  • Marketing and campaign design, highlighting creative concept development and execution.
  • Typography and layout systems, proving mastery of visual structure and hierarchy.
  • Event and conference-related creative work, showcasing ability to develop cohesive systems for specific occasions.
  • Print and digital communications, demonstrating versatility across different output types.

• If the portfolio is password-protected, the password must be included in the application. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly detailed as "documentation," the requirement to "execute design projects from concept through final production" and "prepare files for print and digital production" implies a structured approach to project management and technical execution.

• The ability to "explain design rationale and help stakeholders understand design decisions" suggests a process of articulating creative strategy and obtaining stakeholder buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary mechanism for demonstrating process and system proficiency. It needs to clearly articulate the candidate's approach to design challenges, from conceptualization to final output, with a focus on brand consistency and effective communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30.00 - $37.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• This is a contract position, so traditional employee benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off) are typically not included.

• Contract workers are responsible for their own self-employment taxes.

• Potential for transition to a full-time role in the future, which would then include a full benefits package.

Working Hours: 25 - 35 hours per week, with potential for variation based on organizational needs. Availability during ICMA's core hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am ET – 5:00 pm ET) is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for contract graphic design roles in Washington D.C. The key takeaway for candidates is the "contractor" classification, which means they will not receive typical employee benefits and must manage their own taxes and equipment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nonprofit / Professional Association / Local Government Services. ICMA operates within the public administration and local governance sector, focusing on professional development and support for local government leaders.

Company Size: ICMA serves over 14,000 members globally, indicating a significant organizational reach and impact, though the internal team size is not specified. The company values diversity and inclusion.

Founded: 1914. ICMA has a long-standing history of supporting professional local government.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Design Manager.

• Collaboration is expected with marketing teams, project managers, copywriters, and other stakeholders across the organization.

• The role requires working independently but also participating in team check-ins and creative reviews. Methodology:

• Design solutions are expected to be brand-driven and thoughtful, supporting ICMA's mission.

• A collaborative approach is central, involving input from various departments to ensure effective visual communications.

• The organization values advancing professional local government by providing research, knowledge, and tools.

Company Website: https://icma.isolvedhire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: ICMA's mission-driven nature suggests that candidates who are passionate about public service and community development may find this role particularly fulfilling. The emphasis on collaboration and brand consistency points to a structured, professional design environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Contract Graphic Designer. This role is for an experienced professional, not an entry-level position.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Design Manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within the design function.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts ICMA's ability to communicate its mission, engage its members, and promote its services and initiatives effectively through visually appealing and professional materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: The primary growth opportunity within this contract role is the significant expansion of one's professional portfolio with diverse project types (branding systems, publications, campaigns, environmental graphics, etc.).

• Potential Full-Time Conversion: The contract explicitly mentions the potential to transition to a full-time role, offering a path to long-term employment with ICMA and access to standard employee benefits.

• Skill Development: Exposure to a mission-driven organization and varied design challenges can foster growth in areas like nonprofit marketing, event branding, and potentially new design tools or accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional career ladder, the contract offers substantial project experience and the possibility of a permanent role. Candidates should view this as a strategic move to enhance their portfolio and gain experience in a specific sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote-only contract position.

Office Location(s): The physical office is located at 660 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001, but the role is remote.

Workspace Context:

• The candidate must provide their own high-speed internet connection, personal computer, telephone, printer, and other necessary technology at their own expense.

• The remote setup requires strong self-discipline and time management skills to ensure productivity and meet project deadlines.

• Collaboration will occur virtually through digital communication tools and scheduled meetings.

Work Schedule: Flexible within the 25-35 hours per week requirement, with mandatory availability during ICMA's core business hours (8:30 am ET – 5:00 pm ET) from Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature is a key feature. Candidates must be comfortable and equipped for a fully remote work setup, managing their own technology and workspace, and ensuring sufficient bandwidth for job functions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves reviewing resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where the Design Manager and potentially other stakeholders will evaluate the depth, breadth, and quality of the candidate's work, specifically looking for examples matching the required and preferred qualifications.

• Skills Assessment/Interview: May involve a discussion about design process, problem-solving approaches, experience with specific tools, and how the candidate handles feedback and collaboration. A design challenge or test project might be given.

• Final Interview: To discuss the contract terms, expectations, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select pieces that directly align with the job description's requirements: branding, publications, marketing campaigns, conference/event design, and print/digital work.

• Showcase Process: Include case studies that briefly explain the project brief, your conceptual approach, the problem-solving steps, and the final solution. Visuals are key, but context matters.

• Highlight Diversity: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates versatility across different project types and styles, showcasing your ability to adapt to ICMA's varied needs.

• Demonstrate Brand Acumen: Include examples of how you've applied brand guidelines or developed new brand elements.

• Quality Over Quantity: A smaller, highly relevant, and well-presented selection is better than a large, unfocused collection.

• Password Protection: If your portfolio is password-protected, ensure the password is clearly provided in your application.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, from brief interpretation to final delivery.

• Practice explaining your design choices and how they meet project objectives and brand requirements.

• Familiarize yourself with ICMA's mission, current branding, and the types of materials they produce.

• Consider how you would approach designing for a nonprofit or professional association audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should meticulously curate their submissions to directly address the specific types of design work ICMA requires, demonstrating both technical skill and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign (for publications, layouts), Illustrator (for logos, vector graphics, infographics), and Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets).

• Canva: Working proficiency is expected, indicating its use for potentially quicker or simpler designs, social media assets, or internal presentations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Working proficiency, with a specific emphasis on PowerPoint for presentations and potentially document creation.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this design role.

CRM & Automation: Not explicitly mentioned for this design role.

File Management: SharePoint, Dropbox, or similar cloud-based file management systems are required for collaboration and storage in a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool requirements are standard for graphic designers. Proficiency in Adobe CC is non-negotiable, while familiarity with Canva and MS Office broadens the scope of tasks the designer can handle. The mention of file management systems is crucial for remote collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to advancing professional local government and supporting ICMA's mission is likely paramount.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including marketing, project management, and stakeholders, is essential.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive and professional brand identity across all communications.

• Creativity & Thoughtfulness: Developing design solutions that are not only visually appealing but also strategic and impactful.

• Efficiency: As a contract role, delivering high-quality work within agreed-upon hours and deadlines is critical.

Collaboration Style:

• Emphasizes teamwork with various internal departments and project managers.

• Creative reviews are a standard part of the process, requiring constructive participation and feedback incorporation.

• Open communication is expected, including providing project updates and explaining design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should highlight their ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate an understanding of how design supports an organization's mission. Their approach to feedback and communication will be key indicators of cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Work Management: Maintaining productivity, focus, and consistent communication in a fully remote environment, especially with self-provided equipment and internet.

• Diverse Project Scope: Adapting quickly to a wide array of design needs, from intricate publications to broad conference branding, requiring versatility and efficient workflow.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively translating varied stakeholder needs and feedback into cohesive design solutions while managing expectations.

• Balancing Creativity and Brand: Ensuring innovative design while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and the organization's mission-focused objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Enrichment: Gaining extensive experience across multiple design disciplines (branding, editorial, digital, event) within a single contract.

• Nonprofit Sector Exposure: Understanding the unique design and communication needs of a mission-driven professional association.

• Potential Full-Time Transition: The possibility of moving into a permanent role offers long-term career development within ICMA.

• AI in Design: Opportunity to explore and integrate AI tools responsibly into the design workflow, as mentioned in preferred qualifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they overcome the challenges of remote work and managing diverse projects. Highlighting a proactive approach to learning and adaptation will be beneficial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a project from initial brief to final delivery, focusing on how you ensure brand consistency and stakeholder satisfaction."

• "How do you approach designing for a mission-driven organization versus a corporate client? What are the key differences in your strategy?"

• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to balance creative innovation with strict brand guidelines or stakeholder feedback. What was your solution?"

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about ICMA's mission and the local government sector?"

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with remote team members and stakeholders you may not meet in person?"

• "Describe a time you received difficult feedback on your design work. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends while ensuring your work remains timeless and aligned with brand strategy?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by case study.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative solution, and the impact or outcome. Visuals should dominate, but concise narrative is crucial.

• Highlight Relevance: Spend more time on projects that directly mirror ICMA's needs (branding, publications, event materials).

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be ready to discuss the tools and techniques used. If discussing print files, mention considerations for production.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, processes, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, demonstrate strategic thinking, and articulate their understanding of ICMA's mission. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing relevant experience and problem-solving skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ICMA IsolvedHire portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights the 5-8 years of professional experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe CC, Canva, MS Office), and relevant project types (branding, publications, campaigns, event design). Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant work samples. If password-protected, ensure the password is included. Focus on showcasing the required skills and preferred qualifications.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your design process, explain your portfolio pieces, and articulate your understanding of ICMA's mission and the challenges of remote work.

• Research ICMA: Understand their mission, target audience (local government professionals), and review their existing communications to gain insights into their brand and visual style.

⚠️ 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.