Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: One Federal Solution

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide comprehensive multimedia, desktop publishing, and visual communication support for a key government strategic communication department.

• Develop and produce a wide array of communication products, ensuring adherence to stringent organizational and professional style standards.

• Leverage advanced design software and techniques to create impactful visual content for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate complex information into clear, engaging visual narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of "Graphic Designer II" typically implies a level of autonomy and responsibility beyond entry-level, requiring candidates to not only execute design tasks but also contribute to concept development and process improvement within the design function. The government sector context suggests a need for understanding and adherence to specific protocols and security clearances.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver timely multimedia, desktop publishing, and presentation support to meet the ONR Corporate Strategic Communication Department's evolving requirements.

• Create, edit, design, format, and maintain a diverse range of digital and print assets, including internet/intranet pages, blogs, social media content, newsletters, magazines, infographics, and video productions.

• Produce high-quality graphic design and artwork, ensuring all visual elements are cohesive and align with brand guidelines and communication objectives.

• Manage the full lifecycle of content production, from initial concept and gathering information to final approval and delivery for typesetting and printing.

• Ensure all developed content strictly adheres to applicable style guides, including but not limited to Associated Press, Navy, and specific ONR style standards.

• Utilize and maintain proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator, Bridge), and potentially Apple Motion/Adobe After Effects for advanced video and animation tasks.

• Coordinate effectively with external agencies, art services, and printers to ensure seamless project execution and high-quality final outputs.

• Maintain a strong customer focus, demonstrating flexibility, attention to detail, and a commitment to meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed indicate a need for a designer with a broad skill set, capable of handling both digital and print design, as well as video and multimedia elements. The emphasis on "internet and intranet pages, blogs, social media websites" suggests a focus on digital content creation and management, requiring an understanding of web design principles and social media engagement strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in graphic design and/or a related communications field.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise with the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator, Bridge) for a wide range of design tasks.

• Demonstrated experience in gathering information and materials, planning design concepts, and managing project workflows and schedules efficiently.

• Strong ability to illustrate concepts by designing rough layouts, considering arrangement, size, typography, and aesthetic elements.

• Proficiency in preparing finished copy and art for typesetting and printing, including understanding of pre-press requirements.

• Experience coordinating with external vendors, art services, and printers to ensure successful project delivery.

• Excellent creative graphic design and layout skills, with a portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects.

• Solid understanding of visual communication principles and their application in creating engaging content.

• Demonstrated customer focus, flexibility, attention to detail, and deadline orientation.

• Experience in managing challenging customer service issues with professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Apple Motion and/or Adobe After Effects for video editing, motion graphics, and animation.

• Familiarity with web design principles, UI/UX concepts, and content management systems for intranet and blog platforms.

• Knowledge of Associated Press, Navy, and ONR style guides for content compliance.

• Experience working within government contracting environments or supporting defense agencies.

• Skills in creating infographics and data visualization for complex information.

• Basic understanding of video production and editing techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in Graphic Designer II suggests a mid-level to senior role where candidates are expected to be largely independent in their work, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and potentially mentor junior designers. The 7-year experience requirement further supports this, indicating a need for seasoned professionals who can hit the ground running.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of seven years of professional graphic design experience, showcasing a breadth of work across digital and print media.

• Specific examples of projects that highlight expertise in multimedia production, desktop publishing, and visual communication strategy.

• Case studies detailing the design process from concept to completion, including problem identification, solution development, and final execution for diverse projects.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, with clear examples of complex tasks performed using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Evidence of ability to interpret and apply style guides (e.g., AP, Navy, ONR) to ensure brand consistency and compliance in delivered materials.

• Projects that showcase the creation of infographics, social media content, and potentially video elements, reflecting the diverse needs of the ONR Corporate Strategic Communication Department. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate design workflows, from initial brief intake and concept development to final asset delivery and stakeholder approval.

• Clear examples of how design projects were managed, including timelines, resource allocation, and coordination with external vendors or internal teams.

• Documentation of how style guide compliance was ensured throughout the design process and how feedback from stakeholders was incorporated.

• Examples of process improvements implemented in previous roles to enhance design efficiency, quality, or collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, especially within a government context, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate a structured approach to design problem-solving, workflow management, and adherence to specific organizational standards. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices will be as important as the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer II with 7+ years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and considering the government contracting sector, a competitive salary range is estimated between $75,000 - $100,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required Bachelor's degree, extensive experience, and the specialized skills in demand for government support roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., 401(k)).

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

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education to stay current with design software and trends.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.

• Access to government contracting benefits, which may include per diem or other allowances if travel is required.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with core business hours generally aligning with the standard 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST timeframe, Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be offered based on project demands and team needs, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for government contracting roles in the Arlington, VA area are highly competitive. The provided range is a benchmark, and actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, the exact scope of responsibilities, and the government's contract specifics. Benefits are typically robust in this sector to attract and retain talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Government Contracting. One Federal Solution (OFS) operates within the defense and civilian agency support sector, specializing in Business Intelligence, Acquisition, and Procurement. This context implies a structured, compliance-driven, and results-oriented work environment.

Company Size: OFS is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). While specific employee numbers aren't provided, SDVOSBs typically range from small to medium-sized businesses, fostering a potentially close-knit and agile team dynamic.

Founded: Over 20 years of experience, indicating a stable and established company with a proven track record in supporting government entities.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of the ONR Corporate Strategic Communication Department, which may include other communication specialists, writers, public affairs officers, and potentially other designers or multimedia specialists.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Communications Manager or a Lead within the ONR department, with close collaboration with ONR staff requiring communication services.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, working with subject matter experts, program managers, and other stakeholders to translate their needs into effective visual communications. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data analysis to inform design decisions and measure communication effectiveness, though this may be more on the client's side (ONR).

• Workflow planning and optimization will be crucial for managing multiple projects and deadlines efficiently within a government support context.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be expected in the use of design software and production processes to maximize output and quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: OFS's identity as an SDVOSB suggests a culture that values service, integrity, and teamwork. The "pioneers, builders, thought leaders" description implies an innovative approach within the government sector, encouraging proactive problem-solving and strategic thinking from its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Graphic Designer II, indicating a mid-level to senior professional position. It requires a solid foundation of technical design skills, experience in managing projects, and the ability to work with a degree of autonomy. The focus is on execution and contributing to strategic communication goals through design.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager or lead within the ONR Corporate Strategic Communication Department. This structure allows for guidance on strategic communication objectives while providing the opportunity for independent work on design projects.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer II's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of ONR's strategic communications. By creating clear, compelling, and compliant visual materials, the role contributes to enhancing public understanding of ONR's mission, supporting program initiatives, and maintaining a professional and consistent organizational image. This can influence stakeholder engagement, public perception, and internal alignment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, advanced video production, infographic design, or data visualization through specialized training or project assignments.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of larger communication campaigns or take on more complex projects requiring greater strategic input and stakeholder management.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to various government programs and departments supported by ONR, broadening understanding of defense and research initiatives.

• Mentorship: As a "II" level designer, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or interns, developing leadership and training skills.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, Art Director positions within OFS or ONR, or transition into related fields like UX/UI design or technical illustration, depending on career aspirations and further development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in a government contracting environment often involves demonstrating reliability, adaptability, and a strong understanding of client needs. Building a reputation for delivering high-quality work on time and within compliance requirements will be key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site" in Arlington, Virginia. This suggests a traditional office environment within a government facility or a contractor office supporting ONR.

Office Location(s): Arlington, Virginia, a prime location within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, offering access to a large professional network and government facilities. Specific office details would be provided upon hire.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with ONR communication staff and other team members.

• Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Cloud Suite) is implied. Dedicated workstations equipped for design tasks are likely.

• Opportunities for teamwork and knowledge sharing with colleagues who have diverse communication and technical backgrounds.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typically Monday through Friday, during core business hours. While the role is on-site, occasional flexibility might be available for critical deadlines, subject to departmental approval and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site within a government-supported environment often means adhering to specific security protocols, access requirements, and established office routines. Collaboration may involve formal meetings and structured communication channels.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative output against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates will present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and answer technical questions related to graphic design software, principles, and past projects. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess problem-solving skills, teamwork, customer focus, ability to handle pressure, and alignment with company values. Expect questions related to managing challenging stakeholders or meeting tight deadlines.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders from the ONR department or senior management at OFS to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across digital, print, and multimedia. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to meet client objectives and adhere to specific guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, your design process (concept, execution, software used), and the outcome or impact of your design. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Compliance: Showcase examples where you successfully incorporated specific style guides or branding requirements, demonstrating your attention to detail and ability to follow direction.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your technical skills with Adobe Creative Cloud and any other relevant software, perhaps by showing specific features or techniques you employed.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Prepare a concise verbal presentation for the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge relevant to strategic communication or a specific ONR initiative. Prepare to outline your approach, potential concepts, and how you would ensure compliance.

• Process Explanation: Be ready to explain your typical design workflow, how you manage feedback, and how you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple competing demands.

• Company & Role Research: Understand One Federal Solution's mission and its role in government contracting. Research the ONR (Office of Naval Research) to grasp its objectives and areas of focus, which will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the government sector focus, expect a thorough vetting process. Emphasize professionalism, clarity, and a demonstrable understanding of how design supports strategic objectives and adheres to established protocols.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Mandatory proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. This will be the core of your design work.

• Adobe Bridge: Essential for organizing and managing creative assets.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Word (for layout and text integration), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Excel (for data visualization support).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics on web/social media is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics concepts (e.g., page views, click-through rates) can be advantageous.

• Tools for creating charts and graphs within Adobe Illustrator or PowerPoint will be important for infographics. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer role, but understanding how content is deployed through communication platforms or content management systems is helpful.

• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira, or internal government systems) may be used for task tracking and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is non-negotiable for this role. The ability to efficiently use these tools to produce high-quality, compliant assets under deadline is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence and Performance: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations, particularly in a government support context where performance is critical.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions, reflecting the values of both OFS and its government partners.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and technological advancements within the design field.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Valuing collaborative efforts, open communication, and mutual support to achieve shared communication goals.

• Service Orientation: A dedication to supporting the mission and objectives of the ONR and other government agencies through effective communication solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with writers, communication specialists, project managers, and potentially technical experts to develop integrated communication products.

• Feedback-Driven Process: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs to refine them towards optimal effectiveness and compliance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, new techniques, and creative solutions with colleagues to elevate the team's overall capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's SDVOSB status and focus on government support suggest a culture that is mission-driven, disciplined, and values integrity. Open communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are likely highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Protocols: Adapting to the specific security, compliance, and approval processes inherent in government communication projects.

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Strict Guidelines: Effectively applying creative design skills while strictly adhering to established style guides and brand requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied and sometimes conflicting requirements from multiple ONR stakeholders into cohesive visual communication products.

• Rapidly Evolving Communication Landscape: Staying current with new digital communication channels, design trends, and software updates to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specialized areas of Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., advanced motion graphics, 3D rendering) or explore new design technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications in graphic design, multimedia, or project management to formalize skills and enhance career prospects.

• Government Contracting Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into the nuances of working within the government sector, which can open doors to future opportunities.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives to develop leadership and communication skills.

• Conferences and Workshops: Attending industry events focused on design, communication, and government contracting to network and learn about emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of government contracting environments, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and understanding the unique demands of supporting public sector missions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a client with very strict brand guidelines. How did you balance creativity with compliance?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and adherence to standards).

• "Walk us through a complex design project from your portfolio. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a 2-3 minute narrative for 2-3 key projects).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest graphic design trends and software advancements, especially those relevant to visual communications and multimedia?" (Emphasize continuous learning and proactive skill development). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for One Federal Solution and supporting the ONR specifically?" (Research OFS's mission and ONR's objectives; connect them to your skills and career goals).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Showcase a collaborative and open-minded approach).

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative workflow?" (Highlight teamwork, communication, and support for colleagues). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. Aim for clear, concise explanations for each piece.

• Visuals: Ensure your digital portfolio is easily accessible and loads quickly. If presenting live, use screen sharing effectively. Have backup screenshots or PDFs ready.

• Impact Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved and the positive impact your design had. Use metrics if available.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the specific software, techniques, and processes you used, especially for projects requiring advanced skills like motion graphics or complex layouts.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, workflow, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only your design skills but also your professionalism, adaptability, and ability to operate effectively within a government contracting framework. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the client's mission (ONR) will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with multimedia, desktop publishing, and visual communications relevant to government strategic initiatives. Emphasize projects that demonstrate adherence to style guides and complex project management.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your 7+ years of experience, bachelor's degree, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Quantify achievements and responsibilities wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process. Research One Federal Solution and the ONR to understand their missions and how your design skills can contribute. Prepare answers to common behavioral and technical questions.

• Company Research: Gain a thorough understanding of One Federal Solution's work as an SDVOSB supporting government agencies. Research the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to grasp its strategic communication needs and objectives.

⚠️ 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.