Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Red Carrot

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Visual Conceptualization & Production: Lead the creation and final production layout of high-impact publications, including the customer's flagship research magazine, newsletters, and technical reports, ensuring visual excellence and brand consistency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Manage design initiatives, coordinate workflows with technical staff, and provide design support across various platforms like social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials.

• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all graphic design deliverables adhere to strict Section 508 accessibility guidelines and Federal publishing standards, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive and compliant communication.

• Rights Management: Proactively secure appropriate licensing or written permissions for all copyrighted materials used in design projects, mitigating legal risks and upholding intellectual property rights.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer II" and the primary focus is design, the responsibilities include elements of project leadership ("Lead visual conceptualization," "Lead small design initiatives"), workflow management ("coordinate workflows"), and compliance, indicating a need for strong organizational and process-oriented skills beyond pure creative execution. This suggests a "Journeyman" level of responsibility, as noted in the original description.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce professional graphics, compelling covers, and effective layouts for complex magazine components and detailed technical reports.

• Seamlessly integrate text, high-quality photos, informative charts, and illustrative elements into cohesive, visually balanced, and engaging designs.

• Create or enhance supplemental artwork, including intricate diagrams, clean line art, and distinctive logos, to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Oversee and manage the entire production lifecycle of design assets, encompassing figure/photo selection, expert retouching, precise cropping, and accurate sizing for final output.

• Provide comprehensive design support for a range of digital and physical marketing materials, including dynamic social media graphics, engaging web content visuals, impactful posters, and professional exhibit materials.

• Diligently research and secure appropriate licensing or obtain written permissions for any copyrighted material utilized in design projects, ensuring full legal compliance.

• Guarantee that all final design deliverables meticulously meet the stringent requirements of Section 508 accessibility standards and established Federal publishing guidelines.

• Take ownership and lead small-scale design initiatives, effectively coordinating project workflows and collaborating closely with technical staff to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a need for meticulous attention to detail, particularly concerning accessibility and federal standards. This implies a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and the ability to translate them into design specifications. The mention of "technical reports" and "complex concepts" suggests that the ideal candidate will be comfortable working with data-heavy content and translating it into accessible visual narratives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive professional design experience with a strong focus on both print and electronic layout production.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe InDesign for sophisticated page layout and document design.

• Advanced skills in Adobe Acrobat for document manipulation, review, and accessibility checks.

• Proven experience in visual conceptualization and the creation of engaging publication designs.

• Demonstrated ability to incorporate text, photos, charts, and illustrations into cohesive layouts.

• Experience with photo selection, retouching, cropping, and sizing for various media.

• Familiarity with designing for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials.

• Understanding of copyright licensing and permission acquisition processes.

• Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards and Federal publishing requirements.

• Ability to obtain a USDOT Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for technical periodicals or within a Federal government environment.

• Proficiency in additional Adobe Creative Suite applications (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) for image editing and vector graphics.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web content integration.

• Basic understanding of HTML/CSS for web design considerations.

• Experience in leading small design projects or coordinating with external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience requirement positions this as a mid-level to senior role (Journeyman). The emphasis on Adobe InDesign and Acrobat, coupled with Federal/Section 508 compliance, indicates a need for specialized print production and accessibility expertise rather than a broad digital-first design background. The PIV credential requirement is critical for government contract work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in print and electronic layout design, with a focus on publications like magazines or technical reports.

• Include examples that highlight the ability to integrate text, images, charts, and illustrations into cohesive and visually appealing designs.

• Present projects that clearly illustrate the application of Section 508 accessibility principles and Federal publishing standards in your design process.

• Demonstrate experience with the full production lifecycle, including photo retouching, cropping, and sizing for various output formats.

• Feature examples of designs for supplemental materials such as diagrams, logos, or social media graphics if available, to showcase versatility. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, briefly outline your design process, from initial concept to final production, emphasizing workflow management and collaboration.

• Detail how you ensured Section 508 compliance and adherence to Federal publishing standards within your projects.

• Explain your approach to managing copyright and securing necessary permissions for design assets.

• Describe your methods for incorporating feedback from technical staff or stakeholders to refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer II role, especially one with federal compliance requirements, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just display aesthetic quality but also the candidate's understanding of production workflows, accessibility standards, and the ability to manage projects from inception to delivery. The emphasis on "process" suggests candidates should be prepared to discuss how they achieve their results, not just what they produce.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $90,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer II role with 5-10 years of experience in the McLean, VA metropolitan area, considering the hybrid work model and the specialized requirements (Federal/Section 508 compliance).

Benefits:

• Training and Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and professional training programs to support ongoing skill enhancement for eligible employees.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Top-tier medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage options.

• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan, including a Roth option, with company matching and no vesting period, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Profit Sharing: A discretionary profit-sharing plan for eligible employees after one year of service, reflecting company success sharing.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, flexible work hours, and observance of 11 federal holidays, promoting a healthy work-life integration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring these hours, with specific on-site requirements to be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for Graphic Designer II roles in the Washington D.C. metro area, factoring in the specified experience level (5-10 years) and the hybrid work arrangement. The inclusion of Section 508 and Federal publishing standards often commands a slightly higher compensation due to specialized knowledge. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical offerings for full-time positions in the government contracting sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Professional Services. Red Carrot operates within the federal government sector, providing specialized services that require a deep understanding of government processes, compliance, and communication needs.

Company Size: Woman-owned small business. This size often implies a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful, with potential for direct interaction with leadership.

Founded: Red Carrot was founded with a mission to apply industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex government problems, focusing on research-centric, data-informed, and audience-oriented solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a broader communications, marketing, or program support team, potentially within a dedicated creative services unit.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Creative Director or a Program Manager overseeing design deliverables.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with technical staff, writers, editors, and program managers to ensure design projects align with client objectives and technical accuracy. Methodology:

• Red Carrot emphasizes a research-centric, data-informed, and audience-oriented approach, suggesting that design decisions should be grounded in client needs and user understanding.

• Industrial engineering principles and data analytics are core to their problem-solving, indicating a preference for structured, efficient, and measurable outcomes in all projects.

• The company focuses on delivering work that "moves the needle," implying a results-driven culture focused on tangible impact for clients.

Company Website: https://theredcarrot.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's background as a woman-owned small business in government contracting suggests a culture that values precision, compliance, and strategic communication. The emphasis on data analytics and industrial engineering principles implies a methodical and process-driven approach to creative work, which is unusual but beneficial for operations-minded candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Journeyman / Mid-to-Senior Level Designer. This role requires significant independent work, leadership on design initiatives, and a strong command of specialized design and compliance standards, positioning it beyond an entry-level or junior position.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II is expected to report to a Creative Director or a Project/Program Manager, who will provide strategic direction and oversight. The role also involves leading smaller design initiatives, indicating a degree of autonomy.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the clarity, professionalism, and effectiveness of client communications, particularly in technical and research publications. By ensuring compliance and high-quality visuals, the designer contributes to the client's credibility, stakeholder engagement, and the successful dissemination of critical information.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in federal publishing standards, Section 508 accessibility, and specialized design software.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading larger, more complex design projects or managing junior designers as the team grows.

• Client Interaction: Develop stronger client-facing communication skills through direct involvement in project requirements gathering and feedback sessions.

• Interdisciplinary Application: Explore opportunities to apply design skills in strategic communications, user experience (UX) design for digital platforms, or data visualization within Red Carrot's broader service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While "Graphic Designer II" is the title, the responsibilities related to leading initiatives and ensuring strict compliance suggest a growth path towards senior design or even a team lead role. Candidates should highlight instances where they've managed projects, mentored others, or navigated complex regulatory requirements in their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment. This role requires a balance of remote work and on-site presence at the McLean, VA office, facilitating collaboration and access to necessary resources.

Office Location(s): McLean, Virginia, with a strong presence in Washington D.C. This location offers proximity to federal agencies and industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions, team meetings, and client interactions in the McLean office.

• Access to company resources, potentially including specialized hardware or software not available remotely, will be available at the office.

• The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities to interact with writers, technical experts, and project managers who are also part of the federal contracting ecosystem.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility in how these hours are scheduled, accommodating both remote and in-office days. Specific requirements for in-office days will be clarified during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they maintain productivity and collaboration in a hybrid setting, specifically highlighting their ability to manage time effectively across different work locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output relevant to the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion focused on design principles, software proficiency (especially Adobe InDesign/Acrobat), and your experience with print and electronic layout. Expect questions about your process for handling complex design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected pieces from your portfolio, explaining your creative process, design choices, and how you addressed specific project requirements, including compliance.

• Situational & Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing your ability to lead small initiatives, collaborate with technical staff, manage workflows, and handle feedback. You may also be asked about your experience with federal clients or Section 508 compliance.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final confirmation of your suitability for the role and contract requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your expertise in publication design, technical reporting, and adherence to accessibility standards.

• Tell a Story: For each project, outline the challenge, your process, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your design. Highlight your role specifically.

• Demonstrate Compliance: Clearly articulate how you incorporated Section 508 and Federal publishing standards. If you have specific examples of accessibility features you implemented, showcase them.

• Highlight Production Skills: Be ready to discuss your process for figure selection, retouching, cropping, and preparing files for print or digital distribution.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow in InDesign, file management, and troubleshooting common design production issues.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design scenarios related to creating accessible technical documents or visually engaging research magazines.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your choices meet project objectives and compliance requirements.

• Prepare to explain your workflow for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines and stakeholder inputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh the portfolio and your ability to articulate your process, particularly concerning compliance. Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate their problem-solving skills, attention to detail in adhering to standards, and ability to manage projects independently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory for layout and publication design. This is the core tool for creating magazines, newsletters, and reports.

• Adobe Acrobat: Essential for finalizing documents, creating interactive PDFs, and performing accessibility checks (e.g., using the Accessibility Checker).

• Adobe Photoshop: Highly beneficial for image editing, retouching, color correction, and preparing photographs for print and digital use.

• Adobe Illustrator: Useful for creating and editing vector graphics, diagrams, logos, and iconography that maintain scalability and clarity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for web graphics, readership for publications) is advantageous. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets are integrated into marketing automation platforms or content management systems might be helpful for web content design aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe InDesign and Acrobat as "expert proficiency" requirements is critical. Candidates should be ready to discuss advanced features and workflows within these tools, especially concerning pre-press preparation and PDF accessibility features.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on detail, especially in technical documents and compliance adherence, ensuring error-free and high-quality output.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions, including design choices, should ideally be informed by client needs, audience research, and performance metrics where applicable.

• Efficiency & Process: Red Carrot's foundation in industrial engineering suggests a value placed on streamlined workflows, optimized processes, and delivering work efficiently.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client objectives, ensuring that all design work directly supports their mission and communication goals.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding high ethical standards and strictly adhering to all regulatory requirements, such as Section 508 and Federal publishing guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work collaboratively with writers, subject matter experts, and program managers, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate technical information into visual concepts.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture where design receives and incorporates feedback constructively to achieve the best possible outcome.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, particularly regarding design techniques, software efficiency, and compliance standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's unique blend of creative services and industrial engineering principles suggests a culture that values both aesthetic quality and systematic efficiency. Candidates who can demonstrate a methodical approach to design and a keen eye for detail will likely resonate well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Effectively producing engaging and innovative designs while strictly adhering to Section 508 accessibility and Federal publishing standards requires a nuanced approach.

• Translating Technical Content: Simplifying and visually representing complex technical or scientific information in an accessible and understandable manner for diverse audiences.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders, including technical experts and government officials, to achieve consensus on design direction.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying current with changes in accessibility guidelines, publishing technologies, and client requirements in the federal sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Opportunities to become an expert in Section 508 compliance and best practices for accessible design.

• Federal Design Standards Mastery: Deepening knowledge of specific federal agency design guidelines and publishing workflows.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Building: Learning more about strategic communications, data visualization, or UX/UI principles from colleagues within Red Carrot.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in leading design initiatives and managing project timelines and resources more broadly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be the intersection of creative design with stringent regulatory compliance. Candidates should highlight past experiences where they successfully navigated similar constraints or learned to adapt their creative process to meet specific technical or legal requirements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative design with strict accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508). What was your process, and what were the key challenges?"

• "How do you approach designing for technical publications or complex subject matter? Walk us through your process from brief to final delivery."

• "Imagine you're given a draft of a technical report with dense text and complex data. How would you begin to conceptualize the visual elements to make it more engaging and accessible?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Red Carrot emphasizes industrial engineering principles. How do you see those principles applying to graphic design work?"

• "Our clients are primarily federal agencies. What is your understanding of working within a government contracting environment or with federal publishing standards?"

• "How do you stay updated on Section 508 accessibility guidelines and best practices for federal communications?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project presented, clearly articulate your design process, the specific tools used, and how you addressed project requirements (especially compliance).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, discuss the outcomes of your designs (e.g., improved readability, successful publication, positive client feedback).

• Highlight Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you collaborated with writers, technical staff, or other stakeholders to bring your designs to life.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss specific techniques or features used in Adobe InDesign and Acrobat that were critical to the project's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who not only have strong design skills but also understand the unique demands of government work, particularly regarding compliance and technical content. Emphasize your problem-solving approach and your ability to manage projects systematically.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Red Carrot's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features work relevant to publication design, technical reports, and any examples demonstrating adherence to accessibility or federal standards. Tailor your selection to directly address the requirements outlined in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight experience with Adobe InDesign, Acrobat, Section 508 compliance, and any relevant government contracting or technical publication work. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "visual conceptualization," "production layout," "Federal publishing standards," "Section 508").

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, workflow management, and problem-solving skills, particularly concerning complex projects and compliance requirements. Be ready to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

• Research Red Carrot: Familiarize yourself with Red Carrot's services, client base (federal agencies), and company values, especially their emphasis on data analytics and industrial engineering principles, to demonstrate your understanding of their unique approach.

⚠️ 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.