Graphic Designer II (contingent position)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II (contingent position)

Company: Yes& Holdings, LLC

Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: September 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating complex transportation research and technical information into clear, accessible, and engaging visual communications for a government-contracting organization.

• The Graphic Designer II will be responsible for producing a wide range of print and digital design assets, ensuring adherence to strict accessibility, branding, and publishing standards.

• This position requires a high degree of collaboration with subject matter experts, researchers, writers, and editors to accurately represent scientific and policy information visually.

• The role involves end-to-end project management of design assignments, from conceptualization through final delivery, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, it is placed within the context of operations for a government contractor specializing in transportation research. Therefore, the enhancements will focus on the operational aspects of design, process adherence, and collaboration within a structured, compliance-driven environment. The "contingent position" aspect suggests a potential for contract-to-hire or a project-based need, which implies a need for adaptability and efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality visual communications by collaborating closely with transportation researchers and technical specialists to ensure accurate representation of research findings, engineering concepts, and policy information.

• Design and produce sophisticated layouts, covers, graphics, and templates for a variety of publications, including magazines, newsletters, technical reports, brochures, and posters.

• Apply advanced principles of typography, grid systems, visual hierarchy, branding, and layout to create clear, compelling, and user-friendly communication materials.

• Create and enhance charts, infographics, diagrams, illustrations, line art, logos, and other visual elements that effectively communicate complex technical research concepts.

• Select, prepare, retouch, crop, size, and optimize photographs and graphics for both print and digital platforms, ensuring optimal quality and file management.

• Support the creation of visual assets for web content, social media campaigns, exhibits, displays, presentations, and other digital and promotional communication channels.

• Manage design projects comprehensively, overseeing concept development, internal review cycles, revision implementation, final production, and timely delivery of all visual products.

• Ensure all designed materials strictly comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements, relevant Federal publishing standards, established program branding guidelines, and copyright laws.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to emphasize the operational rigor required for government contracting. This includes detailed project management, strict compliance with standards (Section 508, Federal publishing), and the collaborative nature of translating technical information for diverse audiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Over 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant focus on print and electronic publications.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat, essential for document layout and finalization.

• Strong working knowledge of other Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g., Illustrator, Photoshop) for comprehensive visual asset creation.

• Deep understanding of typography, publication design principles, and establishing clear visual hierarchy.

• Proven experience in preparing graphics and publications for both print production and digital distribution channels.

• Comprehensive knowledge of accessibility principles and Section 508 compliance requirements for government-mandated materials.

• Ability to attend in-person meetings regularly within the Northern Virginia and Washington DC metropolitan area.

• US Citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance and Background Check. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing technical, scientific, engineering, transportation, or Federal Government publications.

• Familiarity with workflow management tools and project tracking systems commonly used in operations environments.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) for digital asset deployment.

• Knowledge of basic web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to highlight the operational aspects of the role, emphasizing tool proficiency, compliance knowledge, and the necessity of on-site presence for collaborative workflows common in government contracting. The "US Citizen" and "Public Trust Clearance" are critical operational requirements for this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on print and electronic publications.

• Specific examples of complex technical or scientific information translated into accessible visual formats (e.g., infographics, diagrams, reports).

• Demonstrations of proficiency in applying advanced typography, grid systems, and visual hierarchy to create clear and impactful layouts.

• Case studies or examples illustrating the ability to manage design projects from concept through final delivery, highlighting problem-solving and revision processes.

• Evidence of understanding and application of Section 508 accessibility standards in design projects. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes and workflows for internal team reference and quality assurance.

• Experience in creating and maintaining style guides or branding documentation for consistent visual output.

• Understanding of file preparation and pre-press procedures for print production.

• Familiarity with version control and asset management practices to ensure organized and accessible design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to showcase operational design capabilities, emphasizing process, compliance, and the ability to handle complex technical content under strict guidelines. This section stresses the "how" of design work, not just the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer II with over 5 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and considering the contingent nature of the position and the requirement for a Public Trust Clearance, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between $70,000 and $95,000. This range is subject to adjustment based on candidate experience, specific skill set alignment, and the final contract terms.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package (specifics to be disclosed by Yes& Holdings, LLC).

• Potential for professional development opportunities, including training on new design software or accessibility standards.

• Exposure to impactful transportation research and public sector projects.

• Opportunity to work with a dedicated team of researchers, writers, and communications professionals.

• Contribution to projects that inform public policy and advance transportation safety and efficiency.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility for project deadlines, managed through effective time management and departmental coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on regional market data for graphic design roles with comparable experience and the added complexity of government contracting requirements. Benefits are described in a way that appeals to professionals seeking meaningful work and growth within a specialized field. The working hours are clarified as standard but with potential for deadline-driven flexibility, common in project-based environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Research & Development / Transportation / Communications. Yes& Holdings, LLC operates within a sector that supports government agencies by providing specialized services, often involving complex research and data dissemination. This context means a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and clear communication.

Company Size: Yes& Holdings, LLC is part of the Yes& agency, which is a mid-sized organization with multiple divisions and specialties, indicating a structured environment with established processes and clear reporting lines. This size allows for both specialized roles and cross-functional collaboration opportunities.

Founded: Yes& was founded in 1985, bringing decades of experience in communications and marketing. This long history suggests a stable company with established operational methodologies and a deep understanding of client needs, particularly within government sectors.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design function likely operates within a broader Communications or Creative Services department, possibly serving multiple project teams or divisions.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or a Project Manager overseeing specific government contracts.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving close partnerships with writers, editors, researchers, subject matter experts, and project managers to ensure project objectives are met efficiently and accurately. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Translating complex data and research findings into understandable visual narratives.

• Process Optimization: Adhering to strict workflow protocols for design requests, reviews, revisions, and final delivery to meet client deadlines and quality standards.

• Compliance-Focused Execution: Rigorous adherence to Section 508 accessibility, Federal publishing standards, and client-specific branding guidelines.

Company Website: https://yesandco.com/ (Assuming "Yes& Holdings, LLC" is a part of the broader Yes& agency)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is framed to highlight the operational environment of a government contractor, emphasizing compliance, structured workflows, and the importance of clear communication for complex technical subjects. The size and history of the company suggest a stable, process-oriented workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Graphic Designer II, indicating a mid-level professional with substantial experience (5+ years) and a good degree of autonomy. It signifies a step beyond entry-level design, requiring independent project management and a solid understanding of design principles and operational requirements.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will likely report to a Creative Director or a Senior Design Manager. They will collaborate extensively with project managers and subject matter experts across various government-funded projects. This structure allows for guidance while fostering independent work.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer II's work directly impacts the clarity, accessibility, and effectiveness of critical transportation research and policy communications. High-quality visuals enhance understanding, facilitate decision-making, and ensure compliance, thereby directly contributing to the success of government initiatives and the company's contractual obligations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in technical illustration, data visualization, or accessibility compliance within specialized design software.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects for larger, more complex government projects, gaining experience in strategic design planning and client interaction.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to broader communication strategies, research methodologies, and policy development through close collaboration with diverse teams.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining design workflows, templates, and best practices within the department to enhance efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the operational trajectory within a specialized design role, highlighting how the position contributes to larger organizational goals and offers pathways for professional development within a structured, compliance-driven environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site in Alexandria, VA, suggesting a professional office environment typical of a government contractor. This typically includes dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially collaborative zones designed for focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Alexandria, Virginia, is a well-connected urban area within the Washington D.C. metropolitan region, offering access to public transportation and a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires frequent interaction with writers, editors, researchers, and project managers, necessitating a workspace that supports both focused individual design work and collaborative brainstorming sessions.

• Technology Access: Expect access to industry-standard hardware and software, including powerful workstations and the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, essential for high-quality graphic production.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, and knowledge-sharing sessions to foster continuous improvement and maintain design quality standards.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but project deadlines may require flexibility. Effective time management and communication with project leads are crucial to navigate these demands while maintaining work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the on-site nature and collaborative aspects crucial for operations within a government contracting firm, highlighting the need for both focused work and team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or case study focused on translating complex information into visual formats, or a review of specific portfolio pieces demonstrating technical and compliance skills.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, experience with compliance (Section 508), and ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate cultural fit, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role and company operations.

• Final Clearance: Successful completion of the Public Trust Clearance and Background Check is a mandatory final step.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Compliance: Showcase projects that demonstrate a strong understanding and application of Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Technical Translation: Include examples where you successfully translated complex technical, scientific, or research data into clear, engaging visuals (infographics, diagrams, charts).

• Print & Digital Range: Present a diverse range of work, including sophisticated print layouts (reports, magazines) and digital assets (web graphics, social media).

• Process Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your design process, including how you collaborate with subject matter experts, manage revisions, and ensure accuracy.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly articulate your expertise with Adobe InDesign, Acrobat, and other relevant Creative Cloud applications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Data Visualization: Familiarize yourself with common methods for visualizing data and technical concepts.

• Understand Section 508: Review the key requirements for digital accessibility.

• Research Yes&: Understand their work in transportation research and government contracting to tailor your responses.

• Prepare Project Examples: Have specific examples ready to discuss projects that align with the responsibilities, especially those involving complex information or strict guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and portfolio review process is detailed with operations-specific advice, focusing on how to best present qualifications that align with the demands of a government contracting environment, particularly concerning compliance and technical communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: Expert proficiency required for layout, typography, and publication design.

• Adobe Acrobat: Essential for document creation, editing, and ensuring PDF accessibility compliance.

• Adobe Illustrator: Strong working knowledge for creating vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.

• Adobe Photoshop: Strong working knowledge for image editing, retouching, and optimization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts web analytics or engagement metrics for digital assets can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with reporting on project status and design asset usage. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design role, but understanding how design assets are requested and managed within a project management system might be relevant.

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, or cloud-based asset management) could be advantageous for efficient file handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is highly specific to graphic design software, emphasizing the core Adobe Creative Cloud suite as the primary technology stack for this role within an operational context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy and Precision: A commitment to delivering visually accurate representations of complex data and research findings.

• Compliance and Integrity: Strict adherence to Section 508, Federal publishing standards, and copyright laws in all design outputs.

• Collaboration and Communication: Fostering open communication and teamwork with researchers, writers, and project managers to achieve shared objectives.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: A dedication to managing projects effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work consistently.

• User-Centric Design: Creating visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly accessible and understandable for the intended audience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating with diverse teams, understanding their needs, and translating them into effective visual solutions.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Actively participating in design reviews, providing constructive feedback, and incorporating revisions efficiently.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and insights with colleagues to elevate the team's overall capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are articulated to reflect an operational mindset within a professional services firm, emphasizing collaboration, adherence to standards, and the impact of design on client success and public communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge lies in transforming highly technical and complex research into simple, engaging, and accurate visual communications.

• Adhering to Strict Standards: Constantly ensuring all designs meet stringent accessibility (Section 508), branding, and government publishing requirements.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Balancing the demands of numerous projects with competing deadlines and diverse stakeholder requirements within a fast-paced environment.

• Evolving Technologies: Staying current with design software updates, new visualization techniques, and evolving digital accessibility best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Deepen expertise in Section 508 compliance and accessible design principles.

• Data Visualization Workshops: Enhance skills in creating sophisticated infographics and data-driven visualizations.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Gain insights into project management methodologies relevant to creative services and government contracting.

• Exposure to Research Areas: Develop a foundational understanding of transportation research and policy, enhancing the ability to create more contextually relevant visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses the inherent challenges of the role and frames them as opportunities for professional growth, particularly in specialized areas relevant to operations and technical communication.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio. Focus on your process: understanding the source material, identifying the target audience, choosing the right visualization methods, collaborating with experts, and measuring success. Highlight your ability to simplify complexity.

• "How do you ensure your designs comply with Section 508 accessibility standards?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific techniques you use (e.g., alt text, proper heading structure, color contrast checks, accessible PDF creation in Acrobat). Mention any formal training or resources you consult.

• "Walk us through a complex design project you managed from start to finish. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

  • Preparation: Select a project that demonstrates your project management skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to handle revisions and feedback effectively. Discuss your timeline, stakeholder management, and final delivery. Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for a company that supports government transportation research?"

  • Preparation: Research Yes&'s work in transportation and their mission. Connect your passion for design to the impact it can have on public understanding and policy.

• "How do you approach collaboration with subject matter experts who may not be design-savvy?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your communication skills, patience, and ability to listen and translate technical jargon into design concepts. Discuss how you build rapport and ensure mutual understanding.

• "How do you manage feedback and revisions on your design work?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your ability to receive constructive criticism professionally and implement changes efficiently. Discuss how you prioritize feedback when multiple stakeholders are involved. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in technical/scientific communication, print/digital publications, and Section 508 compliance.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the problem, your role, your process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the successful outcome (quantify if possible).

• Highlight Compliance: Clearly point out where and how you applied accessibility standards.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Briefly touch upon your mastery of InDesign, Acrobat, and other relevant tools within the context of your projects.

• Be Prepared for Live Exercises: Some interviews may include a short, on-the-spot design task or a critique of a provided piece.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is geared towards demonstrating operational competence, compliance expertise, and the ability to execute design projects within a structured, government-focused environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the JazzHR portal.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that specifically highlight your experience in technical communication, print and digital publications, and Section 508 compliance. Ensure these pieces demonstrate your mastery of Adobe InDesign and Acrobat.

• Optimize your resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, focusing on relevant responsibilities such as technical report design, infographic creation, and adherence to government standards. Use keywords like "Section 508," "Adobe InDesign," "publication design," and "technical illustration."

• Prepare your presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio pieces, clearly articulating the project's objective, your design process, challenges encountered, and the successful outcome, especially in terms of clarity and compliance.

• Research Yes& Holdings, LLC: Familiarize yourself with their work in transportation research and their role as a government contractor. Understand their mission and how your design skills can contribute to their impactful projects.

⚠️ 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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