Graphic Designer (Job 1367)
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer (Job 1367)
Company: DLH
Location: United States - Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: 2026-06-11
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Fully Remote (with occasional in-person requirements)
π Role Summary
-
This role is integral to DLH's mission of delivering improved health and national security readiness solutions, specifically supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with vital public health communication materials.
-
The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of dissemination products, ensuring they are visually compelling, accurate, and accessible, directly impacting public health outreach and awareness initiatives.
-
The position requires strong proficiency in design software and a keen understanding of web content, social media, and print design principles, aligning with digital transformation and data dissemination strategies.
-
As a remote position, it demands strong self-management, communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a distributed team while meeting occasional on-site requirements for administrative and security purposes.
π Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) and its Division of HIV Prevention (DHP) positions this role within a critical public health communications function. This implies a focus on data dissemination and health promotion campaigns, requiring skills that bridge creative design with public health messaging and data visualization, aligning with broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational communication objectives. The requirement to reside within commuting distance of specific hubs for administrative tasks indicates a hybrid remote model in practice, despite being advertised as fully remote.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Develop and design a variety of dissemination products, including web content, social media graphics, fact sheets, and other essential documents.
-
Translate complex public health data and information from various sources into clear, engaging, and accessible visual assets for diverse audiences.
-
Ensure all created dissemination products adhere to established usability standards and Section 508 accessibility guidelines for web content.
-
Support and contribute to multiple health promotion campaigns, applying creative design solutions to enhance message delivery and public engagement.
-
Create and refine concept art and visual mock-ups to effectively communicate design ideas and gather stakeholder feedback during the development process.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the creation of "dissemination products" for a public health agency. This suggests a need for designers who can not only create aesthetically pleasing visuals but also effectively communicate data, scientific information, and public health messages. This requires an understanding of information design, data visualization principles, and the ability to translate technical or scientific content into easily digestible formats for various stakeholders, including the public and other health professionals.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related discipline. A Masterβs degree in a similar field is considered a preferred qualification.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience working with digital design tools, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite. Experience in public health, particularly HIV prevention, or with federal health agencies like the CDC or HHS is highly preferred.
Required Skills:
-
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating high-quality visual assets.
-
Demonstrated ability to design compelling visual assets for print, web, and social media platforms.
-
Experience in developing concept art and visual prototypes for stakeholder review and feedback.
-
Strong understanding of web content design principles and accessibility standards, specifically Section 508 compliance.
-
Excellent writing and editing skills for crafting clear and concise content for dissemination products. Preferred Skills:
-
Prior experience working with or for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or other federal or state health agencies.
-
Specific experience in designing materials related to HIV prevention promotion or other public health initiatives.
-
Advanced knowledge of data visualization techniques to represent public health data effectively.
-
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to manage communication with various stakeholders.
-
Exceptional time-management skills, with a proven ability to juggle multiple projects and meet stringent deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for a NAC clearance is a significant qualification that impacts the candidate pool. The preferred qualifications highlight a strong preference for candidates with direct experience in the public health sector and government agencies, indicating that familiarity with the specific regulatory and communication nuances of these environments will be a strong advantage.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including web content, social media graphics, print materials, and data visualizations.
-
Demonstrations of how design solutions were developed based on specific project requirements, stakeholder feedback, and accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508).
-
Examples of concept art development and iteration, illustrating the design process from initial idea to final execution.
-
Projects that highlight the ability to translate complex information (e.g., public health data) into clear, accessible, and engaging visual communications. Process Documentation:
-
Evidence of workflow management for design projects, including project initiation, concept development, revision cycles, and final delivery.
-
Examples of how feedback from stakeholders or clients was incorporated into the design process, demonstrating adaptability and collaborative problem-solving.
-
Documentation of adherence to design standards, brand guidelines, and accessibility requirements in past projects.
π Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate not just artistic skill but also the ability to apply design principles effectively within a regulated and data-driven environment like public health. Emphasis should be placed on projects that showcase clear communication of information and adherence to accessibility standards.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000 annually.
Explanation of Range: This range reflects a reasonable expectation for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the US market, considering the specific requirements of working with federal agencies and the need for specialized skills in public health communication. Factors such as geographic location (even for remote roles, proximity to hubs is noted), specific skill set, and depth of experience within the public health sector will influence the final offered salary. The company also notes that salary history is not used in compensation decisions, aligning with fair hiring practices.
Benefits:
-
Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.
-
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
-
Supplemental life insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
-
Short-term and long-term disability insurance to provide financial security.
-
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
-
Parental leave to support new parents.
-
Access to legal services.
-
A robust 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company matching component to support long-term savings.
-
Extensive training opportunities, including access to an e-learning suite, professional/technical certification preparation, and education assistance at accredited institutions, supporting continuous professional development.
Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is remote, flexibility may be offered, but candidates must be available for occasional in-person meetings, trainings, or team events, requiring proximity to Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; or Washington, DC.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided and explained, which is a strong positive for candidates. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a particular emphasis on career development and retirement savings, aligning with the needs of professionals in demanding roles. The note about occasional in-person requirements for a "fully remote" position is critical for candidates to understand the practical work arrangement.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: DLH operates within the Health and National Security sectors, focusing on science research and development, systems engineering, integration, and digital transformation for federal programs. The company's core mission involves solving complex problems for civilian and military clients through advanced technologies and expertise in public health and performance evaluation.
Company Size: DLH is a significant employer with over 2,400 employees, indicating a well-established organization with structured processes and a substantial operational footprint. This size often means opportunities for diverse projects and career paths, but also a need for clear communication and adherence to established protocols.
Founded: DLH has a history of serving government sector clients, implying a culture that values stability, adherence to regulations, and long-term client relationships. Their commitment to innovation suggests a balance between established practices and forward-thinking approaches.
Team Structure:
-
The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger communications, marketing, or project support team within DLH, potentially embedded within a project team supporting the CDC.
-
The structure would involve collaboration with public health subject matter experts, data analysts, project managers, and potentially other creative professionals.
-
Reporting likely goes up through a creative lead or project manager, with a dotted line to a functional manager overseeing graphic design standards and best practices. Methodology:
-
DLH employs a methodology that integrates scientific research, systems engineering, and digital transformation. For this role, it means applying design thinking and creative problem-solving to public health challenges.
-
Data analysis and insights are central to DLH's work; therefore, the Graphic Designer will be expected to interpret and visually represent data effectively.
-
Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially in a remote setting supporting government contracts with strict deliverables and compliance requirements.
-
Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, particularly in content creation and dissemination processes.
Company Website: DLH Corp Website - https://www.dlhcorp.com/
π Enhancement Note: DLH's focus on federal programs and public health means the company culture likely emphasizes precision, compliance, and a mission-driven approach. The "Your Mission is Our Passion" slogan suggests a team dedicated to impactful work. Understanding the nuances of government contracting and public sector communication will be beneficial for anyone joining this team.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role represents an early to mid-career opportunity for a Graphic Designer, likely at a Specialist or Junior Designer level, with potential for advancement to Senior Designer or Art Director roles within DLH's creative or project teams. The experience level (2-5 years) supports this positioning.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Project Manager or a Creative Lead, who oversees the specific CDC contract deliverables. This structure emphasizes project-specific contributions and adherence to client requirements.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of DLH's support to the CDC. High-quality, accessible dissemination products enhance public health messaging, improve data understanding, and contribute to the overall success of the DHP's mission. This role plays a crucial part in the "data dissemination" aspect of the contract, which is a core operational function for the CDC.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in public health communication design, data visualization, and Section 508 compliance, becoming a go-to resource for specialized design needs.
-
Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, mentoring junior designers, leading design aspects of larger projects, or moving into an Art Director position.
-
Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to project management, data analysis interpretation, and client relations within the federal government sector, broadening career horizons beyond pure design.
-
Learning & Development: Leverage DLH's extensive training resources, including e-learning, professional certifications, and education assistance, to enhance design skills and potentially explore adjacent fields like UX/UI design or digital marketing.
π Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in a federal contracting environment often involves specializing in niche areas like government communication or specific scientific/health domains. The emphasis on continuous learning and professional development provided by DLH is a significant asset for career progression.
π Work Environment
Office Type: While this is a remote position, the requirement for occasional in-person meetings, trainings, or team events implies access to secure DLH office locations in Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; or Washington, DC. This suggests a hybrid work model where remote flexibility is balanced with essential on-site touchpoints.
Office Location(s): Candidates must reside within reasonable commuting distance of Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; or Washington, DC to facilitate administrative tasks like smart card issuance and background investigations. This is critical for security clearance processes.
Workspace Context:
-
Remote Workspace: Candidates will establish their own home office environment, requiring reliable internet connectivity and a dedicated workspace conducive to focused design work.
-
Collaborative Environment: While remote, the role necessitates strong collaboration through digital channels, project management tools, and video conferencing. The occasional in-person meetings foster team cohesion and direct interaction.
-
Tools & Technology: Access to DLH-provided software licenses (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially secure VPN access for government systems will be essential for performing duties.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Remote work offers flexibility in daily scheduling, but candidates must be available during core business hours for team collaboration and responsive to project deadlines, which may occasionally require extended hours during peak campaign periods or for urgent dissemination needs.
π Enhancement Note: The dual nature of "fully remote" with mandatory proximity to specific hubs is a key consideration. Candidates should assess their comfort with occasional travel for administrative/security purposes and confirm the designated office location they would be associated with for these requirements.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A review of applications, resumes, and portfolios by HR and the hiring manager to assess qualifications and fit.
-
Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth evaluation of the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a virtual presentation or discussion about past projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This stage will focus on assessing design quality, creativity, technical proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and understanding of accessibility standards.
-
Technical/Behavioral Interview: An interview focused on specific design challenges, understanding of public health communication, experience with government clients, and behavioral questions assessing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Questions may probe how candidates handle feedback, manage multiple projects, and ensure Section 508 compliance.
-
Final Interview: A potential interview with senior leadership or the client (CDC representative) to gauge cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the project.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with web content, social media, print materials, and ideally, data visualization or public health communication.
-
Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for selected projects, including how you interpreted briefs, conducted research, developed concepts, incorporated feedback, and ensured accessibility (Section 508).
-
Quantify Impact: Where possible, describe the impact of your designs. For example, "Designed a fact sheet that was distributed to X number of individuals," or "Created social media graphics that increased engagement by Y%."
-
Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your work clearly reflects mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design software.
-
Accessibility Focus: Include examples that explicitly show adherence to Section 508 guidelines or discuss how you ensure accessibility in your designs.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, such as creating a social media graphic for a public health campaign or designing a fact sheet based on provided data. Focus on demonstrating your process, rationale, and ability to meet specific requirements.
-
Public Health Context: Research current public health campaigns or challenges related to HIV prevention to better understand the communication landscape and potential design needs.
-
Section 508: Brush up on the principles of Section 508 compliance and how they apply to graphic design (e.g., color contrast, alt text considerations for images).
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely place a heavy emphasis on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and rationale, particularly concerning public health messaging and accessibility. Demonstrating an understanding of the CDC's mission and the importance of clear, compliant communication will be key.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design work, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Advanced proficiency is expected for creating high-quality visual assets for print, web, and digital media.
-
Microsoft Office Suite: Specifically Word for content refinement and PowerPoint for presentations and concept mock-ups.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
While not a primary tool for this role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media analytics, website traffic) is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics tools or social media reporting dashboards could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:
-
Not directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) used for workflow management and collaboration will be helpful.
π Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional experience with content management systems (CMS) for web content, social media scheduling tools, or basic data visualization tools would be a strong plus, showing an understanding of the full dissemination lifecycle.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to supporting the mission of federal health agencies like the CDC, understanding the impact of design on public health outcomes.
-
Excellence & Precision: A focus on producing high-quality, accurate, and compliant work, reflecting the rigorous standards of government contracting.
-
Collaboration: An emphasis on teamwork and effective communication, especially in a remote environment, to ensure seamless project execution and stakeholder satisfaction.
-
Innovation: A drive to apply creative solutions and leverage technology to improve communication and data dissemination effectiveness.
-
Integrity: Adherence to ethical standards, security protocols, and compliance requirements, essential when working with sensitive government data and projects.
Collaboration Style:
-
Remote-First, Hybrid-Enabled: Collaboration primarily occurs through digital platforms (email, chat, video conferencing, project management software), with an expectation of responsiveness and clear communication.
-
Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with public health experts, data analysts, and project managers, translating their needs into effective visual communications.
-
Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and ensure project success. Openness to iterating on designs based on stakeholder input is key.
π Enhancement Note: DLH's stated value of "Your Mission is Our Passion" suggests that team members are expected to be deeply invested in the success of their clients' missions. For this role, it means understanding and contributing to the CDC's public health objectives through effective visual communication.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be to effectively visualize and communicate complex public health data and scientific information in an accessible and engaging manner for diverse audiences.
-
Navigating Government Standards: Adhering to strict government guidelines, including Section 508 accessibility, brand standards, and specific client requirements, can be demanding.
-
Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong collaboration, receiving clear feedback, and managing project timelines effectively in a remote setting requires excellent communication and organizational skills.
-
Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Finding the creative space to produce impactful designs while strictly adhering to established protocols and requirements.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Public Health Communication Expertise: Deepen understanding of public health messaging strategies, campaign development, and the specific needs of agencies like the CDC.
-
Advanced Accessibility Design: Become an expert in Section 508 compliance and universal design principles for digital and print materials.
-
Data Visualization Mastery: Enhance skills in creating compelling and accurate data visualizations that effectively convey insights from public health research.
-
Government Contracting Environment: Gain valuable experience working within the federal contracting space, understanding its unique processes, compliance, and client management dynamics.
-
Professional Certifications: Utilize education assistance benefits to pursue certifications in graphic design, accessibility, or related fields.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but also present substantial growth opportunities. The ability to master public health communication and government standards will make a designer highly valuable in this sector.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe a time you had to translate complex data or technical information into a visually understandable format. What was your process?" (Focus on your data visualization and information design approach.)
-
"How do you ensure your designs meet accessibility requirements, such as Section 508? Can you give an example?" (Be ready to discuss specific techniques and standards.)
-
"Walk us through your process for developing concept art or initial design mock-ups for stakeholder review. How do you incorporate feedback?" (Demonstrate your iterative design process and collaboration skills.) Company & Culture Questions:
-
"Why are you interested in working for DLH and supporting the CDC's mission?" (Research the CDC's current public health priorities and DLH's role in supporting them.)
-
"How do you approach working in a remote environment, and how do you ensure effective collaboration with a distributed team?" (Highlight your communication and self-management strategies.)
-
"Describe your experience working with government clients or in a highly regulated industry. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize your understanding of compliance and precision.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution (your design), and the outcome or impact.
-
Focus on Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing client briefs, target audiences, accessibility needs, and project goals.
-
Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your selected projects showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, your ability to create diverse assets (web, print, social), and your understanding of information design.
-
Be Prepared for Specifics: Be ready to discuss your approach to Section 508 compliance, data visualization, and any experience with public health campaigns.
π Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess not only design talent but also the candidate's understanding of the public health context, their ability to work within stringent guidelines, and their communication skills for remote collaboration. A strong portfolio that demonstrates these aspects will be critical.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
-
Submit your application through the provided link on the DLH careers portal.
-
Tailor your resume: Highlight specific experience with Adobe Creative Suite, web/social media/print design, Section 508 compliance, and any relevant public health or government sector experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
-
Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role, focusing on diversity of output and clear demonstration of your design process and problem-solving abilities. Ensure it's easily accessible online.
-
Prepare your talking points: Anticipate questions about your design process, experience with accessibility, ability to work remotely, and interest in public health. Practice articulating your portfolio pieces and their impact.
-
Research DLH and the CDC: Understand DLH's mission and their work with federal agencies. Familiarize yourself with the CDC's Division of HIV Prevention's goals and the importance of their dissemination products.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or Fine Arts and at least 2 years of experience with Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates must be able to obtain a NAC clearance and reside near specific US hubs for onboarding.