Graphic Designer – Journeyman

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer – Journeyman

Company: IDS International (ADG Creative subsidiary)

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Government Contracting

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for producing high-quality visual content across diverse platforms, including print, digital, branding, and multimedia.

• The Graphic Designer will actively contribute to strategic creative solutions, participating in brainstorming and concept development to meet client and brand objectives.

• A key aspect of the role involves collaborating closely with creative teams and stakeholders to ensure design decisions are effectively communicated and aligned with project goals.

• Maintaining organized design files, adhering to naming conventions, and managing timelines are essential for successful project execution and team efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input describes a Graphic Designer role, the enhancement focuses on translating its core functions into an operations-adjacent context, emphasizing process, documentation, and strategic output, which are vital in a government contracting environment like IDS International. The requirement for a TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly is a significant factor that implies a need for meticulous adherence to security protocols and operational integrity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate strategic creative solutions across print, branding, UX/UI, social media, video, and digital campaigns, ensuring alignment with project scope and client requirements.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas during concept development phases, fostering a collaborative creative environment.

• Execute design work from initial research and mood boarding through to final concept realization, ensuring high visual quality and strategic impact.

• Clearly communicate design decisions, rationale, and progress to project teams and stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.

• Stay current with emerging design trends, tools, and technologies to continuously enhance creative output and process efficiency.

• Participate in customer discovery sessions, meticulously taking notes and translating client needs into actionable design briefs.

• Organize and maintain all design files with strict adherence to established structure, naming conventions, and storage procedures for version control and accessibility.

• Maintain accountability for project timelines and deliverables, proactively managing workload to ensure timely completion of all assigned tasks.

• Contribute positively to the team culture and foster collaboration within ADG Creative, supporting a cohesive and productive work environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support ADG Creative's operational needs and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been detailed to reflect the operational demands of a design role within a government contracting firm. Emphasis is placed on structured processes (file organization, naming conventions), stakeholder communication, and strategic execution, mirroring the requirements of many operations-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts).

• OR Associate's degree or High School Diploma with a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, with experience requirements adjusted based on educational background as per the substitution structure above.

• Demonstrated experience in producing visual content for print, digital, branding, and multimedia platforms. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Mastery in creating compelling visual assets across various media.

• Creative Suite Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).

• Portfolio Required: A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and strategic thinking.

• Active TS/SCI Clearance with CI Poly: This is a mandatory requirement for the position, indicating a need for rigorous security protocol adherence and trustworthiness.

• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts and decisions clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail for file management, naming conventions, and adherence to project structures.

Preferred Skills:

• UX/UI Design Principles: Understanding of user experience and user interface design principles for digital applications.

• Social Media & Digital Campaign Design: Experience in creating assets optimized for social media platforms and digital advertising.

• Video & Multimedia Design: Familiarity with video editing software and multimedia production techniques.

• Brand Development: Experience in creating and maintaining brand guidelines and visual identity systems.

• Agile/Scrum Familiarity: Experience working within agile development or project management frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Requirements" section has been expanded to differentiate between mandatory and preferred skills, providing clarity for candidates. The critical requirement of a TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly has been highlighted as a non-negotiable qualification, crucial for operations in the defense and intelligence sectors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Process Iteration: Showcase projects where you iterated on designs based on feedback, research, or performance data, highlighting your problem-solving approach.

• Strategic Alignment: Ensure portfolio pieces clearly demonstrate how your designs met specific client objectives, brand guidelines, or campaign goals.

• Technical Proficiency Examples: Include examples that highlight your mastery of design software and your ability to produce high-quality, polished deliverables.

• Versatility Showcase: Present a range of work across different media (print, digital, branding, multimedia) to prove adaptability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your typical design workflow, from concept initiation to final asset delivery, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• File Management Standards: Describe your approach to organizing, naming, and storing design files, ensuring version control and easy retrieval.

• Feedback Integration: Explain how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and team members into your design process to refine deliverables.

• Trend Integration: Be ready to discuss how you stay abreast of design trends and integrate new techniques or tools into your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to emphasize the operational aspects of design work, focusing on process, documentation, and demonstrable outcomes, which are key in a role requiring strict adherence to project management and client expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $50,000 - $80,000 annually (Hourly equivalent: $24 - $38 per hour)

• Methodology: This estimate is based on a Journeyman-level Graphic Designer role in the Annapolis Junction, MD area, considering the mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years) and the specialized nature of working within a government contracting firm requiring a TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly. Market data from sources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary for similar roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, adjusted for Anne Arundel County, were reviewed. The TS/SCI clearance often commands a premium due to the specialized vetting and security requirements.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education to enhance design and operational skills.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-sponsored life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility Required: Candidates must be flexible regarding shift times, as project requirements may necessitate earlier or later reporting based on customer needs. This adaptability is crucial for operational effectiveness in government contracting.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on location, experience, and the unique requirement of a TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly, which significantly impacts compensation. Benefits have been listed with common offerings relevant to full-time employees in the defense contracting sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Defense & Intelligence Services / Creative Services

Company Size: 201-500 Employees (IDS International)

Founded: 2009 (IDS International)

Team Structure:

• ADG Creative Subsidiary: This role is within ADG Creative, a subsidiary of IDS International, suggesting a specialized creative unit focused on design and communication solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Designers will work closely with project managers, content strategists, technical writers, and potentially client-facing personnel to deliver integrated solutions.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Likely a direct report to a Creative Director or Design Lead within ADG Creative, with project-specific reporting lines to program managers.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Solutions: Emphasis on understanding and meeting diverse government, military, and public-sector client needs.

• Operational Excellence: Focus on delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure services, underpinned by clear processes and efficient workflows.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Commitment to developing innovative approaches and adapting to complex, evolving challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out to highlight the government contracting environment and the specialized nature of ADG Creative. This shapes the operational expectations regarding security, client focus, and process adherence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Journeyman Graphic Designer

• This level signifies a professional with solid foundational skills and practical experience, capable of working independently on assigned projects with minimal supervision. They are expected to contribute to strategic creative thinking and mentor junior designers. Reporting Structure:

• Reports to a Design Lead or Creative Director within ADG Creative.

• May have project-specific reporting to Program Managers for deliverables and timelines.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key aspect of the reporting dynamic. Operations Impact:

• The graphic design output directly supports client mission objectives by enhancing communication, branding, and understanding of complex information.

• High-quality visual assets can improve user engagement with digital platforms, clarify technical documentation, and strengthen brand identity for government clients.

• Efficient design processes contribute to project success by ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: Advancement to a senior level with increased project leadership, client interaction, and mentorship responsibilities.

• Art Director: Potential to move into leadership roles overseeing creative teams and driving the overall visual strategy for larger programs.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, or brand strategy.

• Operations Skill Development: Exposure to government contracting processes, security protocols, and project management methodologies can enhance operational acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" framing emphasizes how this design role fits into a broader operational framework, particularly within government contracting where process and impact are paramount. Growth opportunities are framed to include both creative and operational development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site within a secure government contracting facility.

Office Location(s): Annapolis Junction, MD. This location is strategic, being close to various government agencies and defense contractors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studio: Expected to work within a creative team environment, utilizing shared resources and collaborative tools.

• Secure Environment: Access to secure networks and systems may be required, necessitating strict adherence to security protocols.

• Technology Integration: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware, potentially including specialized equipment for multimedia or print production.

Work Schedule:

• Standard work hours, but with a noted requirement for flexibility to accommodate customer needs and project deadlines. This adaptability is a key operational characteristic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and security requirements are highlighted as critical environmental factors for operations professionals, influencing daily routines and access.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design skills, software proficiency, and creative process. Be prepared to walk through portfolio pieces and explain your design decisions.

• Security & Background Check: In-depth process due to the TS/SCI clearance requirement, including interviews and verification.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication style, and alignment with ADG Creative's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss role expectations and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role (print, digital, branding, multimedia).

• Explain the 'Why': For each project, clearly articulate the client's objective, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the outcome (quantify if possible).

• Highlight Security Awareness: If possible, showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of sensitive information handling or compliance, even if anonymized.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Ensure your portfolio shows a range of styles and mediums.

• Professional Presentation: Use a clean, well-organized format (PDF or professional website) for easy navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a quick concept based on a brief, or discussing how you would approach a specific design problem.

• Focus on demonstrating your thought process, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to the specific requirements of the role, particularly emphasizing the portfolio's role in demonstrating not just creative skill but also operational diligence and security awareness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For documentation, presentations, and collaboration (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and workflow management is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analytics (Conceptual): Understanding how design impacts user engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, time on page) is a plus.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to create simple reports or presentations on design project status and outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Indirect): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design assets are used in marketing campaigns managed via CRM systems is advantageous.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Awareness of how design processes can be streamlined or automated through efficient file management and templating.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific software and tools relevant to a graphic designer, emphasizing their operational use in project delivery and team collaboration within a professional services context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Paramount due to the security clearance requirement. Upholding confidentiality and ethical standards is non-negotiable.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-caliber creative work that meets rigorous client standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared and team members contribute to collective success.

• Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to adjust to changing project needs, client requirements, and operational demands.

• Problem-Solving: Proactively identifying and addressing challenges in the design process and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Working closely with other designers, project managers, and subject matter experts to achieve unified project goals.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing feedback to enhance designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices, new techniques, and creative insights within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are interpreted through the lens of a government contractor, emphasizing integrity, security, and operational reliability alongside creative excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Security Protocols: Adapting to strict security requirements and clearance maintenance procedures.

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Client Constraints: Working within defined client brand guidelines and technical limitations while still producing innovative designs.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time across various concurrent projects, often with tight turnaround times.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping design skills current with rapidly changing software and digital platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to courses and workshops for specialized design software or techniques (e.g., motion graphics, 3D design).

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend design conferences to network and learn about emerging trends.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about government contracting operations, project management, and client relations through daily interaction.

• Security Clearance Maintenance: Support and guidance for maintaining the active TS/SCI clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to reflect operational realities within a secure environment, and growth opportunities are linked to both creative and operational skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project where you had to balance creative vision with strict client requirements. How did you navigate this?" (Focus on process, communication, problem-solving)

• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with brand strategy and contributes to broader business objectives?" (Highlight strategic thinking, ROI awareness)

• "Walk us through your process for organizing and managing design files for a large project. What naming conventions do you prefer and why?" (Demonstrate organizational rigor, operational best practices) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a government contractor like IDS International, specifically within ADG Creative?" (Show research into the company's mission and the subsidiary's role)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Assess collaboration and adaptability)

• "Given the nature of our work, how do you approach ensuring the security and confidentiality of project information?" (Directly address the security requirement) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Storytelling: For each selected portfolio piece, craft a narrative that includes the challenge, your solution, your process, and the impact.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used and why they were appropriate.

• Relevance to IDS: Tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills and experience align with the types of projects IDS International undertakes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe for operational diligence, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the unique requirements of working in a government contracting environment, in addition to creative skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the IDS International careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is polished, clearly organized, and specifically highlights projects relevant to print, digital, branding, and multimedia, demonstrating your ability to meet diverse client needs.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with graphic design software, project management aspects of design (timelines, deliverables), and any experience with government or sensitive projects. Clearly state your active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and how you handle feedback. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions, focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, and operational efficiency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research IDS International and ADG Creative. Understand their mission, client base, and the types of creative challenges they address, particularly in the defense and government sectors.

⚠️ 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.