Graphic Designer (Mid-Level)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Mid-Level)

Company: Team Carney

Location: United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Education / Government & Public Sector / Technology

Date Posted: 2026-08-30

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Produce high-quality visual materials, animations, and multimedia assets for digital platforms, e-learning courses, and instructional materials.

• Collaborate closely with Instructional Designers and Project Managers to create modern visual assets that enhance learner engagement and understanding.

• Apply industry-standard design tools and leverage emerging AI-assisted content creation technologies to build seamless, visually appealing training assets.

• Ensure consistent branding and technical accuracy across all developed visual content for Federal Government initiatives.

• Contribute to curriculum modernization, e-learning development, and instructor-led training revision support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tied to supporting Federal Government agencies, particularly through the NIC Curriculum Modernization initiative. The emphasis on "modern visual assets" and "emerging AI-assisted content creation technologies" suggests a forward-thinking approach to learning and development within a government context. The mid-level designation implies a need for both creative execution and a solid understanding of design principles and project collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop compelling graphics, infographics, visual templates, and user interface elements specifically tailored for e-learning environments.

• Create and edit animations and multimedia assets using Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects to enhance instructional content and learner engagement.

• Translate complex learning concepts and technical information into clear, visually intuitive graphics and layouts.

• Maintain strict adherence to established branding guidelines and ensure technical accuracy in all visual outputs for government training materials.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including Instructional Designers, Project Managers, and subject matter experts, to deliver high-impact visual solutions.

• Utilize AI-assisted content creation tools to streamline workflows, generate creative concepts, and optimize asset development for efficiency.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

• Conduct quality assurance checks on all visual assets to ensure they meet design standards, accessibility requirements, and project specifications.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, e-learning technologies, and AI advancements to continuously improve design output and methodologies.

• Support the revision and modernization of existing instructor-led training materials by updating visual elements and presentation formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical proficiency in multimedia tools, and a strong understanding of educational design principles. The explicit mention of Federal Government initiatives and curriculum modernization indicates a need for sensitivity to government protocols and a focus on impactful, educational content.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a closely related field. A strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent professional design experience may be considered in lieu of a specific degree.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in graphic design and visual multimedia development, with a proven track record of creating engaging digital content.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Multimedia Development: Strong proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and/or After Effects for video editing, animation, and motion graphics creation.

• AI-Assisted Design: Demonstrated experience leveraging AI technologies for graphic design, asset manipulation, or animation generation.

• E-Learning Design: Proven ability to design graphics, infographics, visual templates, and UI elements specifically for e-learning platforms and courses.

• Visual Communication Principles: Solid understanding of visual hierarchy, layout principles, color theory, typography, and branding alignment.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design choices and collaborate effectively with instructional designers and project managers.

• Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including digital graphics, infographics, UI elements, and multimedia assets.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Envato Elements for asset sourcing and integration.

• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning authoring tools.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) in digital content design.

• Experience working within Federal Government contracting environments or on government-related projects.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital learning interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI-assisted design tools is a key differentiator, suggesting the company is looking for designers who can integrate cutting-edge technology into their workflow for efficiency and innovation in educational content creation. The "equivalent design portfolio/work experience" clause for education is a common practice in creative fields, signaling flexibility for highly skilled candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on digital graphics, infographics, and UI elements relevant to e-learning.

• Include examples of multimedia assets such as short animations, explainer videos, or motion graphics created using Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects.

• Demonstrate proficiency with AI-assisted design tools through specific project examples or case studies highlighting their application.

• Present clear evidence of collaboration with instructional designers or subject matter experts, illustrating how visual elements supported learning objectives.

• Organize portfolio pieces to clearly articulate the design process, challenges encountered, and the impact of the visual solutions on learner engagement or comprehension. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and revision cycles.

• Articulate your approach to maintaining branding consistency and technical accuracy when developing training materials for government clients.

• Explain how you integrate feedback from cross-functional teams (e.g., Instructional Designers, Project Managers) into your design workflow.

• Detail your experience with leveraging AI tools within your design workflow, including any considerations for ethical use, quality control, and efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role focused on educational content, the portfolio should not just display final products but also demonstrate the candidate's understanding of the instructional design process and their ability to translate learning objectives into effective visual communication. The AI component requires specific examples of how these tools were integrated.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Mid-Level Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in a fully remote US-based role, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of e-learning and government project support, as well as the inclusion of AI tool proficiency.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive coverage including multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance options through BCBS CareFirst, Health Spending Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Financial Security: Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, alongside company-paid life and disability insurance policies.

• Work-Life Harmony: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual, 11 paid federal holidays, and an extensive 6 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Professional & Personal Growth: Annual tuition assistance up to $5,000 for continued education and student loan repayment programs.

• Enrichment & Lifestyle: Annual stipends of up to $200 for personal learning (e.g., pottery, coding) and up to $200 for fitness and active lifestyle events.

• Continuous Development: Access to ongoing professional development opportunities and ad hoc training sessions.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. While fully remote, candidates should be prepared to align with core business hours for collaboration and team meetings, potentially within the America/Chicago timezone. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical mid-level graphic designer compensation in the US, factoring in the remote nature, the specific industry (government contracting/e-learning), and the requirement for AI tool proficiency. The benefits package is quite robust, emphasizing employee well-being, financial stability, and continuous learning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology / Government Contracting / Human Capital Solutions. Team Carney specializes in providing training, learning, and human capital solutions, with a significant focus on empowering Federal Government agencies. This positions them at the intersection of educational innovation and public sector service.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but it is an established organization founded in 1994. Typically, companies of this tenure serving the government sector can range from medium to large, with dedicated teams for project delivery and support functions.

Founded: 1994. With over three decades of experience, Team Carney has built a strong reputation and deep expertise in delivering critical mandates for government clients. This longevity suggests a stable work environment and a mature operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger project team dedicated to specific government contracts, such as the NIC Curriculum Modernization initiative.

• This team will include Instructional Designers, Project Managers, and potentially other creative or technical specialists.

• The role involves close collaboration with Instructional Designers, suggesting a team structure where creative input is integrated early in the e-learning development process.

• Reporting will likely be to a Project Manager or a Creative Lead within the project team. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the focus on Federal Government agencies implies a need for data-informed design decisions and measurable impact.

• Agile & Collaborative Workflows: The emphasis on close coordination with Instructional Designers and Project Managers suggests an agile and iterative approach to content development.

• Innovation in Learning: The company's mission and the specific mention of "innovative learning" and "emerging AI-assisted content creation technologies" point to a culture that values modern approaches to education and technology integration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on the Federal Government sector imply a structured, process-oriented environment where quality, compliance, and impactful results are paramount. The inclusion of AI tools in the role suggests they are adapting to modern technological advancements to better serve their clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This designation indicates a professional who has moved beyond entry-level tasks and is expected to contribute independently to design projects, manage their workload effectively, and collaborate proactively with team members. They are expected to have a solid grasp of design principles and software, with emerging expertise in specific areas like e-learning and AI-assisted design.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Project Manager or a Creative Lead within the specific project team (e.g., NIC Curriculum Modernization). They will work closely with Instructional Designers, providing a collaborative but structured reporting line.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to enhancing the effectiveness and engagement of government training programs. High-quality visual assets can significantly improve learner comprehension, retention, and overall satisfaction with training initiatives, thereby helping Federal agencies meet their critical mandates. The successful integration of AI tools also contributes to operational efficiency and modernizing the learning development process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in e-learning design, visual instructional design, and AI-driven creative workflows, becoming a go-to resource for these areas.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.

• Project Management: Gain exposure to project management methodologies and potentially transition into roles managing creative aspects of government projects.

• Skill Expansion: Leverage tuition assistance and professional development stipends to acquire new skills in related fields like UX/UI design, advanced animation, or project management software.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Explore opportunities within Team Carney's broader human capital and learning solutions offerings, potentially moving into roles focused on learning experience design or creative strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a mid-level designer in a government contracting firm often involves deepening technical skills, increasing project complexity, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized roles within the firm's service offerings. The company's commitment to professional development is a strong indicator of support for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This position operates entirely outside of a traditional office setting, offering maximum flexibility for employees based anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): United States. While the role is remote, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US. Team Carney may have physical office locations for other roles or administrative purposes, but this specific position is not tied to one.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility & Autonomy: The remote nature provides significant autonomy in managing one's workday, allowing for better integration of personal life and professional responsibilities.

• Technology Reliance: Success in this role heavily depends on reliable internet access, personal productivity, and effective use of collaboration tools for remote communication and project management.

• Collaborative Digital Space: While physically separated, the team utilizes digital tools to foster collaboration, share assets, and conduct virtual meetings, creating a connected, albeit virtual, workspace.

• Focus on Output: The emphasis is on delivering high-quality creative work and meeting project deadlines, regardless of physical location.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While remote, candidates are expected to maintain regular communication and availability during core business hours to facilitate team collaboration and client interaction. Adherence to specific project timelines and potential client meeting schedules will be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote aspect is a significant draw for many professionals. It implies a culture of trust and a focus on results rather than hours clocked in an office. Candidates should be self-motivated, organized, and adept at remote communication tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly AI tool usage and e-learning design.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your professional background, design philosophy, experience with Adobe Creative Suite, and understanding of e-learning principles. Expect questions about your approach to visual hierarchy, branding, and collaboration.

• Portfolio Presentation & Skills Assessment: A session where you will present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and how you've utilized AI tools. This may include a practical design challenge or case study related to government training materials.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members (Instructional Designers, Project Managers) to assess collaboration style and cultural fit within Team Carney's project-focused environment.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions on compensation, benefits, and final confirmation of suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in graphic design, multimedia, e-learning, and AI-assisted creation. Prioritize work that aligns with government or educational contexts if possible.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process undertaken, the tools used (especially AI), challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact. Use case study formats.

• Demonstrate AI Proficiency: Explicitly show how AI tools were integrated into your workflow – for concept generation, asset creation, image manipulation, or animation. Explain the benefits and any limitations encountered.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved learner engagement, clarity of information, positive client feedback).

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital platform, PDF, or presentation deck.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate E-learning Scenarios: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design a visual asset for a specific e-learning module. Consider how you would approach it, what questions you would ask, and what tools you would use.

• AI Integration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would use AI tools to solve specific design problems or accelerate the creation of training materials.

• Collaboration Simulation: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if explaining your choices to an Instructional Designer who may not have a design background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and a potential design challenge underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also explain their thought process and technical execution, especially concerning AI tools and e-learning design principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, icons, logos), and InDesign (layout, document design).

• Adobe Premiere Pro & After Effects: Required for video editing, motion graphics, animation, and multimedia asset creation.

• Envato Elements: Likely used for sourcing stock assets, templates, music, and video clips to expedite content creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, an understanding of how visual assets perform within e-learning platforms may be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards for content engagement could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar platforms used for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration in remote environments.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for daily communication, virtual meetings, and file sharing.

AI-Assisted Design Tools:

• Experience with various AI tools for graphic design, image generation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E), asset enhancement, or animation assistance. The specific tools may vary, but a willingness and ability to adapt to new AI technologies are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is heavily skewed towards industry-standard creative software, with a significant addition of AI tools. This indicates a modern design department that values efficiency and cutting-edge technology. Familiarity with project management and communication tools is crucial for a remote role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Service: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions for Federal Government agencies, aligning with Team Carney's mission.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies like AI and modern learning methodologies to continuously improve service offerings and client outcomes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions and work outputs.

• Learner-Centricity: Designing with the end-user (the learner) in mind, ensuring that visual content is engaging, accessible, and facilitates effective knowledge transfer.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates close and frequent collaboration with Instructional Designers, Project Managers, and potentially subject matter experts, requiring clear communication and a proactive approach to feedback.

• Iterative Design Process: Expect a workflow that involves feedback loops and revisions to ensure the final visual assets meet project requirements and learning objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design tips, and insights, particularly regarding new technologies like AI, to benefit the entire team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on serving Federal Government agencies suggests a culture that values reliability, precision, and adherence to standards, while the incorporation of AI points to a forward-looking, innovative aspect. Collaboration is key, especially in a remote setting supporting complex projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to Government Requirements: Navigating specific protocols, branding guidelines, and security considerations inherent in Federal Government projects.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Mastering the use of AI tools to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and judgment, ensuring quality and ethical application.

• Visualizing Abstract Concepts: Translating complex or abstract technical/instructional material into clear, engaging visual content that aids learning.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong communication, team cohesion, and productivity while working remotely, requiring proactive engagement and clear articulation.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing time and prioritizing tasks across various government initiatives with potentially competing deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-powered design tools, becoming a subject matter expert within Team Carney for this emerging area.

• E-Learning & Instructional Design Acumen: Gain a more profound understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to create even more effective visual learning experiences.

• Government Project Workflow Mastery: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of working within the Federal Government contracting space.

• Advanced Multimedia Skills: Expand capabilities in animation, video production, or interactive design through training and project experience.

• Professional Development Stipends: Utilize the provided annual stipends for courses, certifications, or workshops that align with career goals and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in government contracting and remote work, but the AI integration adds a unique layer of complexity and opportunity. The growth opportunities are well-supported by the company's stated commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical concept and translating it into an engaging infographic or visual aid for an e-learning module." (Focus on your structured approach, collaboration, and tool selection.)

• "How have you leveraged AI tools in your graphic design workflow? Can you provide a specific example of how AI assisted you in a project, and what were the benefits or limitations?" (Be ready to showcase practical application.)

• "Imagine you are tasked with updating branding for a government training program. What steps would you take to ensure consistency and compliance with federal guidelines while introducing modern visual elements?" (Demonstrate understanding of process, collaboration, and constraints.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with Federal Government agencies, and what do you understand about Team Carney's mission in this space?" (Show research and alignment with their client focus.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as Instructional Designers or Project Managers, in a remote setting?" (Highlight communication skills and team-oriented mindset.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies like AI, and how do you decide which to incorporate into your work?" (Demonstrate a proactive learning approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around the "story" of each project – the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For AI-assisted work, consider including "before and after" examples or demonstrating the AI tool's output alongside your final polished asset.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your visual designs contributed to the learning objectives or client goals. Quantify results if possible.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most relevant projects and key takeaways for each.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and actively solicit feedback during your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize practical application, the integration of AI, and an understanding of the government sector. Candidates must be ready to articulate their processes, justify their design choices, and demonstrate how they collaborate effectively in a remote, project-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Team Carney's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, multimedia development (Premiere Pro/After Effects), and specifically your use of AI tools in design. Showcase e-learning and infographic examples prominently.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience, relevant education, and key skills, using keywords from the job description such as "e-learning design," "multimedia development," and "AI-assisted content creation." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects in detail, and preparing specific examples of how you've used AI tools. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Federal Government sector and Team Carney's mission.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Team Carney's website, mission, and any publicly available information about their work with government agencies. Understand their emphasis on innovative learning and human capital solutions.

⚠️ 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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