Graphic Designer - Mid-Level, Training, & E-l

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Mid-Level, Training & E-Learning

Company: Charles F Day & Associates LLC

Location: Davenport, IA, US (Remote OK)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Education / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

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

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop high-quality visual and multimedia assets for federal adult-learning and e-learning products, supporting the National Institute of Corrections.

• Collaborate closely with instructional designers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and project leadership to translate learning objectives into engaging visual content.

• Utilize and maintain established design practices and rigorous quality standards throughout the curriculum development lifecycle.

• Support animation, graphic development, and potentially AI-assisted creative tools to enhance learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is contingent upon contract award, indicating a potential project-based or government contract environment. The emphasis on federal adult-learning and e-learning products suggests a need for clear, concise, and accurate visual communication tailored to a specific audience and regulatory context. The requirement for a Secret clearance is a critical factor for eligibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create a diverse range of visual and multimedia assets specifically designed for instructional and digital-learning products, ensuring alignment with learning objectives.

• Develop and manipulate graphics and multimedia elements that contribute to engaging and effective learning experiences for adult learners.

• Support animation and graphic development, with a forward-looking approach to incorporating AI-assisted technologies for creative efficiency and innovation.

• Actively collaborate with instructional designers to effectively translate complex learning concepts and objectives into clear, visually appealing content.

• Uphold and maintain established design practices, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards and brand guidelines throughout all creative output.

• Provide dedicated support for curriculum modernization initiatives and the overall production process from conception through to final delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and collaborative problem-solving. The mention of "curriculum modernization" implies involvement in updating existing training materials, requiring an understanding of pedagogical principles alongside design skills. The "contingent upon contract award" status suggests that the project scope and timeline might be subject to change, requiring adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a mid-level role. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in producing high-quality digital and instructional graphics. Experience with federal or public-sector training is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven professional experience in producing high-quality digital and instructional graphics.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).

• Demonstrated proficiency with Envato Elements for asset sourcing and utilization.

• Experience in creating and manipulating multimedia assets (images, video, audio).

• Experience developing graphics specifically for digital learning, instructional content, presentations, or similar applications.

• Strong ability to collaborate effectively with instructional designers and project management personnel.

• Keen attention to technical accuracy and maintaining high visual quality standards. Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing graphics for federal or public-sector training programs.

• Experience with animation, motion graphics, or advanced AI-assisted creative tools.

• Experience supporting e-learning development teams and understanding of e-learning authoring tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Envato Elements proficiency is specific and suggests a need for efficient asset integration and creative resource management. The preference for federal training experience indicates that familiarity with government communication styles and content requirements would be advantageous. The "Mid-Level" designation typically implies a need for some autonomy and the ability to mentor junior designers if applicable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on digital and instructional graphics.

• Specific examples demonstrating experience in creating visual assets for e-learning modules, presentations, or training materials.

• Visualizations that highlight the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging, and accessible graphics.

• Projects that exhibit proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and, ideally, examples of motion graphics or animation.

• Evidence of understanding and applying design principles to meet specific learning objectives and quality standards. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including ideation, asset creation, revision cycles, and final delivery.

• Ability to articulate how they ensure technical accuracy and visual quality in their workflow.

• Understanding of collaborative processes when working with instructional designers and SMEs to refine visual content.

• Familiarity with managing creative assets and adhering to project timelines within a development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on training and e-learning, the portfolio should emphasize clarity, instructional effectiveness, and engagement over purely aesthetic appeal. Demonstrating the ability to work within established frameworks and collaborate on iterative design processes is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on location (remote), experience level (mid-level, 2-5 years), and the specific nature of government contract work, a competitive salary range for a Graphic Designer in this role would typically fall between $60,000 - $80,000 per year. This estimate considers the required skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Envato Elements, and multimedia asset creation, as well as the potential for specialized government contract compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options for employees and their dependents.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, designed to support work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with potential company match, to support long-term financial planning.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially certifications related to graphic design, e-learning, or AI creative tools.

• Remote Work Stipend: Potential for a stipend to support home office setup and ongoing remote work expenses.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and their families.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment. Given the remote nature, there may be some flexibility in daily scheduling, but consistent availability during core business hours for collaboration with the team and stakeholders is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for mid-level Graphic Designers in the US, with adjustments for remote work and specialized government contract roles. Actual compensation may vary based on specific contract terms, candidate experience, and negotiation. Benefits packages for government contractors can sometimes differ from standard corporate offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Charles F Day & Associates LLC operates within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, with a focus on providing solutions for government clients, particularly in training and e-learning development. The company likely emphasizes precision, reliability, and adherence to government standards.

Company Size: While specific numbers aren't provided, the use of ADP Workforce Now suggests a company with a structured HR and payroll system, likely falling into the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category, or a division within a larger entity. This size often implies a close-knit team environment with direct access to leadership.

Founded: Founded in 1996, Charles F. Day & Associates, LLC (CFDay) has a long-standing history in providing services, suggesting stability and established processes. This longevity implies a culture that values experience, client relationships, and consistent delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a project-specific team, potentially reporting to a Project Manager or a Lead Instructional Designer.

• Collaboration will be integral, involving close working relationships with instructional designers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and potentially other creative or technical personnel.

• The team structure may be matrixed, with individuals contributing to multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, understanding how visual elements impact learning effectiveness and user engagement is key. The designer will need to interpret feedback and data to refine visual assets.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires efficient workflow management to meet project deadlines, often involving iterative design processes and incorporating feedback.

• Automation & Efficiency: The mention of AI-assisted technologies suggests an openness to leveraging tools that can streamline creative processes and enhance output efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.cfday.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on federal contracts and training, the company culture likely values precision, compliance, and a strong work ethic. The "HUBZone Residency preferred" note indicates a potential emphasis on supporting businesses in historically underutilized business zones, which may influence team composition and hiring priorities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Mid-Level Graphic Designer." This implies a need for independent work on defined tasks, the ability to manage personal workload efficiently, and a foundational understanding of the e-learning and instructional design process. It's a step beyond entry-level, requiring demonstrated proficiency and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Project Manager or a Lead Instructional Designer within a specific project team. This structure facilitates clear task assignment and feedback loops, ensuring alignment with project goals and client requirements.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness and engagement of federal adult-learning and e-learning products. High-quality visual assets enhance comprehension, retention, and overall user experience, contributing to the successful delivery of training objectives by the National Institute of Corrections. The designer's ability to create clear, accurate, and compelling visuals is crucial for the success of these educational initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, animation, UI/UX design for e-learning, or advanced AI creative tools.

• Project Leadership: Potential to take on lead design roles on future projects, managing design aspects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining a deeper understanding of instructional design principles and e-learning development methodologies, potentially leading to roles with a broader scope in learning experience design.

• Government Contracting: Developing specialized knowledge and experience within the federal contracting space, which can open doors to further opportunities within government-focused organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "mid-level" designation suggests a role where individuals are expected to contribute independently but also learn and grow within the team. The growth opportunities are tied to both creative skill development and understanding the unique demands of the government training sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is listed as "Remote OK," indicating a primary work environment outside of a traditional office setting. This offers flexibility and autonomy to the employee.

Office Location(s): While the job is posted with a Davenport, IA location, the "Remote OK" status suggests that candidates may not need to reside in Davenport, IA, but could potentially work from any location within the United States, provided they meet any specific geographic or time zone requirements for collaboration. The "Davenport, Iowa, United States" is noted as a derived remote location.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility & Autonomy: Remote work offers the advantage of designing one's own workspace and schedule (within project constraints).

• Technology Dependent: Success relies heavily on reliable internet connectivity, a suitable home office setup, and effective use of digital collaboration tools.

• Virtual Collaboration: Interaction with colleagues and stakeholders will occur primarily through video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, adherence to project deadlines and availability for scheduled meetings (e.g., team syncs, client reviews) during core business hours are essential. The "contingent upon contract award" status might mean project timelines need to be met, potentially requiring focused work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role emphasizes the need for strong self-discipline, time management, and proactive communication skills. Candidates should ensure they have a conducive remote work environment and are comfortable with virtual collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative output against job requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: This may involve a discussion of design process, tool proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite, Envato Elements), and problem-solving scenarios related to instructional graphics. A portfolio review is highly probable here.

• Collaboration/Team Fit Interview: An interview focused on assessing how well the candidate collaborates with others, their communication style, and their ability to work within a project team structure, potentially with instructional designers or project managers.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with leadership or key stakeholders to confirm fit and discuss project specifics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your experience in instructional design, e-learning, and federal/public sector content if applicable. Highlight graphics that demonstrate clarity, engagement, and technical accuracy.

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for 1-2 key projects. Explain your problem-solving approach, how you incorporated feedback, and the tools you used.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, try to articulate how your visuals contributed to learning objectives or user engagement.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite. If you have motion graphics or animation examples, include them.

• Address AI Use: If you have experience with AI-assisted creative tools, be ready to discuss how you leverage them ethically and effectively to enhance your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a brief to create a specific graphic or a series of visuals based on a learning objective. Focus on clarity, instructional intent, and adherence to any provided style guides.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you visually represent a complex process for adult learners?" or "How would you handle conflicting feedback from an SME and an instructional designer?"

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow and troubleshooting methods within Adobe Creative Suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "contingent upon contract award" status might mean the interview process is dynamic or subject to delays. Emphasizing collaboration and the ability to adapt to project-specific needs will be key. The Secret Clearance requirement will be a significant part of the vetting process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks, including Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), InDesign (layout for presentations, documents), and potentially After Effects (animation, motion graphics).

• Envato Elements: A key requirement, indicating the need for efficient sourcing and integration of stock assets (graphics, templates, video, audio) into designs.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for presentation design and potentially Word for document integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, understanding how visual assets are tracked or perform within e-learning platforms (e.g., engagement metrics, completion rates) could be beneficial for informing design choices. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as the focus is on creative production rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The specific mention of Envato Elements highlights a need for practical, efficient asset utilization within project constraints. Experience with animation tools like After Effects is preferred and aligns with the mention of AI-assisted creative tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision and Accuracy: Given the federal training context, there's a strong emphasis on technical accuracy and ensuring all visual information is correct and clearly communicated.

• Collaboration and Communication: The role requires seamless interaction with instructional designers and SMEs, valuing open communication and teamwork to achieve project goals.

• Quality and Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in design execution and professional conduct is paramount, especially when working with government clients.

• Efficiency and Adaptability: The ability to work effectively within project timelines and adapt to evolving project needs or feedback is crucial, particularly in a contract-driven environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The graphic designer is expected to be an integrated member of the project team, actively participating in discussions and contributing creative solutions.

• Iterative Feedback: A willingness to receive and incorporate constructive feedback from instructional designers, SMEs, and project managers is essential for refining visual assets.

• Proactive Engagement: Encouraging proactive communication regarding design progress, potential challenges, and creative ideas to ensure alignment and smooth project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, results-oriented, and client-focused, with a strong emphasis on meeting the specific requirements of government contracts. Adaptability and a collaborative spirit are key to thriving in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively visualizing abstract or technical information from federal training materials into easily understandable graphics.

• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Working within established federal branding, accessibility standards, and instructional design frameworks, which can sometimes limit creative freedom.

• Managing Multiple Projects/Feedback: Juggling design tasks for different projects simultaneously and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders with potentially diverse perspectives.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with new design tools, AI advancements, and e-learning technologies to maintain relevance and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunities to master advanced features within Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design software.

• E-Learning Design Principles: Deepening understanding of adult learning theories, instructional design methodologies, and e-learning best practices.

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Developing skills in creating dynamic visual content that can significantly enhance engagement in training modules.

• AI in Creative Workflows: Exploring and integrating AI-powered tools to optimize design processes, generate new ideas, and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles involving complex content and client-specific requirements. The growth opportunities focus on enhancing core design skills and expanding into related areas like instructional design and emerging technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating visual assets for e-learning modules. How do you ensure they align with learning objectives and engage adult learners?" (Focus on your workflow, collaboration, and understanding of instructional design principles.)

• "How would you approach designing graphics for a federal training program that requires strict adherence to accessibility standards and specific government branding guidelines?" (Highlight your attention to detail, knowledge of compliance, and ability to work within constraints.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to translate a complex technical concept into a visual representation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating your problem-solving and visual communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with federal training materials and the National Institute of Corrections?" (Show genuine interest in the mission and the specific domain.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest graphic design trends and technologies, especially those relevant to e-learning and AI?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe your experience working remotely. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with your team?" (Highlight your self-management and virtual communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client. Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Narrative: For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your role, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the outcome. Emphasize your contribution to the learning experience.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss specific techniques used in Adobe Creative Suite and how you leveraged Envato Elements.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only your design skills but also your ability to integrate into a project team, understand government contract requirements, and adapt to a remote work environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP WorkNow link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Envato Elements, multimedia asset creation, and any relevant e-learning or federal training projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features instructional graphics, e-learning visuals, and examples demonstrating clarity, engagement, and technical accuracy. Be ready to discuss your process for 1-2 key projects.

• Prepare for interview questions: Practice articulating your design process, collaboration style, and how you handle creative challenges, especially in a remote, government-contract setting.

• Research Charles F Day & Associates LLC: Understand their work with federal clients and their focus on training and e-learning solutions. Familiarize yourself with their website and any publicly available project examples.

⚠️ 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.