IT Analyst MID – PPTX Graphic Designer

Cherokee Federal
Full-timeHuntsville, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: IT Analyst MID – PPTX Graphic Designer

Company: Cherokee Federal

Location: Huntsville, Alabama, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Design / IT Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-08T18:26:52

Experience Level: Mid-level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Develop and design visually compelling presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote.

  • Apply strong graphic design principles, including layout, typography, and information hierarchy, to communicate complex data and ideas effectively.

  • Ensure brand consistency across all presentation materials by adhering to established brand guidelines.

  • Collaborate with clients and internal teams to understand project requirements and incorporate feedback into design iterations.

  • Create and optimize visual assets such as charts, infographics, and illustrations to enhance presentation clarity and engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "IT Analyst MID," the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean towards a specialized graphic design role focused on presentations. The "IT Analyst" aspect likely pertains to the technical proficiency required with presentation software and potentially some IT support related to these tools, rather than traditional IT analysis. This role bridges the gap between technical presentation software expertise and creative design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design presentations that capture audience attention and convey messages/data clearly, utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote.

  • Structure content by determining slide order, layout, and visual elements to effectively support the presentation’s goals.

  • Apply brand guidelines for fonts, colors, and style to ensure visual consistency across all presentation materials.

  • Create and optimize visuals such as charts, infographics, tables, and illustrations to make complex information easily understandable.

  • Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and content teams to refine presentation concepts and incorporate feedback throughout the design process.

  • Develop reusable presentation templates for recurring use and update existing designs to improve clarity and overall impact.

  • Deliver polished, high-quality presentation results on time, effectively managing multiple projects and meeting defined deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design and project management within the context of presentation development. The expectation is for the candidate to not only design but also to strategically structure content and manage the entire lifecycle of presentation creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field is highly recommended.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in graphic design, with a strong focus on presentation design.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced proficiency in presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote.

  • Expertise in graphic design tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

  • Strong visual communication skills, with a keen eye for layout, typography, and aesthetic appeal.

  • Demonstrated ability to create engaging and easily understandable visual content, including charts, infographics, and custom graphics.

  • Proven experience in applying brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency.

  • Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Preferred Skills:

  • Certifications in MS PowerPoint design or other relevant design credentials.

  • Familiarity with data visualization best practices.

  • Experience working within the government contracting or defense industry.

  • Knowledge of storytelling techniques for effective communication in presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both technical software proficiency and core design principles highlights the dual nature of this role. The preference for specific certifications suggests that formal training in presentation design is a plus, but practical experience and a strong portfolio are likely paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A robust portfolio showcasing a range of presentation design projects is mandatory.

  • Examples should demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and/or Keynote.

  • Include case studies or examples that highlight the ability to structure content logically and apply clear information hierarchy.

  • Showcase visual assets created, such as custom charts, infographics, and illustrations, demonstrating technical and creative skills.

  • Projects should reflect an understanding and application of brand consistency and visual storytelling.

  • Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders and incorporation of feedback is beneficial. Process Documentation:

  • Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process from brief to final delivery.

  • Examples of template creation and optimization processes are valuable.

  • Ability to articulate how brand guidelines are integrated into the design workflow.

  • Demonstration of project management and deadline adherence within the portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on visual communication and design, a portfolio is not just a requirement but the primary tool for demonstrating capability. The emphasis on process indicates that the hiring team wants to understand how the candidate achieves results, not just what they produce.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated starting salary range for this role in Huntsville, AL, for a mid-level designer with 5+ years of experience, especially with a TS/SCI clearance requirement, could range from $75,000 to $100,000 annually. This is a pay-commensurate-with-experience role, and the specific offer will depend on the candidate's qualifications, the depth of their experience, and the exact nature of the projects.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Medical insurance.

  • Dental insurance coverage.

  • Vision insurance coverage.

  • 401K retirement savings plan.

  • Other benefits may be provided as per company policy, subject to change.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may vary based on project needs and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for graphic designers in the Huntsville, AL area, considering the mid-level experience requirement and the significant addition of a TS/SCI clearance, which often commands a premium. The mention of "Program Manager" in the raw data for salary is likely an error; this estimate is for the presented IT Analyst MID – PPTX Graphic Designer role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / IT Services / Defense. Cherokee Federal operates within the broad spectrum of federal contracting, providing solutions to various government agencies. This specific role supports Cherokee Nation Defense Solutions (CNDS).

Company Size: Cherokee Federal is part of Cherokee Nation Businesses, a large conglomerate. CNDS itself likely operates as a significant division or subsidiary, suggesting a substantial organizational structure with ample resources and opportunities.

Founded: Cherokee Nation Businesses was founded in 1946, and its federal contracting arm has grown significantly since. This indicates a stable, established company with a long history of serving government clients.

Team Structure:

  • The role likely sits within a broader IT or Creative Services department, potentially supporting various project teams or a dedicated client.

  • Collaboration will be key, involving direct interaction with clients, project managers, content creators, and potentially other IT personnel.

  • The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager overseeing creative or IT support functions. Methodology:

  • Emphasis on data-driven design and clear communication of complex information.

  • Adherence to established client and company brand guidelines is critical.

  • Project management methodologies will likely be employed to ensure timely delivery.

  • A collaborative approach to design problem-solving and feedback incorporation.

Company Website: https://cherokee-federal.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep roots in federal contracting and its tribal ownership suggest a culture that values service, stability, and community impact, alongside professional excellence. The TS/SCI clearance requirement points to work in sensitive government projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring demonstrated expertise and independent work. It's a specialized creative role within a larger IT and government contracting framework.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Lead, Design Manager, or IT Project Manager who oversees presentation development and related tasks.

Operations Impact: The PPTX Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping how critical information is perceived by government stakeholders. Effective presentations can influence decision-making, secure funding, and communicate vital intelligence or project status. The quality of their work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of communications for sensitive government projects.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in presentation design, data visualization, or specific industry verticals within federal contracting.

  • Leadership: Potentially move into a Senior Designer role, Lead Designer, or even a Creative Manager position, overseeing junior designers and larger projects.

  • Cross-functional: Opportunities to contribute to broader design needs within Cherokee Federal, such as marketing materials, internal communications, or web assets, depending on skill development.

  • Skill Expansion: Develop skills in areas like motion graphics, interactive presentations, or UX/UI design for digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, this position contributes to the operational efficiency and effectiveness of government project communications. Growth often comes from demonstrating consistent, high-quality output and taking on more complex or lead responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. This location is a significant hub for U.S. Army and NASA activities, suggesting a work environment focused on defense and aerospace projects.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is likely equipped with standard office technology and design software.

  • Collaboration with colleagues will be a key aspect, facilitated by the on-site nature of the role.

  • Access to project teams and stakeholders will be readily available for direct communication and feedback.

  • The environment will likely be professional and geared towards supporting government contract requirements, potentially involving security protocols.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours, approximately 40 hours per week, are expected. Given the nature of government contracts, there might be occasional requirements for extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at Redstone Arsenal implies an environment that is security-conscious and focused on mission-critical government projects. Candidates should be comfortable with this type of professional setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and clearance status.

  • Technical/Portfolio Review: A key stage will involve reviewing the candidate's portfolio. This may be a dedicated session where the candidate walks through selected projects, explaining their design choices, process, and impact.

  • Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or a more in-depth discussion of design challenges may be included to evaluate technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

  • Team/Manager Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the role's requirements.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant presentation design projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to handle complex data, adhere to brand guidelines, and tell a compelling visual story.

  • Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your approach for each project: understanding the brief, research, ideation, design execution, revisions, and final delivery.

  • Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved clarity," "received positive feedback," "supported successful proposal").

  • Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate which tools were used for each project (PowerPoint, Adobe Suite, etc.).

  • Tailor: If possible, include a project that aligns with government or defense sector aesthetics or themes.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a presentation on a given topic with specific constraints (e.g., tight deadline, limited brand assets).

  • Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your choices support the presentation's objectives.

  • Prepare to answer questions about managing client feedback and navigating design disagreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of this application. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing and presenting it effectively. The TS/SCI clearance requirement will be a primary filter.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint (Advanced), Google Slides, Apple Keynote. Proficiency here is fundamental.

  • Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator for vector graphics/icons, Photoshop for image editing, InDesign for layout if needed for supporting materials).

  • Collaboration Tools: Standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace), potentially project management software like Asana, Trello, or Jira.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly an analyst role, understanding how data is presented and potentially visualizing data from reports will be necessary. Familiarity with data visualization principles is key.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role, as it's design-focused.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on visual design tools and presentation software. The "IT Analyst" part of the title implies a need for comfort and expertise with these specific software applications, rather than broader IT infrastructure or analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence in Execution: Delivering high-quality, polished work consistently.

  • Client Focus: Understanding and meeting the specific needs of government clients.

  • Integrity & Trust: Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively within teams and with diverse stakeholders.

  • Innovation: Finding creative solutions to visual communication challenges.

  • Brand Stewardship: Upholding and applying brand standards meticulously.

Collaboration Style:

  • Expected to be highly collaborative, working closely with subject matter experts, project managers, and clients.

  • Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is crucial.

  • Clear and proactive communication is essential, especially when working with remote or distributed teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely professional, mission-oriented, and values precision and reliability, given the government contracting context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge will be transforming technical or complex information into easily digestible and visually appealing presentations.

  • Meeting Diverse Client Needs: Adapting design style and approach to meet the varied requirements of different government agencies or project teams.

  • Managing Tight Deadlines: Government projects often have demanding timelines, requiring efficient workflow and time management.

  • Maintaining Security Protocols: Working with classified or sensitive information requires strict adherence to security guidelines.

  • Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design best practices and software updates to maintain a high standard of work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or advanced PowerPoint features.

  • Data Visualization Workshops: Learning new techniques for presenting data effectively.

  • Industry Conferences: Attending design or government contracting events to stay current and network.

  • Cross-functional Projects: Gaining exposure to different types of design work within Cherokee Federal.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a chance to work on impactful projects for national security and government missions, which can be a significant motivator. The challenges are directly related to the high-stakes nature of the work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for creating a presentation from initial concept to final delivery."

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency across different presentation projects?"

  • "Walk us through a challenging presentation design project you completed. What were the objectives, your approach, and the outcome?"

  • "How do you handle incorporating feedback from clients or stakeholders, especially when it conflicts with your design vision?"

  • "What is your experience with [specific software, e.g., Adobe Illustrator] for creating presentation graphics?"

  • "How do you approach visualizing complex data or technical information for a general audience?" Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Cherokee Federal and our work in government contracting?"

  • "How do you see your design skills contributing to the mission of an organization like ours?"

  • "Describe your experience working in a team environment, especially with clients or subject matter experts."

  • "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software features?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as stories. What was the problem, what was your solution, and what was the result?

  • Visual Focus: Let your visuals speak for themselves, but be ready to articulate the rationale behind your design choices.

  • Conciseness: Be prepared to present your strongest work efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

  • Technical Clarity: Clearly explain the tools and techniques used for each project.

  • Relevance: Emphasize projects that best align with the requirements of this specific role (presentation design, data visualization, brand adherence).

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect to demonstrate not just design skills but also an understanding of the professional context (government contracting, security clearance) and the ability to communicate effectively about your work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this IT Analyst MID – PPTX Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Cherokee Federal careers portal.

  • Portfolio Preparation: Curate your strongest presentation design examples, ensuring they showcase proficiency in PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, and Adobe Creative Suite. Prioritize projects that demonstrate strong visual communication, information hierarchy, and brand consistency.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of graphic design experience, specifically mentioning presentation design, visual communication, and proficiency in the required software. Explicitly state your active TS/SCI clearance.

  • Interview Readiness: Prepare to walk through your portfolio, articulating your design process, rationale, and how you manage feedback. Be ready to discuss your experience with data visualization and brand adherence.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cherokee Federal, Cherokee Nation Defense Solutions (CNDS), and the work conducted at Redstone Arsenal to understand the company's mission and culture.

⚠️ 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

Candidates must have 5+ years of graphic design experience and advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, and Adobe Creative Suite. An active TS/SCI clearance is required for this position.