Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Location: McLean, VA & Herndon, VA Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: September 18, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a Graphic Designer, leveraging a strong foundation in design principles and a passion for visual communication to enhance brand identity and convey core values for a leading government contractor.
• Develop and produce a diverse range of design materials, including logos, brochures, presentations, and potentially video content, ensuring all assets are visually appealing and aligned with the organization's mission.
• Ensure all created design materials adhere to Section 508 compliance guidelines, prioritizing accessibility and usability for all audiences, a critical requirement in government-focused roles.
• Apply core design principles such as typography, visual hierarchy, and balance to create effective and impactful visual assets that reinforce strategic messaging and organizational purpose.
• Maintain a cohesive and consistent visual identity across all communication channels, reinforcing brand recognition and ensuring a unified brand experience for internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," is situated within a company that heavily serves the government and defense sectors. The emphasis on 508 compliance, client discussions about complex messages, and knowledge of DoD/IC sectors indicates a need for operational understanding beyond pure aesthetics. The role likely involves supporting internal communications, proposal development, or client-facing deliverables where clear, compliant, and impactful visual communication is paramount to operational success and client engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of visual communication materials, including but not limited to logos, brochures, digital assets, infographics, presentations, and potentially short-form video content, all while adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, project managers, and subject matter experts to understand project objectives, target audiences, and key messages, translating complex workforce messages and data into clear, compelling visual narratives.
• Ensure all design outputs meet Section 508 accessibility standards, conducting necessary checks and making adjustments to typography, color contrast, alt-text, and document structure to guarantee usability for individuals with disabilities.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive style guides and design templates to ensure brand consistency and streamline the creation process for future projects, promoting efficiency and brand integrity across deliverables.
• Facilitate design review sessions with clients or internal teams, effectively presenting creative concepts, gathering feedback, and iterating on designs to meet project requirements and stakeholder expectations, demonstrating strong client management and communication skills.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, setting realistic timelines, and delivering high-quality work within established deadlines, showcasing strong project management and organizational capabilities critical for operations.
• Stay current with design trends, software updates, and accessibility best practices, continuously seeking opportunities for professional development and applying new techniques to enhance the quality and impact of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for more than just creative flair. The emphasis on client discussions, data presentations, analytic ideas, and government/DoD sector experience suggests this role supports strategic communications and potentially proposal efforts within a consulting or government contracting environment. The ability to translate complex information into accessible visuals is a key operational function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and application.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets for diverse audiences and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in applying Section 508 compliance principles to design processes and deliverables, ensuring accessibility for users with disabilities.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat, for creating and manipulating a wide range of digital and print assets.
• Experience utilizing the Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for document creation, presentation design, and data integration, often required for client deliverables and internal reporting.
• Experience working within the government or defense sectors, demonstrating an understanding of the unique communication needs, compliance standards, and project cycles prevalent in these environments.
• Familiarity with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) is highly desirable, indicating an ability to quickly adapt to industry-specific terminology and visual communication norms.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in graphic design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy.
• Proficiency in creating accessible digital and print materials compliant with Section 508 standards.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite applications: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Strong ability to translate complex information, data, and analytic ideas into clear, concise, and visually engaging designs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to articulate design concepts and facilitate discussions with clients.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software or motion graphics (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects).
• Knowledge of branding and identity development processes.
• Experience with web design principles or UI/UX concepts.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph is a significant differentiator for this role, indicating it operates within a sensitive government or intelligence context. This impacts the type of projects and the level of trust and discretion required, which are operational considerations for any candidate. The "5-10 years" AI-derived experience level is a reasonable inference given the "5+ years" basic qualification and the nature of the company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency across various mediums (print, digital, presentations).
• Specific examples of designs that adhere to Section 508 compliance, highlighting your understanding and application of accessibility standards in practice.
• Demonstrations of your ability to translate complex information, data sets, or analytical concepts into clear, digestible visual formats.
• Case studies or examples that illustrate your process for working with clients or stakeholders to define project requirements and achieve desired communication outcomes.
• Evidence of maintaining brand consistency across multiple projects or platforms, showcasing an understanding of brand stewardship as an operational function.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate your design workflow, from initial concept development and client brief analysis through design execution, review, and final delivery.
• Demonstrate how you manage feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure revisions align with project objectives and accessibility requirements.
• Showcase methods for organizing design assets, managing project files, and ensuring version control, essential for operational efficiency and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role in a company like Booz Allen Hamilton, the portfolio isn't just about showcasing aesthetics; it's about demonstrating operational capability. This includes process adherence (508 compliance, client collaboration), efficiency (template use, workflow management), and impact (clear communication of complex ideas). Candidates should ensure their portfolio explicitly addresses these aspects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The projected compensation range for this Graphic Designer position is $69,400 to $158,000 annually. This range reflects the typical salary for similar roles in the McLean/Herndon, VA area, considering the experience level (5-10 years) and the specialized requirements of working within the government/defense sector, including the need for a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance plans.
• Robust financial and retirement planning benefits, including retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including tuition assistance and access to training programs.
• Work-life programs designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance.
• Dependent care support services.
• Recognition awards program acknowledging exceptional performance and adherence to company values.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this full-time position are typically 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, specific hours may vary based on project needs and client requirements, a common operational dynamic in consulting and government contracting environments. Flexibility may be expected to meet deadlines and critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, which is typical for roles with security clearance requirements and significant experience expectations. The specific salary offered will likely depend on the candidate's exact experience, the specific clearance level, and the contract the role is supporting. The extensive benefits package is standard for a large, established consulting firm like Booz Allen Hamilton.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Booz Allen Hamilton operates within the professional services and management consulting industry, with a significant focus on serving government and defense clients, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC). This industry context means a strong emphasis on security, compliance, data integrity, and mission-critical support.

Company Size:

• Booz Allen Hamilton is a large, publicly traded company, employing tens of thousands of individuals globally. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and a wide array of career development opportunities, but also implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and protocols.

Founded:

• Founded in 1914, Booz Allen Hamilton has a long and storied history, evolving from a business consulting firm to a major player in technology, cybersecurity, and national security solutions. This legacy suggests a culture that values experience, long-term client relationships, and adaptability.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger creative services, marketing, or communications team, potentially embedded within project teams serving specific clients or functional areas.
• Reporting structures typically involve a direct manager within the creative or marketing department, with potential project-based reporting to program managers or client leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of Booz Allen's operational model, meaning the designer will frequently work with consultants, analysts, subject matter experts, project managers, and business development teams to create compelling visual content that supports diverse project needs.

Methodology:

• Booz Allen Hamilton emphasizes data-driven decision-making and rigorous analytical approaches. In a design context, this translates to using data to inform design choices, measuring the effectiveness of visual communications, and ensuring designs support strategic objectives.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly when supporting government contracts with strict timelines and deliverables. The use of standardized processes and efficient workflows is essential.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where possible, though the creative nature of design may limit extensive automation. Focus will be on streamlining the design process and leveraging tools effectively.

Company Website:

• https://www.boozallen.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep involvement in government and national security means a high degree of professionalism, adherence to strict security protocols, and a results-oriented approach are paramount. The designer must be comfortable working within these operational frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely at a mid-level to senior-level within the creative or marketing operations function. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and a proven ability to manage design projects independently, while also demonstrating potential for growth into more specialized or leadership roles within the operations or creative domain.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will typically report to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Communications Lead. They will also work collaboratively with project managers and client-facing teams, requiring effective communication and reporting upwards and across various project teams.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of Booz Allen Hamilton's communications, both internally and externally. High-quality, compliant visual assets are crucial for proposal win rates, client engagement, brand perception, and the dissemination of critical information within the organization and to government stakeholders, thereby supporting core business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in areas like data visualization, motion graphics, UI/UX design, or advanced 508 compliance consulting.
• Industry Specialization: Develop deep expertise in design for specific sectors like defense, intelligence, or civilian government agencies, aligning with Booz Allen's client base.
• Leadership Potential: Potential to move into senior designer roles, team lead positions within creative departments, or project management roles focused on creative deliverables.
• Learning & Development: Access to Booz Allen's extensive training programs, industry conferences, and opportunities for certifications to enhance both design and operational skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a designer at Booz Allen Hamilton is likely tied to project needs and specialization within their core business areas. Growth often involves taking on more complex and impactful projects, demonstrating leadership in design execution, and potentially managing smaller teams or workflows.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This position is based in McLean, VA, and Herndon, VA, suggesting a professional office environment. Given the "Hybrid" work arrangement, employees will likely split their time between working remotely and coming into a Booz Allen or client site facility, fostering both focused individual work and collaborative team interactions.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work locations are in McLean, VA, and Herndon, VA. These are professional office settings typical for a large consulting firm, likely equipped with modern amenities and collaborative workspaces. Accessibility will depend on the specific office building and local transportation options.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration and productivity, with access to necessary technology and design tools. Expect a professional atmosphere where teamwork and communication are encouraged, essential for supporting diverse client projects and internal initiatives.
• Opportunities for interaction with colleagues will be present during in-office days, allowing for direct communication, brainstorming sessions, and team building, which are vital for operational synergy.
• The company likely provides a robust IT infrastructure to support design work, including high-performance workstations and access to specialized software and cloud-based collaboration tools.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is generally aligned with standard business hours, but as noted, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs. This adaptability is a key operational requirement in a client-facing and mission-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is common in professional services, balancing the need for focused individual work with the benefits of in-person collaboration and client interaction. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment that prioritizes both efficiency and teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone or video screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and interest in Booz Allen Hamilton.
• Technical/Portfolio Review: A hiring manager or senior team member will review your portfolio, focusing on design quality, 508 compliance examples, and your ability to communicate complex information visually. Be ready to walk through your portfolio and discuss your process for key projects.
• Skills-Based Interview: Expect interviews that delve into your experience with specific software (Adobe Creative Suite), design principles, and your approach to problem-solving, client management, and working within government sector constraints.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: You may be asked questions about how you handle challenging projects, manage deadlines, collaborate with teams, and adapt to changing requirements, assessing your operational capabilities and cultural alignment.
• Security Clearance Verification: For roles requiring TS/SCI with polygraph, expect thorough background checks and verification processes.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required, emphasizing those with 508 compliance, data visualization, or complex message communication.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the final outcome, including any metrics or feedback received.
• Highlight 508 Compliance: Explicitly point out how you ensured accessibility in your designs, perhaps by showing examples of accessible PDFs or discussing color contrast ratios.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your designs – e.g., "increased engagement by X%," "streamlined information delivery," "supported successful proposal submission."
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges, which might involve creating a visual concept for a given scenario, refining an existing design, or explaining how you would approach a specific client request.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design decisions align with project objectives, brand standards, and accessibility requirements.
• Understand Booz Allen Hamilton's core business areas and values to tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate practical application of design skills within an operational context. Success hinges on not just showing good design, but explaining the 'why' and 'how' behind it, especially concerning compliance and client needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print design), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos), Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation), and Adobe Acrobat (for PDF creation, editing, and accessibility checks).
• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word (for document formatting and integration with design), Microsoft PowerPoint (for presentation design and data visualization), and potentially Microsoft Excel (for data import or visualization components).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to present data visually using tools like Excel charts or integrating with more advanced analytics platforms for reporting purposes may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with project management or collaboration tools used within large organizations (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint) is expected for efficient workflow management and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage these tools to create both aesthetically pleasing and functionally compliant outputs is a core operational requirement for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: As a company working with sensitive government information, a strong commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and maintaining confidentiality is paramount.
• Client Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering high-quality solutions, and building strong, long-term relationships.
• Excellence and Innovation: Striving for excellence in all work, embracing new ideas, and continuously seeking to improve processes and outcomes.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively with colleagues across different disciplines and teams to achieve shared goals.
• Commitment to Mission: A sense of purpose in supporting client missions, particularly in national security and public service, which drives dedication and impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Booz Allen Hamilton fosters a highly collaborative environment where cross-functional teamwork is the norm. Designers are expected to engage actively with project teams, providing creative input and integrating their work seamlessly with broader project objectives.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged, facilitating a dynamic process where ideas are shared and refined to produce the best possible outcomes.
• A culture of knowledge sharing exists, with opportunities to learn from colleagues with diverse skill sets and experiences, contributing to continuous learning and operational improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes professionalism, a results-driven mindset, and a strong sense of duty, particularly given the client base. A designer who can effectively integrate into diverse project teams and communicate their creative vision clearly will thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Compliance: The primary challenge will be creating visually appealing designs that strictly adhere to Section 508 accessibility standards and client-specific branding guidelines, requiring a meticulous approach to design execution.
• Translating Complex Information: Effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate technical data, analytical findings, or sensitive government messages into easily understandable graphics requires strong conceptualization and design skills.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Working with diverse stakeholders who may have varying opinions on design and communication strategies, requiring strong negotiation, communication, and client management skills.
• Security Clearance Requirements: Maintaining an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is essential for the role, requiring adherence to strict security protocols and ongoing eligibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in current tools and explore new software or plugins relevant to graphic design and digital media.
• Specialized Skill Development: Access to training in areas like data visualization, motion graphics, UI/UX design, or advanced accessibility compliance.
• Industry Best Practices: Learning about current trends in government communications, proposal design, and visual branding within the defense and intelligence sectors.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers or creative leads, gaining insights into career progression and advanced operational strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they approach design challenges, particularly those involving compliance and complexity, and how they leverage learning opportunities to stay current and effective in their role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How do you ensure your design process remains efficient and compliant when working under tight deadlines for government clients?" Be prepared to discuss your workflow, project management approach, and how you integrate compliance checks.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to present a design concept to a difficult client or stakeholder. How did you manage their expectations and incorporate their feedback?" Focus on your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you need to visualize complex data for a DoD report. What steps would you take, and what tools would you use to ensure clarity and accuracy?" Demonstrate your analytical thinking and design methodology.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Booz Allen Hamilton and our work in the government sector?" Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects.
• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional team, especially when your role requires translating technical or strategic information into visuals?" Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.
• "How do you measure the success of your design work, particularly in terms of its impact on communication goals or client objectives?" Think about metrics beyond aesthetics, such as clarity, engagement, or compliance.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation as a story for each project, detailing the problem, your solution, and the outcome.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly call out how each project demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Suite, 508 compliance, and your ability to communicate complex ideas.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, use interactive elements or brief screen recordings to showcase animated graphics or interactive PDFs, demonstrating advanced capabilities.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present your most impactful work efficiently and be ready to answer questions in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to speak not just about design, but about the operational aspects of your work: process, efficiency, compliance, and impact. Demonstrating an understanding of the government sector's unique requirements will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Booz Allen Hamilton careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience with 508 compliance, government sector projects, data visualization, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Select portfolio pieces that best showcase your ability to communicate complex messages visually and adhere to strict guidelines.
• Resume Optimization: Quantify your achievements whenever possible, using action verbs and focusing on results that demonstrate your operational impact, such as "Improved proposal clarity through strategic infographics" or "Ensured 100% compliance with Section 508 standards for all client presentations."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and how you collaborate with teams. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to project management, client communication, and handling feedback.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Booz Allen Hamilton's mission, values, client base, and recent projects. Understand their role in the government and defense sectors to align your answers with their strategic objectives and operational priorities.

⚠️ 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.