Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Dexis Consulting Group Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-29T15:23:24 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual communication strategy for critical Department of Defense (DoD) chemical and biological defense priorities, requiring a strong understanding of government communication standards and visual storytelling.
• The Graphic Designer will translate complex technical and policy information into accessible and compelling visual assets, impacting senior leader decision-making and external stakeholder engagement.
• Success hinges on meticulous adherence to DoD branding, accessibility, and communication guidelines, ensuring all visual products meet stringent government requirements.
• The position demands expert-level proficiency in design software and a proven ability to manage brand consistency and version control across diverse communication channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on graphic design, the context of supporting "strategic communications and engagement efforts" for the "Department of Defense’s chemical and biological defense priorities" and the requirement for "DoD branding, accessibility, and communications standards" strongly suggests this role operates within a government contracting or public sector communications framework. This implies a need for operational rigor in process management, stakeholder alignment, and compliance, typical of specialized operations functions within such environments. The "hybrid" work arrangement also points to structured operational protocols for in-office and remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce a wide range of visually compelling graphics, including infographics, presentation decks, reports, and outreach materials, to effectively communicate complex technical and policy priorities related to chemical and biological defense (CBRND).
• Translate intricate data sets and strategic guidance into clear, concise, and engaging visual narratives suitable for senior-level audiences, policymakers, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain strict adherence to and manage the consistent application of branding elements, including logos, templates, and factsheets, ensuring all visual assets align with DoD branding and communications standards.
• Collaborate closely with government personnel and cross-functional contractor teams to refine design concepts, incorporating feedback and adapting to evolving strategic goals and stakeholder needs.
• Implement and manage the development of a cohesive and professional visual identity across multiple, interconnected communication initiatives, ensuring brand consistency and impact.
• Provide timely, high-quality graphics support for critical leadership briefings, external presentations, and public-facing materials, ensuring all deliverables meet established quality and compliance benchmarks.
• Ensure all designs comply with DoD accessibility standards, making information accessible to the widest possible audience and fulfilling regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured approach to design execution, including "version control," "cohesive visual identity," and adherence to "DoD branding, accessibility, and communications standards." This points to the need for operational discipline in managing design projects, ensuring consistency, and meeting compliance requirements, which are core aspects of operations management in a professional services context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Graphic Design or a related discipline, or equivalent advanced professional certifications.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience working directly with Department of Defense (DoD) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) organizations or related defense initiatives.
• Preferred: 11+ years of experience supporting DoD programs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the defense sector's communication needs and protocols.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Including, but not limited to, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Captivate, and PageMaker for advanced graphic creation and manipulation.
• DoD Communication Product Expertise: Proven ability to develop and produce high-quality DoD communication products such as logos, comprehensive branding guides, sophisticated web designs, and impactful infographics.
• Visual Translation Skills: Demonstrated capacity to translate complex technical data and abstract policy concepts into clear, compelling visual graphics and data visualizations.
• Brand Management & Consistency: Strong understanding and practical experience in maintaining brand consistency, managing brand assets, and implementing version control for logos, templates, and factsheets.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with government clients, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams, incorporating feedback and refining designs.
• DoD Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with and ability to adhere to DoD branding guidelines, accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508), and broader communication standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Design Software Proficiency: Additional expertise in motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) or 3D modeling software.
• Web Design & UI/UX: Experience with web design principles, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design, particularly within government or defense platforms.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Basic understanding of project management principles for managing design timelines and deliverables.
• Content Strategy Acumen: Ability to understand and contribute to content strategy to ensure visual design effectively supports overall communication objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software proficiency like "Captivate and PageMaker" alongside the core Adobe Suite, coupled with extensive experience in "DoD communication products," suggests a need for candidates who have operated within structured, often legacy, government IT environments. This implies a methodical approach to tool usage and deliverable creation, aligning with operational best practices for government contracting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of DoD Communication Products: Showcase a portfolio that includes examples of logos, branding guides, fact sheets, and reports created for government or defense-related clients, highlighting adherence to specific standards.
• Infographic and Data Visualization: Present a range of infographics and data visualizations that effectively translate complex technical or policy information into easily digestible visual formats.
• Presentation Design Excellence: Include examples of high-impact presentation decks (e.g., PowerPoint) tailored for senior leadership and external stakeholders, demonstrating clarity, conciseness, and visual appeal.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Provide evidence of maintaining brand consistency across multiple deliverables and projects, illustrating skills in version control and asset management.
• Accessibility Compliance: Examples or explanations of how accessibility standards were considered and integrated into design work.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final delivery and revisions, highlighting how you optimize workflows for efficiency and quality.
• Collaboration and Feedback Integration: Describe how you manage client feedback and stakeholder input within your design process, ensuring clear communication channels and effective integration of revisions.
• Tool Utilization and Management: Articulate your approach to using and managing design tools, ensuring efficient asset organization, version control, and adherence to software licensing and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is not just about showcasing aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrating operational competence in producing compliant, high-quality government deliverables. The emphasis on "DoD communication products," "brand consistency," and "accessibility compliance" requires candidates to present a portfolio that reflects rigorous process adherence and an understanding of the operational context of defense communications.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the extensive experience requirement (10+ years), the specialized knowledge of DoD CBRND organizations, the need for a Secret Clearance, and the hybrid work arrangement in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, a competitive salary range can be estimated.
• Estimated Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 annually.
• Methodology: This estimate is derived from benchmarking similar graphic design roles with high security clearance requirements and specialized industry experience (defense contracting) in the Maryland region, factoring in the cost of living and the demand for experienced professionals in government support services. Data sources typically include industry salary surveys, government contracting compensation benchmarks, and general job market analysis for specialized creative roles.

Benefits:

• Healthcare Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Staff Welfare Benefits: Access to various programs designed to support employee well-being.
• Perks: Additional benefits and advantages offered to employees, which may include professional development opportunities or other incentives.
• Paid Time Off: Standard vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Retirement Plan: Options for 401(k) or similar retirement savings plans.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid work arrangement indicates a structured schedule where a portion of the week is spent working on-site at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, and the remainder remotely. Specific days on-site will likely be coordinated to facilitate team collaboration and access to necessary facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on industry standards for roles requiring significant experience, specialized government knowledge, and security clearances. The benefits package is typical for professional services firms supporting government contracts, emphasizing comprehensive health coverage and employee support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Government Contracting. Dexis Consulting Group operates within the professional services sector, with a strong focus on supporting government agencies, particularly in defense and international development. Their mission is to help solve critical global challenges. Company Size: Dexis Consulting Group is a mid-to-large-sized firm, typically employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals. This size offers a balance of established processes and opportunities for individual impact. Founded: Dexis was founded in 2001. This history suggests a company with established operational frameworks, a proven track record in its market, and a mature understanding of client needs within the government sector.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Graphic Designer likely sits within a broader Communications, Strategy, or Program Management team that supports a specific DoD client or program.
• Reporting: The role will likely report to a Communications Lead, Program Manager, or a Director overseeing strategic support functions.
• Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) in chemical and biological defense, policy analysts, program managers, and potentially other creative or technical support staff within the contract. Cross-functional teamwork is essential for translating complex information effectively.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Graphics will be developed based on specific data, technical reports, and policy directives provided by the client.
• Compliance-Centric Workflow: Design processes will be heavily influenced by DoD standards, accessibility requirements, and client-specific branding guidelines.
• Iterative Development: Design concepts will likely undergo multiple rounds of review and revision with government stakeholders to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with strategic objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and focus on government contracting, especially within defense, imply a culture that values precision, adherence to protocol, and impactful contributions to national security or strategic objectives. This operational environment demands reliability and a commitment to quality.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level specialist role within the creative and communications operations function. It requires deep technical expertise in graphic design coupled with specialized knowledge of the defense sector. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or lead responsible for the execution of strategic communication tasks within a specific contract or program. This structure allows for focused project management and clear direction on deliverables. Operations Impact: The work of this Graphic Designer directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of critical DoD communications. High-quality visual products can enhance understanding among senior leaders, improve stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the successful execution of chemical and biological defense initiatives. The role is integral to operationalizing strategic messaging.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas of defense communication design, such as CBRND-specific visual language, advanced data visualization for defense applications, or compliance-driven design for classified or sensitive information.
• Leadership Potential: Transition into a Lead Graphic Designer or Creative Director role, managing junior designers, overseeing larger creative projects, and contributing to broader communication strategies.
• Program Management: Develop skills in program management or project coordination within government contracting, leveraging design expertise to manage communication deliverables.
• Continuous Learning: Access opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in new design software, DoD communication trends, or project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10 years working with DoD CBRND organizations" requirement positions this as a senior role. Growth opportunities would likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design efforts for major initiatives, or moving into management or specialized technical consulting roles within government contracting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The hybrid work arrangement suggests a professional office environment for on-site days, likely within a government facility or a contractor office space. This environment is typically structured and professional, supporting focused work and collaborative team activities. Office Location(s): Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. This location is a major U.S. Army installation known for its research, development, and testing activities, particularly in areas like chemical and biological defense. The on-site presence is crucial for direct engagement with government clients and understanding the operational context.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: On-site days will likely involve collaborative sessions with government personnel and fellow contractors, requiring active participation in discussions and brainstorming.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to government-approved networks, software, and potentially specialized hardware for design work will be provided.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals within the government and contractor teams, particularly regarding defense communication protocols and CBRND subject matter.

Work Schedule:

• Standard professional business hours, likely Monday through Friday.
• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in work location but requires adherence to a set schedule for productivity and collaboration. Days on-site may be dictated by project needs, team meetings, or client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific location at Aberdeen Proving Ground is significant. Candidates should understand the nature of working within a military installation, which often involves specific security protocols and a focus on mission-critical support. The hybrid nature suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills to maintain productivity across different work settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills, experience, and clearance.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: This stage will likely involve a detailed discussion of your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving approaches, and experience with DoD communication standards. Be prepared to walk through specific projects.
• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing your ability to collaborate, manage feedback, meet deadlines, and work within a government contracting environment.
• Client/Government Interview (Potentially): Depending on the contract, you may have an interview with the government client to ensure cultural fit and suitability for the program.
• Security Clearance Verification: The process will include verification of your Secret Clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your expertise in DoD communications, data visualization, and brand consistency. Prioritize work that mirrors the responsibilities outlined.
• Detail Your Process: For each project, be ready to explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, how you incorporated feedback, and the ultimate impact or outcome of your design.
• Highlight DoD Relevance: Explicitly call out any experience with government clients, defense projects, or adherence to specific standards (branding, accessibility).
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and how you leverage specific tools to achieve desired results.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you can, provide metrics or examples of how your designs improved communication effectiveness, engagement, or clarity for previous clients.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical scenario or a small design task related to translating technical information into a visual format. Focus on demonstrating your thought process and adherence to potential DoD guidelines.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenging feedback, tight deadlines, or conflicting requirements from stakeholders.
• Communication Strategy: Prepare to articulate how visual design supports broader communication and strategic goals within a government context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Secret Clearance" and "DoD CBRND organizations" means the interview process will likely be rigorous, with a strong focus on compliance, security, and the ability to operate within a sensitive government environment. Portfolio review will be critical for assessing practical skills and understanding of the operational context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Expert Level):
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of reports, fact sheets, brochures, and presentations.
  • Captivate: For creating interactive e-learning content or presentations, often used in government training contexts.
  • PageMaker: While older, its mention suggests potential use in legacy systems or specific established workflows within the DoD.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced):
  • PowerPoint: Essential for creating professional presentation decks for leadership and external audiences. Proficiency in template creation and advanced formatting is key.
  • Word: For reports and document design integration.
  • Excel: For data handling and potential use in creating charts and graphs for infographics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing analytics, understanding how to present data clearly within reports and infographics is crucial. Familiarity with data visualization best practices is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how designs integrate into broader communication platforms or websites may be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified Adobe Creative Suite tools, particularly "Captivate and PageMaker," indicates a need for candidates familiar with established, potentially long-standing, design workflows within government agencies. This requires adaptability and a thorough understanding of professional design software capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the mission of the Department of Defense and contributing to the effectiveness of chemical and biological defense initiatives.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and visually compelling work that meets rigorous government standards.
• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and strictly adhering to all DoD regulations, branding guidelines, and security protocols.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing teamwork and open communication to achieve collective goals and effectively support client needs.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to challenges, demonstrating resourcefulness and the ability to find effective solutions within project constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with diverse teams, including subject matter experts, policy analysts, program managers, and other support contractors, to ensure design outputs are accurate and strategically aligned.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative feedback from government clients and team leads, using it to refine designs and improve project outcomes.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, potential challenges, and design decisions to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within government contracting, especially supporting defense initiatives, often emphasizes structure, adherence to protocol, and a clear understanding of hierarchy and reporting lines. The values reflect a professional environment where precision and reliability are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Technical Information: The inherent difficulty in simplifying highly technical and scientific data related to CBRND into understandable visual formats for diverse audiences.
• Adhering to Strict DoD Standards: Navigating and consistently applying a multitude of government branding, accessibility, and communication guidelines, which can be extensive and complex.
• Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from various government stakeholders, who may have differing opinions or priorities, while maintaining design integrity and project timelines.
• Security Clearance Requirements: Maintaining the necessary security clearance and operating within the protocols associated with classified or sensitive information environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to enhance skills in specialized design software, data visualization techniques, and digital media relevant to defense communications.
• Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of CBRND subject matter and DoD strategic priorities through ongoing engagement with client teams and available resources.
• Professional Certifications: Pursue certifications in graphic design, project management, or communication strategy relevant to government contracting.
• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from senior designers, program managers, and government leads, gaining insights into career progression and best practices in the defense sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges in this role are directly tied to the operational demands of government contracting and the specific technical domain. Growth opportunities are focused on enhancing specialized skills and navigating the unique career paths within defense support services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to present your portfolio, detailing your design process, decision-making, and how you met client objectives for each selected project. Focus on clarity, impact, and adherence to standards.
• DoD Experience: Elaborate on your 10 years of experience with DoD CBRND organizations. Discuss specific types of projects, challenges you overcame, and your understanding of their communication needs.
• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly how you use specific tools (Illustrator, InDesign, Captivate) to achieve complex design solutions and ensure brand consistency.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult feedback, tight deadlines, or conceptual challenges in previous design projects, especially in a government context.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Dexis Mission: Research Dexis Consulting Group's mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your skills and approach align with their focus on social outcomes and global challenges.
• Team Collaboration: Discuss your preferred collaboration style and how you integrate with diverse teams, especially in a hybrid work environment and with government clients.
• DoD Communication Understanding: Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of clear, compliant communication within the DoD and how graphic design contributes to mission success.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as stories – outlining the problem, your solution (design process), and the result (impact).
• Highlighting Compliance: For each relevant project, explicitly mention how you adhered to specific DoD branding, accessibility, or communication standards.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, use interactive elements or clear annotations to explain design choices and demonstrate your understanding of the tools.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to operate within a government contracting framework, demonstrate a deep understanding of DoD communication needs, and showcase practical design skills through their portfolio with a focus on process and compliance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dexis Consulting Group careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating experience with government clients, defense initiatives, complex data visualization, and adherence to branding/accessibility standards. Ensure it highlights your expertise with Adobe Creative Suite, including Captivate and PageMaker.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience with DoD CBRND organizations and your proficiency in developing DoD communication products. Quantify achievements where possible and use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of DoD communication protocols. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail and how you would approach challenges in this role.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Dexis Consulting Group's mission, values, and past projects to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process. Understand their role in supporting government operations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Dexis Consulting Group before making application decisions. The requirement for a Secret Clearance is a critical qualification that must be met.