Graphic Designer (Junior)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Junior) Company: Professional Solutions Delivered, LLC (ProSoDel) Location: Arlington, VA, US Job Type: Full Time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-07-17 Experience Level: Junior (2-5 years implied) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in supporting the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program by creating impactful visual content and managing digital communication channels.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for producing a variety of media, including print, digital, and multimedia assets, ensuring they align with strategic communication objectives.
• A key function involves managing and enhancing the MCICOM website and social media presence to effectively communicate with target audiences.
• The position requires strong collaboration with military leadership and staff, necessitating excellent communication and briefing skills to convey complex information visually.
• This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the professional development of military personnel and civilians through integrated training materials and visual aids.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities extend into broader communication strategy and execution, particularly within a government/military context. The "Operations" aspect comes from managing communication platforms, executing communication plans, and ensuring the lifecycle management of created products, which are all operational functions within a communications department. The "Junior" designation suggests a focus on execution and support under guidance rather than strategic planning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce high-quality graphic design assets, including print materials (leaflets, handbills, training materials), still imagery, and illustrative graphics tailored for the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program.
• Create and manage multimedia products, including audio and video content, ensuring they are engaging and effectively convey messages to target audiences.
• Maintain and update the MCICOM digital communication platforms, specifically the official website and social media channels, to ensure accuracy, relevance, and visual appeal.
• Support press and media events by designing relevant materials, presentations, and visual aids to enhance event impact and messaging.
• Draft and refine messages and responses for media queries, ensuring clarity, consistency, and adherence to organizational communication guidelines.
• Plan, implement, and assess digital communication strategies in collaboration with the COMMSTRAT director to achieve MCICOM objectives.
• Synchronize and coordinate the execution of communication plans with key stakeholders and networks to ensure cohesive messaging across all platforms.
• Ensure all produced COMMSTRAT products are tailored to specific key audiences and designed to achieve identified communication objectives.
• Prepare COMMSTRAT products for approval processes and disseminate them effectively to relevant parties, including DC I&L and MCICOM personnel.
• Manage the lifecycle of COMMSTRAT products, including processing for permanent storage and historical preservation in accordance with applicable policy, and submitting to designated DoD accessioning points.
• Develop and deliver COMMSTRAT training materials and sessions to support the professional development of MCICOM Marines and civilians.
• Integrate COMMSTRAT training into organizational training exercises, senior leader symposiums, and conferences, incorporating lessons learned and best practices.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders across various staff divisions, managing potentially conflicting viewpoints to achieve unified communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, digital platform management, media support, and training integration, indicating a comprehensive role within a communications operations framework. The emphasis on "tailoring products" and "achieving objectives" points to a results-oriented approach within the operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a minimum of three (3) years of specialized experience in graphic design or digital media development may substitute for a degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in managing digital communication platforms, including websites and social media channels.
• Experience in producing various media formats such as print, digital graphics, audio, and video.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders and manage communication initiatives within a complex organizational structure.
• Experience in developing and delivering training materials is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).
• Digital Media Management: Skilled in managing and updating websites (e.g., CMS platforms) and social media platforms.
• Content Creation: Ability to produce compelling visual content, including static graphics, infographics, short videos, and audio clips.
• Communication & Briefing: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to brief senior military personnel (O-6 and above), commanders, and civilian leadership effectively.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to collaborate with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders from various organizational levels.
• Research & Planning: Capacity to research communication needs, plan digital strategies, and assess campaign effectiveness.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and ensure quality output.
• Adaptability: Skill in tailoring communication products to specific audiences and communication objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct Graphics Design Experience: Highly preferred experience specifically as a Graphic Designer or Digital Graphics Developer.
• Military/Government Experience: USMC or other military service experience is a significant asset, providing valuable context for the role's environment and audience.
• Media Relations Support: Experience in supporting press/media events and drafting responses for media queries.
• Audio/Video Production: Proficiency in audio and video editing software for producing multimedia products.
• Animation/Motion Graphics: Experience in creating motion graphics or basic animation for digital content.
• Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Junior" designation implies that while a Bachelor's degree is preferred, a strong foundation of practical experience (3 years) can be equally valuable. The emphasis on military communication and stakeholder management suggests that candidates with government or military-adjacent experience will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design work, including print collateral, digital graphics, social media content, and multimedia projects (audio/video if applicable).
• Demonstrations of how design work supports specific communication objectives and resonates with target audiences.
• Examples of website content management or social media campaign visuals.
• Case studies or examples illustrating the process of taking a design brief from concept to final, approved product.
• Visuals that highlight an understanding of branding, messaging, and audience tailoring relevant to government or military communications.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, including workflow from brief to final product, approval stages, and version control.
• Experience in managing the lifecycle of creative assets, from initial creation to archival and retrieval.
• Capacity to explain the rationale behind design choices and how they align with communication strategies and objectives.
• Examples of how feedback from stakeholders was incorporated into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical skill but also the ability to understand and execute a brief, manage feedback, and deliver polished, on-message creative assets. The "operations" aspect of this section relates to the systematic production and management of creative assets within a project lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Junior Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Arlington, VA, the estimated salary range is typically between $55,000 to $75,000 annually. This range can vary based on the specific skills, portfolio strength, and any security clearance held by the candidate.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications relevant to graphic design and digital communications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• Work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, with specific hours to be confirmed by the hiring manager.
• While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility or overtime requirements depending on project deadlines and event schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the government contract nature (MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program), benefits packages are often competitive and may include specific allowances or programs tailored to support government employees. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for graphic design roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area with the indicated experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Professional Solutions Delivered, LLC (ProSoDel) operates within the professional services sector, with a strong focus on providing comprehensive support to government and commercial clients. Their expertise spans Program Management, Logistics, Organizational Change Management, Communications, Training, and Information Technology (IT) Support Services. This specific role supports the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program, indicating a specialization in government contracting, particularly within defense or military communications.

Company Size:

• As a professional solutions provider, ProSoDel likely operates as a medium-sized business, capable of taking on significant government contracts while maintaining a degree of agility. Company size can offer a balance of structured processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded:

• Information on the founding date is not provided, but the company's broad service offerings suggest established experience in delivering solutions across various domains.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Communications or Public Affairs team supporting the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program. This team may include communications specialists, public affairs officers, writers, and potentially other creative professionals.
• Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Communications Manager, Program Manager, or a senior communications lead who oversees the COMMSTRAT program's outreach and messaging efforts.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with program managers, subject matter experts within MCICOM, and potentially external media contacts or event organizers.

Methodology:

• ProSoDel's approach is described as a "total solutions provider," suggesting a methodology that integrates various services to meet client needs comprehensively. For this role, it implies a focus on delivering end-to-end communication support, from concept and design to dissemination and lifecycle management.
• Data-Driven Approach: While not explicitly stated for design, communication operations often rely on data to inform strategy, audience targeting, and effectiveness assessment.
• Workflow Optimization: The company likely emphasizes efficient workflows for project delivery, ensuring timely and high-quality output for government clients.

Company Website:

• https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=c98f3df5-93b1-4867-81f2-10ca384c29dc

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on government and military clients means the culture is likely professional, results-oriented, and adheres to strict protocols and security requirements. Understanding the military context of MCICOM is crucial for effective design and communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a Junior-level position, indicating an entry to mid-level career stage for a Graphic Designer. The role focuses on executing design tasks and supporting broader communication operations under the guidance of senior team members or program leads. It requires foundational design skills and the ability to learn and adapt to the specific needs of the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Communications Lead or a Program Manager responsible for the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program. This structure provides mentorship and direction, allowing for skill development within a supervised environment.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity, effectiveness, and reach of MCICOM's strategic communications. High-quality visual assets and well-managed digital platforms enhance the organization's ability to inform, engage, and influence target audiences, which is critical for mission success in a military context. The role contributes to the operational efficiency of the communications department by ensuring consistent and professional visual output.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain experience in various media production (audio, video, animation) and digital platform management, broadening the designer's skill set beyond traditional graphic design.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in military communications, digital strategy, or multimedia production, becoming an expert in these areas.
• Project Leadership: With proven performance, opportunities may arise to lead smaller design projects or take on more responsibility for specific communication campaigns.
• Career Advancement: Progression to mid-level or senior Graphic Designer roles, or potentially into specialized roles like Digital Communications Specialist or Multimedia Producer within ProSoDel or the broader defense contracting industry.
• Training & Development: Access to company-provided or funded training to enhance technical skills, learn new software, or gain certifications relevant to the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, growth is typically about expanding technical capabilities and understanding the operational context. The government contract environment can offer exposure to large-scale projects and diverse communication challenges, fostering rapid professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is on-site, implying a traditional office environment, likely within a government facility or a contractor office supporting government operations. This setting often means adhering to specific security protocols and workplace norms.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is Arlington, VA (ZIP code 22202). This area is a hub for government contractors and federal agencies, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology and design software. Collaboration is expected to be a key aspect, with opportunities to work closely with writers, communication specialists, and program management staff. The environment will require a professional demeanor and adherence to security protocols.
• Access to design software and hardware will be provided, and the team will likely utilize project management and collaboration tools.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. The specific daily hours will be determined by the project needs and client requirements, potentially involving some flexibility or occasional extended hours to meet deadlines or support events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in the government sector often means a structured environment with established procedures. The proximity to government agencies in Arlington, VA, suggests a fast-paced and professional atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the HR department or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and creative suitability.
• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve an interview with the hiring manager or a senior designer/communications lead. Expect questions about your design process, software proficiency, and experience relevant to the job description.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role in them, design choices, and outcomes. Be prepared to articulate how your work meets client objectives and audience needs.
• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or a take-home assignment may be given to evaluate your creative skills, problem-solving abilities, and time management under specific constraints.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions to assess your communication skills, ability to work in a team, handle feedback, and fit within the company culture and government client environment.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or the client POC for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility across print, digital, and multimedia.
• Showcase Process: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final results or impact. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.
• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that align with government or military communication needs, audience tailoring, and strategic messaging. If you have experience with branding, infographics, or event materials, showcase those.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools and techniques you used in your projects.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful event support).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Practice your presentation to be clear, concise, and confident.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge provided. Identify the target audience, communication objective, and any constraints.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely to ensure you can complete the core requirements of the task.
• Show Your Thought Process: Even for take-home assignments, be prepared to explain your design decisions and rationale.
• Focus on Requirements: Ensure your final output directly addresses all aspects of the prompt. For a junior role, clarity and adherence to the brief are often more critical than highly complex or experimental designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on military communication and stakeholder management means that demonstrating an understanding of these contexts in your portfolio and interview responses will be highly advantageous. Be prepared to discuss how your design choices support specific communication goals within a structured environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphic creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of print materials like brochures, leaflets, and training documents.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations and visual aids for briefings and training.
  • Word: For drafting text content and integrating graphics.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with platforms for website updates is likely beneficial.
• Social Media Management Tools: Familiarity with scheduling and analytics tools for social media platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a designer, understanding how to interpret basic analytics for digital content (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement) can be helpful for tailoring designs.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core graphic design function, but understanding how creative assets integrate into broader marketing or communication automation workflows could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for a graphic designer. The ability to use PowerPoint effectively for military briefings is also a key requirement given the client. Familiarity with web content management systems is a strong plus for managing digital platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work that meets client expectations and deadlines.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients to achieve shared communication goals.
• Adaptability and Responsiveness: Ability to adjust to changing project requirements, feedback, and evolving communication needs within the military context.
• Professionalism and Integrity: Maintaining a high standard of conduct, especially when working with government clients and sensitive information.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking ways to enhance design skills, workflows, and the impact of creative assets.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating with communication specialists, writers, program managers, and potentially military personnel to ensure visual content aligns with strategic messaging.
• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and achieve optimal results.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, challenges, and design recommendations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights and best practices with the team to foster a collaborative and learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's government contracting background implies a culture that values precision, reliability, and adherence to established processes. The ability to collaborate effectively with military and civilian personnel is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing and communicating technical or strategic information for diverse military and civilian audiences.
• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Working within established military branding, style guides, and security protocols while still being creative.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating potentially conflicting feedback from various levels of military and civilian leadership.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Producing high-quality creative assets under pressure, common in government and media support roles.
• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with design software, digital platforms, and multimedia production techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new tools for animation, motion graphics, or UI/UX design.
• Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy: Gaining insights into how graphic design contributes to broader digital communication strategies and campaign success.
• Military Communications Best Practices: Learning the nuances of communicating effectively within a military framework, including understanding different branches and their specific communication needs.
• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing design projects from inception to completion, including client interaction and timeline adherence.
• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with diverse project types that can lead to more senior or specialized roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a government/military communications environment, requiring both creative output and strict adherence to operational protocols. Growth opportunities are significant for those who can master these challenges and expand their skill set.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience as a Graphic Designer and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined for this role, particularly in supporting a military communication program."
  • Focus on projects where you designed for specific audiences, managed digital content, or supported events. Highlight any experience with government or military clients.
• "Describe your process for creating a visual asset, from receiving a brief to final delivery. How do you incorporate feedback?"
  • Walk through your workflow, emphasizing collaboration, iteration, and quality control. Mention specific software used.
• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate a message and achieve the intended communication objectives for a specific audience?"
  • Discuss your approach to understanding the brief, target audience, and desired outcome. Provide examples of how you tailored designs.
• "What is your experience with digital communication platforms like websites and social media? How would you approach managing them for a program like MCICOM?"
  • Detail your experience with CMS, social media content creation, and any analytics you've used.
• "How comfortable are you working with senior military personnel and translating their requirements into visual concepts?"
  • Emphasize your communication skills, ability to listen, and experience briefing or presenting to leadership.
• "Have you worked in a government or military contracting environment before? What are the key differences you've experienced compared to a commercial setting?"
  • Discuss your understanding of security protocols, formal communication channels, and the importance of accuracy and adherence to guidelines.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about ProSoDel and the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program?"
  • Research the company and the program's mission. Show you've done your homework.
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from multiple stakeholders?"
  • Emphasize a collaborative and adaptable mindset.
• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or tight deadlines. How did you approach it?"
  • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your organizational and problem-solving skills.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief introduction of yourself and your overall design philosophy. Then, walk through each selected project, dedicating a few minutes to each.
• Content per Project: For each piece:
  • State the project objective/brief.
  • Explain your role and the challenges.
  • Detail your design process and key decisions.
  • Showcase the final deliverable(s).
  • Discuss the outcome or impact (if known).
• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually engaging, using high-quality images of your work.
• Narrative: Tell a story for each project that highlights your skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of communication goals.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and your approach. Ask thoughtful questions about the team and the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, given the government client. Demonstrating not only creative talent but also professionalism, communication prowess, and an understanding of the operational context (military communications) will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided ADP application portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate experience with print design, digital graphics, social media content, and any multimedia elements. Prioritize work that shows an ability to tailor visuals for specific audiences and communication objectives, especially if you have government or military-related projects.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Digital Communication," "Media Support," "Adobe Creative Suite," "PowerPoint," and any relevant experience with military clients or communication programs. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, software proficiency, and how your work aligns with the responsibilities of supporting the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer questions about your experience with diverse stakeholders and military communication environments.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Professional Solutions Delivered, LLC (ProSoDel) and the MCICOM COMMSTRAT Program's mission and objectives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview.

⚠️ 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.