On-Call Graphic Designer, Proposal- REMOTE

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: On-Call Graphic Designer, Proposal - REMOTE Company: ICF Location: Nationwide Remote Office (US) Job Type: PART_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-09-11T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5+ years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Leverage graphic design expertise to create compelling visual assets for corporate proposals and special projects on an as-needed basis, supporting ICF's business development efforts.
• Collaborate closely with proposal managers, technical leads, and design team colleagues to translate complex information and messaging strategies into visually impactful print and digital deliverables.
• Uphold and implement ICF's corporate identity and brand standards across all creative outputs, ensuring consistency and professionalism.
• Manage multiple design tasks efficiently, prioritizing urgent requests and adapting to the dynamic needs of proposal development cycles, often requiring support during nights, weekends, and holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly "on-call" and part-time, meaning hours will be variable and dependent on proposal activity. Candidates should expect to work outside of standard business hours as needed, indicating a need for flexibility and strong time management skills to balance this with other commitments. The focus on "winning work" and supporting "business pursuits" clearly places this within a business development or sales support function, often managed under a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations umbrella due to its direct impact on revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a range of visual assets, including data visualizations, infographics, digital illustrations, photo collages, presentation slides, and page layouts, specifically tailored for proposal documents.
• Engage proactively with technical subject matter experts and sales professionals to conceptualize and execute designs that effectively communicate solutions and support the overarching messaging strategy.
• Ensure all creative deliverables strictly adhere to ICF's brand guidelines, maintaining visual consistency and reinforcing brand identity across all materials.
• Rapidly and accurately prepare and revise graphics, ensuring compliance with specific solicitation requirements and deadlines inherent in proposal submissions.
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative and creativity to develop innovative design solutions that align with project objectives and time constraints.
• Prepare graphics for both electronic distribution (e.g., PDFs, web content) and high-quality print production.
• Manage the dissemination and archival of finalized graphics according to established company procedures and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "data visualization graphics," "conceptual design," and "translating data into visually appealing infographics" points to a need for strong analytical and interpretive skills alongside design proficiency. This suggests the role requires not just aesthetic talent but also the ability to understand and represent technical or complex information effectively, a common requirement in operations-focused roles that support sales or business development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Design, Marketing Design, Communications Design, or a closely related creative field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive graphic design experience, gained either within a corporate in-house design team or a professional design agency setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with proposal teams or in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment supporting business development efforts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively in an "on-call" or support capacity.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro for creating and managing print and digital design assets.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex data, technical information, and abstract concepts into clear, visually appealing, and persuasive infographics and conceptual designs.
• Solid understanding of branding principles and a proven track record of applying brand standards consistently across various design projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 suite, including Word and Outlook, for communication and document integration.
• Strong visual communication skills, with a keen eye for detail, layout, typography, and color theory.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, essential for collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a remote team.
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor, even under pressure and tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint, particularly for creating and refining presentation graphics.
• Familiarity with working in a hybrid or fully virtual environment, with experience utilizing collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams.
• Direct experience working on proposals, especially those for Federal, State, or Local government clients.
• Experience designing for diverse industries and understanding how to tailor visual communication to different target audiences.
• Proficiency with AI-enabled features within Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office applications to enhance design workflows and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as the primary evidence of design capabilities and relevant experience. The preference for government proposal experience and technical data handling suggests the company operates in a sector where such expertise is highly valued, common in government contracting or large enterprise sales operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on data visualization, infographics, and proposal-related materials.
• Demonstrate the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and visually engaging graphics that support strategic messaging.
• Include examples that highlight adherence to brand guidelines and the ability to adapt design styles to different project requirements.
• Showcase proficiency in creating both print-ready and digital-format deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they approach project briefs, gather requirements, iterate on designs, and manage feedback from stakeholders.
• Highlight experience in establishing and maintaining design workflows that ensure efficiency and quality, particularly in a remote, on-call setting.
• Be ready to articulate how they ensure brand consistency and compliance with technical or solicitation requirements throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an on-call role, the portfolio needs to quickly demonstrate versatility and the ability to integrate seamlessly into existing project teams and workflows. The ability to discuss process is key to showing how they can be effective without extensive onboarding or direct oversight, a hallmark of successful operations support roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated pay range for this position, based on full-time employment, is $67,020.00 - $113,934.00 USD annually. As this is a part-time, on-call role, actual compensation will be prorated based on hours worked.
• Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as relevant work experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, and other qualifications.

Benefits:

• As a part-time, on-call employee, benefits eligibility may vary. Typically, part-time roles may offer prorated access to core benefits such as health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development and training may be available, supporting skill enhancement in design software and proposal support methodologies.
• The role offers the flexibility of remote work, allowing employees to work from anywhere within the United States.
• ICF is committed to employee well-being and may offer access to employee assistance programs or other support services.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time, on-call position with variable weekly hours. Support is expected primarily for nights, weekends, holidays, and overflow workload.
• Candidates must have reliable internet connectivity and availability to communicate during ICF's core business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST) for coordination and project assignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for full-time, indicating that the actual pay for this part-time role will be a fraction of this range, scaled according to hours worked. The emphasis on "on-call" and "nights, weekends, holidays" suggests a need for flexibility and potentially higher hourly rates to compensate for irregular scheduling.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ICF operates as a global advisory and technology services provider, working across various sectors including energy, environment, health, social policy, defense, and citizen security. This broad industry scope means exposure to diverse project types and client needs. Company Size: ICF is a large enterprise with a significant global presence, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and potentially a wide range of internal resources and opportunities. Founded: ICF was founded in 1969. Its long history suggests stability and a deep understanding of consulting and technology services, shaping a culture that values expertise and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Enterprise Proposal Center (EPC) Design team, working on an "as-needed" basis. This implies a central support function that serves various business units or project teams within ICF.
• The reporting structure will likely involve direct supervision by a lead designer or proposal manager within the EPC, with project-specific assignments coming from proposal coordinators or technical leads.
• Collaboration will be frequent and cross-functional, involving close interaction with proposal managers, technical experts, sales professionals, and other members of the design team.

Methodology:

• The design process emphasizes translating complex information into clear visual communication, supporting strategic messaging for business pursuits.
• Workflow planning will involve adapting to client-specific requirements and tight proposal deadlines, often requiring rapid design iterations and production.
• Emphasis is placed on brand consistency and adherence to corporate identity standards across all deliverables.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a large, established firm like ICF means being part of a professional, process-driven environment. The "on-call" nature of this role suggests it's a support function designed to flex with demand, requiring individuals who are adaptable and can integrate quickly into different project teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the graphic design discipline, focusing on specialized support for proposal development. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software, coupled with the ability to apply these skills in a business-critical context. Reporting Structure: The designer will report to leads within the Enterprise Proposal Center (EPC) Design team, with project direction likely coming from proposal managers or coordinators. This structure emphasizes project-based work and collaboration with various internal clients. Operations Impact: The work directly supports ICF's business development and revenue generation efforts by creating visually compelling proposals that enhance win rates. Effective design can significantly influence client perception and the overall success of bids.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in data visualization, infographic design, and proposal graphics, becoming a go-to resource for complex visual communication needs.
• Industry Exposure: Gain exposure to a wide range of industries and project types supported by ICF, broadening design experience and understanding of different client sectors.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining design processes within the EPC, potentially identifying efficiencies or new creative approaches.
• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio of high-impact proposal designs that can serve as a strong foundation for future career advancement in design, marketing, or operations support roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an on-call role, consistent high performance can lead to increased hours and visibility. For individuals interested in operations or GTM functions, this role provides a unique perspective on the critical link between visual communication and business success in competitive environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, allowing employees to work from anywhere within the United States. Office Location(s): While ICF has offices (e.g., Reston, VA), this role is designated as Nationwide Remote, meaning no physical office presence is required.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is virtual, requiring self-discipline and effective communication to collaborate with remote team members and stakeholders.
• Access to necessary design software and reliable high-speed internet is crucial for successful performance.
• Expect regular interaction via digital collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams) for project discussions, feedback sessions, and team coordination.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is flexible but demands availability for urgent requests, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support proposal deadlines.
• Candidates must be able to communicate during ICF's core business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST) for project assignments and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage one's own workspace and schedule effectively to meet the demands of an on-call position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, design skills, and relevant experience.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study to evaluate their ability to meet specific design requirements, translate concepts, and work under simulated project conditions. This is a crucial step for operations roles where practical application is key.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers or team leads to assess communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in a remote team, problem-solving capabilities, and fit with ICF's culture. Expect questions related to handling pressure, meeting deadlines, and managing client expectations.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their process, design choices, and the impact of their work on project outcomes. This is your opportunity to showcase your operations-relevant design thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in data visualization, infographic design, and proposal graphics.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem or objective, your design process, the tools used, the challenges encountered, and the successful outcome or impact. Focus on how your design supported the client's goals.
• Highlight Process: Be prepared to discuss how you approached briefs, collaborated with stakeholders, incorporated feedback, and managed timelines – demonstrating your operational efficiency.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase your ability to adapt your style and approach to different project needs and client requirements.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your designs contributed to winning proposals or improved client engagement, be ready to mention this, even if indirectly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review common proposal graphics and data visualization techniques.
• Practice translating complex textual information into visual concepts quickly.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to brand adherence and maintaining a consistent visual identity.
• Understand the importance of meeting specific solicitation requirements (e.g., page limits, format specifications).

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, the interview process often involves assessing not just creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, communicate effectively, and contribute to business objectives. The portfolio is a critical tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design work.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For page layout, typography, and creating print-ready documents like proposals.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and optimization, crucial for proposal submissions.
• Microsoft 365:
  • Word: For document integration, basic text formatting, and collaboration on proposal content.
  • Outlook: For communication and calendar management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary focus, understanding how to interpret data for visualization is key. Familiarity with data sources or basic data analysis principles can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as requirements, but understanding how design assets integrate into broader sales or proposal management systems (even indirectly) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams highlights the need for seamless integration into a standard corporate productivity environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, including technical experts, proposal managers, and other designers, to achieve common goals.
• Client Focus: Dedication to supporting ICF's business pursuits and ensuring client satisfaction through high-quality, impactful design deliverables.
• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to producing visually appealing, accurate, and brand-compliant work, even under tight deadlines.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic, on-call environment, quickly responding to changing project needs and priorities.
• Integrity: Maintaining ethical business practices and protecting confidential information, as is standard in professional services.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative approach where designers actively engage with project teams to understand requirements and provide creative solutions.
• Open communication and a willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback are essential for success in a remote team environment.
• Knowledge sharing and supporting team members during peak workloads are likely valued, especially in an on-call capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-call" nature suggests a need for team members who are proactive, self-sufficient, and can integrate smoothly into various project teams without extensive oversight, reflecting common operational support expectations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Variable Workload: Managing unpredictable work hours and workload fluctuations inherent in an on-call role, requiring strong personal time management and prioritization skills.
• Tight Deadlines: Consistently meeting short turnaround times for proposal graphics, often under pressure, necessitates efficiency and resilience.
• Translating Complexity: Effectively interpreting and visualizing highly technical or abstract information for diverse audiences requires strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining seamless communication and collaboration with dispersed team members and stakeholders in a virtual environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in data visualization, infographic design, and advanced layout techniques.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining broad exposure to various industries and government sectors ICF serves, enhancing understanding of client needs and market trends.
• Proposal Development Lifecycle: Deepening knowledge of the proposal process, understanding how design contributes to win strategies.
• Tool Proficiency: Potential to explore AI features in design software to enhance workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is managing the "on-call" aspect, which requires a specific mindset and skill set focused on responsiveness and adaptability rather than a fixed, predictable schedule.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Prepare to present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complex data visualization, adhere to brand guidelines, and work within proposal constraints. Emphasize your process and the impact of your design.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions like: "How would you approach designing a complex infographic for a technical proposal with a 24-hour deadline?" or "How do you ensure brand consistency when working with multiple stakeholders who have different design preferences?"
• Time Management & Prioritization: Anticipate questions about how you manage your time, prioritize tasks when multiple urgent requests come in, and ensure quality under pressure.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research ICF: Understand ICF's mission, the industries it serves, and its overall business objectives. Think about how graphic design supports these goals.
• Remote Work Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your experience and approach to working effectively in a remote, on-call capacity. Highlight your communication and self-management skills.
• Teamwork: Discuss your experience collaborating with proposal teams or technical subject matter experts.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the complexity of the challenge addressed.
• Storytelling: For each project, clearly state the goal, your role, your process, the tools used, any challenges, and the outcome. Focus on how your design contributed to the proposal's success.
• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, reflecting your design capabilities. Use clear, high-resolution images.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role like this, interviewers will assess not just creative talent but also your ability to operate efficiently, communicate effectively, and contribute to the business development process. The portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate these operational competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on ICF's career site.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest data visualization, infographic, and proposal design work. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link to a personal website or a shared cloud document).
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant experience with Adobe Creative Suite, proposal support, deadline management, and remote collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, how you handle pressure, and how your skills contribute to business development success. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ICF's services, client base, and mission to better understand the context of the proposals you would be supporting.

⚠️ 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.