Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: DCG

Location: Alexandria, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Government & Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: March 06, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) by creating impactful visual communications for scientific research and programs.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design process for a variety of print and digital assets, ensuring brand consistency and accessibility standards are met.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design software, and the ability to translate complex scientific information into accessible visuals.

• The role involves collaboration with stakeholders, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to special creative projects, emphasizing a high level of autonomy and responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the context of supporting a government agency like the NSF, with responsibilities including scientific illustration, infographic design, and Section 508 compliance, positions this role within a specialized segment of creative operations. The emphasis on translating complex research and adhering to strict brand and accessibility guidelines suggests a need for strong process adherence and project management skills, often found in operations-focused creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute graphic design and layout for a wide array of print and digital media, including but not limited to posters, brochures, flyers, fact sheets, press kits, event graphics, trade show materials, exhibit graphics, and social media content.

• Design and meticulously edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and other digital documents to meet specific project requirements and stakeholder expectations.

• Create compelling infographics for press kits, press releases, media events, and other public affairs materials, effectively communicating key data and messages.

• Produce animated content for video production, web use, and social media campaigns, enhancing engagement and information dissemination.

• Generate original illustrations, both traditional and digital (including 3-D), to visually explain and clarify intricate scientific concepts or descriptive information.

• Uphold and implement NSF’s branding guidelines, providing expert advice on visual identity and contributing to the establishment and maintenance of the Agency’s overall brand.

• Conduct thorough research into subject matter to ensure accuracy in illustrations, infographics, and other visual materials, maintaining close communication with researchers to interpret scientific content.

• Ensure all created content strictly adheres to current Section 508 accessibility requirements, making necessary modifications for compliance.

• Actively gather requirements from diverse stakeholders, fostering collaborative teamwork while also demonstrating independent project execution capabilities.

• Provide technical and artistic guidance to staff on visual information matters, and mentor junior designers to cultivate and enhance skill development within the creative team.

• Engage in special projects and perform other creative and visually related duties as assigned by OLPA staff, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process-oriented thinking, especially concerning brand guidelines, Section 508 compliance, and stakeholder requirement gathering. The mentoring aspect suggests a leadership component, common in senior roles that also oversee operational efficiency within a creative team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year college in Graphic Design or another closely related discipline.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record in print and digital media production.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

• Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects efficiently, maintaining high-quality output and consistently meeting tight deadlines.

• Demonstrated capability to gather requirements from stakeholders, accept creative direction, and effectively present work to internal teams and clients.

• Solid experience with Section 508 accessibility compliance, including practical knowledge of PDF remediation techniques.

• Competency in mentoring junior designers and providing constructive feedback for skill development.

• Expert-level experience with project management and digital asset management (DAM) software.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting federal customers, with a particular emphasis on science communication or public affairs contexts.

• Proficiency with motion graphics, video editing software, and animation techniques beyond basic requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "expert proficiency" in multiple Adobe Creative Cloud applications, combined with project and asset management software experience, points to a need for operational efficiency in design workflows. The requirement for Section 508 compliance and scientific illustration suggests a specialized skill set beyond general graphic design, indicating a need for candidates who can navigate complex regulatory and informational requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 3-5 samples of original work, demonstrating expertise across various media (print, digital, animation).

• Projects should highlight the ability to translate complex scientific or research information into visually appealing and understandable formats (e.g., infographics, scientific illustrations).

• Include examples that clearly illustrate adherence to branding guidelines and Section 508 accessibility standards.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial stakeholder consultation and requirement gathering to concept development, execution, and final delivery.

• Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy and clarity in scientific visualizations and integrate feedback from researchers and stakeholders.

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow management for multiple projects, including time management and prioritization strategies.

• Explain your approach to ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance throughout the design and production lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a portfolio submission (3-5 samples) and the need to discuss scientific illustration and Section 508 compliance indicate a rigorous evaluation process focused on practical application and adherence to specific operational and regulatory standards. The emphasis on translating complex information suggests a need for candidates who can document their problem-solving process for such challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the Alexandria, VA area, supporting government contracts, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $115,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized skills required, including scientific illustration, animation, and federal client experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare plans: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Group life coverage, with DCG covering 60% of premiums for employees and dependents.

• Generous paid time off (PTO).

• Paid federal holidays.

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% company match.

• Wellness programs and activities.

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Paid Family Bonding for new parents.

• 50% cost sharing for Short-Term Disability coverage.

• $1,000 family expansion benefit for fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a standard Monday to Friday work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on aggregated data for Senior Graphic Designer roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, factoring in the specific requirements of government contracting, scientific communication, and advanced design software proficiency. The comprehensive benefits package is detailed in the job description, offering significant value to full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: DCG operates in the engagement, digital, research, and data sectors, with a significant focus on supporting military, Veterans, and the American public through large-scale outreach initiatives. Their work spans critical mission-driven issues like human trafficking awareness, mental health, suicide prevention, and Veteran health.

Company Size: DCG is a growing company with over 15 years of experience. While an exact headcount isn't provided, their project scope suggests a medium-sized organization capable of managing complex government contracts.

Founded: DCG was founded over 15 years ago, indicating a stable and experienced organization with a proven track record in its specialized fields.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the OLPA creative team at the National Science Foundation, likely working within a unit focused on communication and public affairs.

• This role involves collaboration with researchers, OLPA staff, and potentially other creative team members.

Methodology:

• DCG emphasizes Human-Centered Design (HCD) and change management principles, integrating new technologies based on user journeys.

• Their approach involves strategic research, planning, execution, and evaluation of outreach initiatives.

• The emphasis on mixed methods research suggests a data-informed approach to creative strategy and project development.

Company Website: https://www.dcg.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: Supporting a federal agency like the NSF implies a structured, process-driven environment with a strong emphasis on compliance and accuracy. DCG's methodology, including HCD and mixed-methods research, suggests they value data-driven creativity and user-centric design solutions, which is relevant for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the creative operations domain, specifically focused on graphic design and visual communication for a government agency. It requires a high degree of technical skill, creative problem-solving, and the ability to mentor others.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will report to OLPA staff within the National Science Foundation. This suggests a direct line of communication with program managers or communications leads who define project requirements and provide creative direction.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing how the NSF communicates the vital impact of its research and programs to diverse audiences, including the public and policymakers. Effective visual communication is critical for public understanding, stakeholder engagement, and securing continued support for scientific endeavors. The role also contributes to the operational efficiency of the OLPA communications team by providing expertise and mentorship.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in scientific illustration, animation, and federal branding/accessibility compliance.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a Creative Lead or Art Director role, managing larger projects or teams.

• Broader Operations Exposure: Potentially move into project management roles within DCG or related government contracting firms, leveraging design process knowledge.

• Industry Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with a leading federal research agency, enhancing credibility and opening doors to similar opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior-level designation, coupled with mentoring responsibilities and the context of government contracting, points to a role with substantial growth potential. The emphasis on process and impact aligns with career progression in operations-focused creative roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site in Alexandria, VA. This suggests a traditional office environment where collaboration and access to infrastructure are key.

Office Location(s): Alexandria, VA. This location offers access to a large professional network and is part of the broader Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a hub for government contracting and creative agencies.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, requiring interaction with internal teams and stakeholders at the NSF.

• Access to industry-standard design software and technology will be essential for fulfilling job responsibilities.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with researchers and communications professionals will facilitate a deeper understanding of NSF's mission and scientific content.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. While not explicitly stated as flexible, government contract work often adheres to predictable hours, though occasional overtime might be required for critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for roles involving direct collaboration and potentially sensitive government information. It also implies a structured work environment where operational processes are clearly defined and followed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio submissions to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Candidates will be asked to present 3-5 samples of their original work, discussing their process, design choices, and how they addressed project requirements (e.g., scientific accuracy, accessibility).

• Technical Interview: Assessment of proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, understanding of Section 508 compliance, and experience with scientific illustration/animation.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions may focus on stakeholder management, mentoring experience, handling multiple projects, and working within a government contracting environment.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with key stakeholders at NSF or senior leadership at DCG.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work that demonstrates the breadth of skills required (print, digital, animation, scientific illustration).

• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, especially how you gather requirements, interpret complex information (like scientific data), and ensure compliance (Section 508).

• Showcase Mentorship: If possible, include examples of work where you guided junior designers or explain your mentoring philosophy.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio itself is well-designed, reflecting your skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios, such as designing an infographic for a complex scientific discovery or creating social media assets for a public awareness campaign.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially when explaining technical or scientific concepts.

• Research the National Science Foundation (NSF) and its mission. Understand the importance of science communication and public affairs.

• Familiarize yourself with Section 508 accessibility standards and their implications for graphic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and the specific requirements of scientific illustration and Section 508 compliance mean candidates must present work that directly addresses these operational needs. The interview process is likely to be thorough, evaluating both creative talent and the ability to execute within a structured, compliance-heavy environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Expert proficiency required in:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital painting, and complex compositing.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print materials like brochures, posters, and fact sheets.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and producing animated explainer videos.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For designing and editing presentations.

• Project Management Software: Expert-level experience is required. Examples include Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar tools used for task tracking and workflow management.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Software: Expert-level experience is required. This is crucial for organizing, storing, and retrieving design assets efficiently.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how visual content performs (e.g., social media engagement, website analytics) could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "expert-level experience" in project and digital asset management software underscores the operational aspect of this role. Candidates must not only be skilled designers but also efficient managers of their work and digital assets, ensuring smooth workflow and easy retrieval of materials.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Integrity: Especially critical when dealing with scientific information and government communications. Visuals must be factually correct and ethically presented.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high-quality design that effectively communicates complex information and upholds the NSF's reputation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with researchers, communications staff, and other designers to achieve shared goals.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Staying current with design trends, software updates, and evolving accessibility standards (like Section 508).

• Efficiency & Process Adherence: Ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope, following established guidelines and workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with individuals from scientific research backgrounds and public affairs specialists, necessitating clear communication and the ability to translate between technical and design languages.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and peers to refine designs and ensure project objectives are met.

• Knowledge Sharing: Mentoring junior designers implies a culture of sharing expertise and best practices within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a results-oriented and compliant approach, typical of operations roles, particularly within government agencies. The collaboration style highlights the need for strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate diverse stakeholder needs effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Science: The primary challenge is interpreting and visually representing complex scientific research and data in an accessible, accurate, and engaging manner for diverse audiences.

• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Maintaining NSF's brand identity and ensuring strict compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards for all deliverables can be demanding.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing multiple project deadlines and stakeholder requests with limited resources requires exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Obtaining Subject Matter Expertise: Quickly gaining a sufficient understanding of various scientific fields to create accurate illustrations and infographics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Scientific Communication Mastery: Develop deep expertise in communicating complex scientific topics visually.

• Advanced Animation & Motion Graphics: Enhance skills in creating dynamic animated content for explainer videos and digital platforms.

• Federal Design Standards: Become an expert in government branding, communication strategies, and accessibility regulations.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Hone leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and potentially leading creative project components.

• Industry Exposure: Work on high-impact projects for a prestigious organization like the National Science Foundation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of working in specialized design roles, particularly those involving technical content and regulatory compliance. The growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized skills and advancing within a professional services or government contracting career path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an infographic to explain a complex scientific concept. How do you ensure accuracy and accessibility?" (Focus on process, research, data interpretation, and Section 508)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple design requests with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure all deliverables met quality standards?" (Focus on project management, time management, and quality assurance)

• "How would you approach mentoring a junior designer who is struggling with understanding client requirements or technical software?" (Focus on leadership, communication, and team development)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DCG and specifically this role supporting the National Science Foundation?" (Demonstrate research into DCG's mission and the NSF's work)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends, software, and accessibility standards?" (Show commitment to continuous learning)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each sample, use a consistent format: Project Title, Client/Context, Your Role, The Challenge, Your Solution (Process & Design), The Outcome/Impact.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, well-designed, and easy to read. Use high-quality images of your work.

• Narrative: Clearly articulate your thought process, design decisions, and how you met specific requirements (e.g., scientific accuracy, branding, Section 508).

• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would handle specific scenarios related to the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this interview requires not only showcasing design talent but also demonstrating an understanding of operational processes, compliance requirements, and the ability to work effectively within a government-contracting environment. The portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing practical application of skills relevant to the NSF's needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a portfolio showcasing 3-5 samples of your original work through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights experience in print, digital media, scientific illustration, and animation, with specific examples demonstrating adherence to branding guidelines and Section 508 accessibility.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience in graphic design, expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, project/asset management software skills, and any experience with federal clients or science communication.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially concerning scientific content translation and accessibility compliance. Prepare to discuss your mentoring experience and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DCG's mission and the National Science Foundation's role in scientific research and public affairs. Understand the importance of their communication efforts.

⚠️ 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. The contingency on contract award is a critical factor to note.