Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: KMRG, LLC

Location: Washington, DC

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector / Administrative

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on entry-level graphic production support for government publications, forms, presentations, and infographics, requiring adherence to established templates and branding guidelines.

• Key responsibilities include preparing files for both print and digital distribution, ensuring visual consistency, and maintaining organized digital assets for efficient retrieval and archiving.

• A crucial aspect of this position involves applying basic Section 508 accessibility tagging to ensure compliance and inclusivity for all visual materials.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will work closely with senior designers, learn production workflows, and contribute to the overall visual communication strategy of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities, particularly around Section 508 accessibility, file preparation for print and digital, and digital asset management, indicate a strong emphasis on production and operational efficiency within a government context. This role is less about pure creative ideation and more about meticulous execution and adherence to established standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce a range of AO-branded visual products, including flyers, infographics, forms, charts, presentations, and template-based layouts, ensuring adherence to established visual communication standards.

• Format new content using approved AO templates, meticulously maintaining visual consistency across all recurring and newly developed materials to uphold brand integrity.

• Assist in maintaining production-ready templates and continuity files, ensuring uninterrupted output and operational readiness during periods of high demand or staff absence.

• Support senior graphic designers by assisting with production tasks, managing file handoffs, implementing revisions, and contributing to template development efforts.

• Prepare print-ready and digital-ready files for various distribution channels, including production, archiving, or final handoff, performing thorough preflight checks for fonts, links, color modes, and image resolution.

• Package completed project files, including comprehensive InDesign (INDD) packages, for secure archiving or seamless handoff to other teams or stakeholders.

• Maintain the PPD digital asset library by strictly following AO naming conventions, approved folder structures, and metadata standards, ensuring efficient asset retrieval and management.

• Apply basic Section 508 accessibility tagging to visual materials, including defining reading order, adding alt text, structuring headings, and embedding metadata, to ensure compliance and usability for all audiences.

• Utilize accessibility checking tools to identify and rectify basic tagging issues within the scope of assigned tasks, contributing to accessible digital content.

• Conduct thorough reviews of assigned work for compliance with the AO Style Manual, accuracy, completeness, and overall production readiness, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

• Participate actively in coordination meetings, effectively communicating progress, deliverables, identified issues, and production status updates as assigned.

• Prepare and submit weekly status reports summarizing completed work, any encountered issues, and overall progress against project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a structured production environment within a government agency. Emphasis is placed on template adherence, file management, and accessibility, suggesting that efficiency, consistency, and compliance are paramount. The role requires a blend of design execution and operational diligence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for roles involving design software proficiency and understanding of design principles.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design production, with a focus on template-based design, print preparation, and digital asset management. Experience in a government or large organizational setting is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated graphic production and template-based layout skills for both print and digital visual materials.

• Ability to consistently apply established branding guidelines, formatting standards, templates, and document structures.

• Proficiency in preparing and preflighting production files, including managing fonts, links, color modes, resolution, packaging, and archiving.

• Skill in organizing and maintaining digital assets using established file naming conventions, folder structures, and metadata standards.

• Familiarity with applying basic Section 508 accessibility tagging and proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign) and Microsoft Office tools.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, polished work within established turnaround times.

• Ability to follow established style guides and brand manuals meticulously. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro for PDF editing and accessibility checks.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of print production processes and requirements.

• Experience working within a government agency or large corporate environment.

• Knowledge of advanced Section 508 accessibility requirements beyond basic tagging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical application of design software and adherence to standards over conceptual creativity. The mention of Section 508 accessibility is a critical technical skill for government roles, requiring specific knowledge beyond general design principles. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, and Microsoft Office suite are core technical necessities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of template-based design projects, demonstrating the ability to apply established branding and formatting consistently.

• Include case studies or examples of preparing files for both print and digital output, highlighting preflighting and packaging processes.

• Present projects that illustrate effective digital asset organization, file naming, and metadata application.

• Feature any work that demonstrates understanding and application of accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508 tagging) in design outputs.

• Provide examples of creating or modifying templates for various document types (e.g., presentations, flyers, forms). Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflows for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, emphasizing organization and efficiency.

• Be ready to articulate how they ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across multiple projects.

• Demonstrate an understanding of file preparation and preflighting processes for print and digital outputs.

• Explain methods for organizing and maintaining digital assets, including file naming conventions and folder structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, especially in a production-heavy environment, a portfolio should focus on execution and adherence to standards. It's less about unique artistic expression and more about demonstrating technical proficiency, organizational skills, and the ability to follow instructions and guidelines precisely. Portfolio items should clearly indicate the candidate's role in the project and the specific skills applied.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,000 - $60,000 annually. This range is competitive for an entry-level graphic design position in Washington, D.C., considering the cost of living and the specialized nature of government contract work.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes vacation days, sick leave, and federal holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Likely a 401(k) or similar plan, potentially with company matching contributions.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially certifications related to graphic design, accessibility, or government contracting.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Basic life insurance and short-term/long-term disability benefits.

• Potential for Telework: While primarily on-site, remote telework may be authorized, offering flexibility.

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time (40 hours per week). This is a standard full-time schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range aligns with industry benchmarks for junior graphic design roles in a high-cost-of-living area like Washington D.C. The benefits package is typical for a full-time position within a federal services company, often including comprehensive health coverage and retirement savings options. The hybrid work arrangement offers a degree of flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Services. KMRG, LLC specializes in providing professional services to U.S. Government agencies, indicating a focus on compliance, security, and structured operational environments.

Company Size: KMRG, LLC is a federal services company, suggesting a medium to large size, likely with multiple contracts and departments. The "LLC" designation implies a privately held structure.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, KMRG's focus on federal services suggests a company with established processes and experience working within government frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Property, Printing, and Distribution Branch (PPD) supporting the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).

• This team likely includes senior graphic designers, production specialists, and potentially project managers who oversee the visual communication needs of the AO.

• Collaboration will be essential with other departments within the AO and potentially other government entities requiring design support. Methodology:

• Emphasis on adhering to established AO Style Manual standards for typography, color, logos, and document structure.

• Strict protocols for file preparation, digital asset management, and archiving are critical.

• A systematic approach to applying Section 508 accessibility tagging is a core operational requirement.

• Production workflows are likely managed with defined turnaround times and quality expectations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a federal services company like KMRG means operating within a highly regulated and structured environment. The culture will likely prioritize accuracy, adherence to process, and clear communication, especially when supporting a government agency like the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Junior) position, suitable for individuals with 0-2 years of experience. It serves as a foundational role for developing practical design production skills within a specialized operational context.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to senior graphic designers or a production lead within the Property, Printing, and Distribution Branch (PPD). They will receive direction from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the clarity, consistency, and accessibility of visual communications for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. High-quality, compliant design materials are crucial for effective internal and external communication, information dissemination, and maintaining the professional image of the judicial branch's administrative arm.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, and master Section 508 accessibility compliance for design assets.

• Production Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of print and digital production workflows, file preparation, and asset management best practices within a government setting.

• Senior Designer Progression: With experience and demonstrated skill, advance to a Graphic Designer or Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Roles: Potential to move into related roles within KMRG or the AO, such as project coordination, documentation management, or accessibility specialist roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Junior Graphic Designer in this environment is typically focused on mastering production skills and gaining in-depth knowledge of the specific client's (AO) requirements. Advancement often involves demonstrating reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to handle increasing complexity and responsibility within established operational frameworks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building in Washington, D.C. This is a federal building, implying a secure and professional work environment.

Office Location(s): Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, One Columbus Circle, NE, Washington, DC 20544.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a government facility, likely featuring standard office setups.

• Collaboration will occur within the PPD team, involving direct interaction with senior designers and supervisors.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office) on company-provided hardware is expected.

• The environment will be geared towards production and task completion, with a focus on adhering to schedules and quality standards.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. While the primary performance is on-site, remote telework may be authorized, suggesting a hybrid model is possible, allowing for some flexibility in work location on certain days.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in a federal judiciary building means adhering to specific security protocols and office etiquette. The environment is likely structured and task-oriented, with a strong emphasis on meeting deadlines and maintaining professional standards. The potential for hybrid work offers a valuable balance for candidates seeking flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and alignment with job requirements.

• Technical Assessment/Skills Test: A practical exercise may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., creating a template-based layout, preparing a file for print, applying basic accessibility tags).

• Interview with Hiring Team: Discussion with senior designers or hiring managers to assess design understanding, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and cultural fit within the PPD team and KMRG. Questions will likely focus on experience with templates, file preparation, accessibility, and workflow management.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a project lead or COR to discuss client needs and confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Template Adherence: Showcase examples where you successfully applied existing templates and branding guidelines. Clearly state the template used and how you adapted it.

• Demonstrate Production Skills: Include projects that clearly show your ability to prepare files for print (e.g., specifying bleeds, color modes) and digital distribution (e.g., optimizing for web, PDF creation).

• Showcase Accessibility Efforts: If possible, include examples where you've applied Section 508 accessibility tagging or considered accessibility in your design process. Explain your approach.

• Organized Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly labels each project with your specific role and the skills utilized. Use clear descriptions that align with the job responsibilities.

• Focus on Consistency: For template-based work, emphasize your ability to maintain visual consistency across different collateral types.

Challenge Preparation:

• Template Design Exercise: Be prepared for a task requiring you to use or adapt a provided template for a specific purpose (e.g., creating a flyer from a brochure template).

• File Preflight & Packaging: Practice preparing files for print and digital output, ensuring all elements are correct and packaged properly.

• Accessibility Tagging Practice: Familiarize yourself with the basic steps of tagging PDFs or other documents for Section 508 compliance.

• Process Explanation: Be ready to articulate your workflow for managing design tasks, from receiving a brief to final delivery, emphasizing organization and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical skills and adherence to standards. A portfolio demonstrating these specific competencies, rather than just creative flair, will be crucial. Be prepared for a technical assessment to validate your software proficiency and understanding of production processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite for graphic design. Specific emphasis will be on:

  • Adobe InDesign (INDD): For layout design, template creation, and preparing documents for print and digital.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: For PDF editing, creation, and applying accessibility tags.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, and icons.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Crucial for working with government documents and presentations. Specific emphasis on:

  • Microsoft Word: For document formatting and template application.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: For presentation design and template utilization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this junior role, understanding how visual materials are tracked or utilized might involve basic familiarity with analytics platforms if the AO uses them for digital content performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it's focused on production rather than sales or marketing operations. However, understanding how assets are stored and accessed might involve familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems or content management systems (CMS) if used by the AO.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, and the Microsoft Office suite is non-negotiable. The ability to use Adobe Acrobat Pro for accessibility tagging is a critical technical requirement for government roles. Familiarity with digital asset management principles is also highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Precision: A core value, given the nature of government documentation and legal requirements. Every detail matters in templates, branding, and file preparation.

• Compliance & Standardization: Strict adherence to the AO Style Manual, branding guidelines, and accessibility standards is paramount.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Meeting production deadlines and turnaround times is critical for supporting government operations.

• Collaboration & Support: Working effectively within the PPD team, supporting senior designers, and responding to COR direction are key.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor and high-quality output suitable for a government agency.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect close collaboration with senior designers and other members of the PPD branch.

• Instruction-Driven: While creative input may be valued, the primary collaboration style will involve following established guidelines and instructions from supervisors and the COR.

• Feedback Loop: Regular feedback on work will be provided to ensure adherence to standards and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from senior designers about best practices in production, accessibility, and file management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a government support contract is typically structured, process-driven, and focused on reliability. Values will center around accuracy, compliance, and efficient execution of tasks according to established protocols.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Strict Adherence to Standards: Consistently applying complex style guides and branding rules across diverse materials can be challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail.

• Volume and Pace: Handling a high volume of production tasks with tight deadlines, especially during surge periods, will require efficient workflow management.

• Learning Curve for Accessibility: Mastering Section 508 accessibility tagging and tools can be a significant learning curve for junior designers.

• Balancing Template Use with Requirements: Effectively using templates while ensuring new content is integrated seamlessly and meets all specific project needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications and learn advanced techniques for template creation and file optimization.

• Accessibility Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in Section 508 compliance for visual design and digital content.

• Government Production Workflows: Gain invaluable experience in the structured production environment of federal services and government agencies.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced graphic designers and production specialists within the PPD team.

• Industry Best Practices: Stay updated on graphic design trends, accessibility standards, and best practices for print and digital production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from the demanding nature of government production work, emphasizing precision and adherence. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering these specialized skills and becoming a reliable production resource within the federal contracting space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience using templates for graphic design projects. How do you ensure consistency when applying them?" (Focus on your ability to follow established structures and maintain brand integrity.)

• "Walk us through your process for preparing a design file for print production. What are the key checks you perform?" (Demonstrate your understanding of preflighting and print-ready file requirements.)

• "What is your understanding of Section 508 accessibility, and how have you applied it in your design work?" (Be ready to explain basic concepts and provide examples of tagging or accessible design choices.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines and requests from different stakeholders?" (Highlight your organizational skills and ability to manage workload effectively.)

• "Describe a time you had to work with strict branding guidelines. How did you ensure compliance?" (Emphasize your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for KMRG, LLC and supporting the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts?" (Show genuine interest in federal services and the specific client's mission.)

• "How do you approach receiving feedback or constructive criticism on your design work?" (Indicate a willingness to learn and adapt.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you see yourself fitting into a structured, production-focused team?" (Align your expectations with the described environment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by skill type (e.g., Template Design, Print Production, Accessibility Examples) or by project, clearly stating the objective and your role.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly describe the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome. For template work, explain how you adhered to or adapted the template.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in InDesign, file preparation, and accessibility tagging.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about specific software functions, file formats, and production considerations.

• Focus on Adherence and Efficiency: Frame your work in terms of how it met project requirements, maintained standards, and was delivered efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical proficiency, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong understanding of production workflows and accessibility standards. Be ready to discuss specific software functions and processes relevant to government contract work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the KMRG job portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign), Microsoft Office, template-based design, file preparation, and any exposure to accessibility standards or government projects. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Produced 50+ template-based flyers per quarter").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong examples that best showcase your template application skills, print/digital file preparation capabilities, and any experience with accessibility tagging. Ensure clear descriptions and easy navigation.

• Prepare for a Skills Assessment: Be ready for a practical design exercise that may involve using a template, preparing a file for output, or applying accessibility tags. Practice these tasks beforehand.

• Research KMRG and the AO: Understand KMRG's role as a federal services provider and the mission of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to demonstrate your interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.