Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: IDS International (ADG Creative subsidiary)

Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Government & Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of high-impact creative design solutions across a diverse range of platforms including print, digital, branding, UX/UI, social media, and video.

• Drive user-centered design initiatives, ensuring all creative outputs are aligned with client objectives, brand identity, and end-user needs.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including project managers, strategists, and content creators, to deliver cohesive and impactful design experiences.

• Maintain impeccable organization of design files and adherence to established standards and conventions throughout project lifecycles.

• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture within ADG Creative, fostering innovation and shared success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is Graphic Design, the "Operations" aspect is derived from the requirement for strategic concept development, adherence to standards, project lifecycle management, and cross-functional collaboration within a government contracting environment (IDS International). The user-centered design focus also implies an operational understanding of user needs and experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on strategic creative solutions encompassing print collateral, brand identity systems, UX/UI interfaces, social media campaigns, video assets, and comprehensive digital marketing initiatives.

• Actively participate in and lead brainstorming sessions, idea generation, and conceptualization phases for new projects and client engagements.

• Conduct thorough design research, including mood boarding, competitive analysis, and trend identification, to inform and execute compelling design concepts.

• Recommend creative solutions that demonstrably align with client requirements, established brand guidelines, and the needs of the target end-user.

• Effectively communicate design decisions, rationale, and project progress through compelling presentations to internal teams and external clients.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging tools, and evolving technologies within the creative and digital landscape.

• Participate in customer discovery sessions, client meetings, and presentations to articulate design strategies and gather critical feedback.

• Organize, manage, and maintain all design files and project assets according to established organizational standards and naming conventions.

• Demonstrate strong accountability and effective time management skills to ensure timely delivery of design deliverables across all project phases.

• Contribute actively to the ADG Creative team's collaborative environment, fostering a culture of creativity, mutual support, and continuous improvement.

• Potentially supervise and mentor junior designers, providing guidance on design best practices and project execution.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support ADG Creative and IDS International's mission and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the breadth of design activities expected from a "Senior" role, incorporating strategic, research, and client-facing elements common in agency or government contracting environments. The mention of "user-centered experiences" and "client discovery sessions" highlights the operational aspect of understanding and serving external stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media), OR

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 12 years of relevant professional experience, OR

• Associate's degree or High School Diploma with 16 years of relevant professional experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design and creative development, with experience aligning to the education substitution structure above. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, and composition.

• Demonstrated experience in branding and identity system development, creating cohesive visual languages.

• Proficiency in UX/UI design principles and best practices for digital interfaces.

• Strong skills in creating compelling designs for digital campaigns, social media, and multimedia platforms.

• Experience in print design, including layout, pre-press, and production knowledge.

• Ability to conduct design research, develop mood boards, and execute creative concepts from ideation to final delivery.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively to diverse audiences.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design methodologies and their application in creating impactful experiences.

• Proficiency in organizing and maintaining digital design files with proper standards and conventions.

• Demonstrated accountability and time management skills for project lifecycle management.

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly is a mandatory requirement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video design and animation principles.

• Familiarity with current design trends, tools, and emerging technologies.

• Experience in government contracting or working with public sector clients.

• Ability to provide creative direction and potentially supervise junior design staff.

• Experience participating in customer discovery sessions and client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Requirements" section has been structured to clearly outline the educational equivalencies and experience requirements. The skills list has been populated with specific design competencies, and the mandatory clearance has been highlighted as a critical qualification. The "Operations" context is implicit in the need for structured file management, time management, and client interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects across print, digital, branding, UX/UI, social media, and multimedia.

• Demonstrations of strategic concept development and the ability to translate client needs into effective visual solutions.

• Examples of user-centered design approaches and how they influenced design outcomes.

• Evidence of strong organizational skills through well-structured and clearly presented project files/case studies.

• Documentation of projects within government or complex organizational environments is highly advantageous. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from initial brief and research through concept development, iteration, and final delivery.

• Evidence of workflow management and adherence to project timelines and standards.

• Examples of how design decisions were informed by research, user feedback, or client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been tailored to emphasize the "operations" aspect of design work, focusing on process, organization, and strategic execution. The portfolio is framed as a demonstration of these operational capabilities within a creative context. The requirement for a TS/SCI clearance also implies a need for stringent adherence to security protocols in file handling and project management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Competitive Hourly Pay (Specific range not provided, but expected to be competitive for a Senior Graphic Designer with 10+ years of experience and a TS/SCI clearance in the Annapolis Junction, MD area).

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area with high-level security clearances, an estimated hourly range could be between $50 - $85+ per hour, depending on experience, specific skill set, and contract requirements. Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, details to be provided by IDS International.

• Potential benefits include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k)

  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

  • Life Insurance and Disability coverage

  • Professional Development opportunities and training

  • Potential for bonuses or performance incentives Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are generally 40 hours per week.

• Candidates must be flexible with shift times, as project needs may require earlier or later reporting based on customer requirements.

• The role is on-site, requiring regular and predictable attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range estimation is based on typical market rates for senior-level creative professionals in a high-cost-of-living area with specialized government contracting requirements (TS/SCI clearance). Benefits are inferred from standard offerings for full-time employees in the defense and government contracting sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Professional Services / Defense Industry. IDS International specializes in resolving conflict and building innovative solutions for government, military, nonprofit, and public-sector clients, combining operational expertise with an understanding of complex global challenges.

Company Size: IDS International is a medium-sized business, with ADG Creative operating as a subsidiary. The specific size of the ADG Creative design team is not detailed but would likely be a focused group within the larger organization.

Founded: IDS International was founded in 2009. ADG Creative is an IDS subsidiary.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of ADG Creative, a subsidiary of IDS International, likely working within a dedicated creative team.

• This team is expected to collaborate closely with project managers, strategists, and other creative professionals.

• Reporting structure will likely place the Senior Graphic Designer under a Creative Director or a similar leadership role within ADG Creative, with potential to supervise junior staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be extensive, involving teams across IDS International and directly with government/military clients. Methodology:

• Design processes are expected to be client-centric, focusing on understanding and meeting specific customer requirements and operational needs.

• Emphasis on research, strategic concept development, and iterative design to ensure solutions are effective and user-aligned.

• Adherence to strict standards and conventions, particularly given the government contracting environment and the TS/SCI clearance requirement.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for research and user-centered approaches.

Company Website: http://www.idsinternational.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out to reflect the nature of IDS International as a government contractor and ADG Creative as its creative arm. This provides crucial context for the operational demands, security requirements, and client-centric nature of the role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the creative and design domain, implying a significant level of autonomy, strategic input, and potential leadership responsibilities. The "operations" aspect is integrated through the management of design processes, project lifecycles, and client coordination within a structured environment.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or a similar senior creative lead within ADG Creative. They may also have direct reporting relationships with project managers and will collaborate extensively with various internal teams and external clients.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on the clarity, effectiveness, and perception of IDS International's solutions and client communications. High-quality design enhances user experience, brand recognition, and the overall success of projects, which directly supports the company's mission and client satisfaction in the government and defense sectors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialized design areas (e.g., advanced UX/UI, motion graphics, data visualization) and gain experience with cutting-edge design tools and technologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into supervisory roles, leading design teams, managing projects, and mentoring junior designers.

• Strategic Contribution: Increased involvement in client discovery, strategic planning, and the development of overarching creative strategies for major government contracts.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience within the government contracting and defense sectors, which can open doors to specialized roles and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth analysis focuses on how a senior design role within this specific operational context can lead to career progression, emphasizing leadership and strategic contributions beyond pure design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly on-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for team interaction and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Annapolis Junction, Maryland. This location is within a region known for its significant presence of government contractors and defense organizations.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office setting where designers work alongside other creative professionals, project managers, and potentially client representatives.

• Access to standard office technology and design software/hardware will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues and supervisors for feedback, brainstorming, and project reviews.

• The environment will likely be professional and structured, reflecting the demands of government contracting and the need for security clearance adherence. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is typical, but flexibility is required due to customer needs.

• The on-site nature necessitates adherence to specific office hours, with potential for extended hours or adjusted schedules depending on project deadlines and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clarifies the on-site nature of the role and provides context for the physical workspace and daily schedule, emphasizing the professional and structured environment typical of government-adjacent organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: A detailed discussion of your portfolio, focusing on your design process, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and execution across various projects. Be prepared to discuss your role, decisions, and outcomes for each piece.

• Skills Assessment / Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study, simulating a real-world project scenario to evaluate your creative approach, technical proficiency, and ability to meet specific objectives under time constraints.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your collaboration style, communication skills, ability to work within a team, and how you handle challenges, particularly within a government/client-focused environment.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of your active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly will be a critical step.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the breadth of skills required (print, digital, branding, UX/UI, social media, video). Prioritize projects that showcase strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, iteration), your design decisions, and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the results of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, improved user conversion, successful campaign metrics).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with government/public sector work, complex branding, or user-centered digital experiences.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools and software you used and your proficiency levels.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review common design challenges related to branding, campaign development, and UX/UI for similar client types.

• Practice articulating your design rationale concisely and persuasively.

• Be prepared to work within defined constraints (time, scope, brand guidelines) and demonstrate adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored to a senior creative role within a government contracting context, emphasizing strategic thinking, process documentation, and the critical need for security clearance verification.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential.

• Adobe After Effects: Proficiency for video design and motion graphics is highly preferred.

• Figma / Sketch / Adobe XD: Strong experience with UX/UI design and prototyping tools is a significant advantage.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) for task tracking and workflow management.

• Familiarity with collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for team communication. File Management & Version Control:

• Proficiency in organizing and managing digital assets using cloud storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive) and adhering to strict file naming conventions.

• Understanding of version control principles for design files. Presentation Tools:

• Proficiency in creating and delivering presentations using software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is populated with industry-standard software for graphic design, UX/UI, and collaboration, reflecting the likely technology stack for a creative agency subsidiary within a larger organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and adhering to strict security protocols (TS/SCI clearance) is paramount.

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the unique operational needs and objectives of government and public-sector clients.

• Excellence in Execution: Commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions that contribute directly to project success and client satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new tools and techniques to meet evolving challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with project managers, strategists, and other creative professionals.

• Emphasis on clear communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership of project outcomes.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be key, requiring the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including those with technical or operational backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style have been inferred from the company's mission (IDS International), its industry (government contracting), and the nature of the role (Senior Graphic Designer requiring collaboration and adherence to standards).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Client Requirements: Adapting design strategies to meet the specific, often intricate, operational and security needs of government and military clients.

• Maintaining Security Protocols: Rigorously adhering to security standards and clearance requirements in all aspects of work, including file handling and communication.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Delivering innovative and impactful design solutions within defined project scopes, timelines, and client expectations.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively translating design concepts and rationale to non-design stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and buy-in.

• Staying Current: Continuously learning and adapting to new design trends, technologies, and client needs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Tool Training: Opportunities to master new software and technologies relevant to graphic design, UX/UI, and multimedia.

• Specialized Design Certifications: Pursuing certifications in areas like UX/UI, motion graphics, or data visualization.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in leading design initiatives and mentoring junior team members.

• Client Interaction Skills: Enhancing abilities in client discovery, presentation, and strategic consultation.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of the government contracting and defense sectors through project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a senior role in government contracting, highlighting the unique demands and potential development paths.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project where you had to balance creative vision with strict client requirements or operational constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you ensure your designs are user-centered and effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences, particularly in a government context?" (Highlight user research, empathy, and clarity).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a branding system or a significant digital campaign from initial concept to final delivery." (Emphasize research, ideation, iteration, and execution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for IDS International and its subsidiary ADG Creative, specifically within the government contracting space?" (Show research into the company's mission and industry).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, and how do you handle constructive criticism or differing design opinions?" (Demonstrate teamwork and communication skills).

• "Given the importance of security clearances, how do you maintain discretion and adhere to protocols in your daily work?" (Address awareness and commitment to security). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a story: the challenge, your strategic approach, your creative execution, and the measurable impact.

• Process Visualization: Use slides or visual aids to illustrate your design process, from mood boards and wireframes to final polished assets.

• Highlighting Seniority: Emphasize your leadership in concept development, strategic decision-making, and problem-solving within projects.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques used, especially any advanced features or integrations.

• Client Alignment: Clearly articulate how your designs met specific client objectives and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation strategies are designed to align with the seniority of the role, the specific industry (government contracting), and the need to demonstrate both creative talent and operational diligence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the IDS International careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating expertise in branding, print, digital campaigns, UX/UI, and multimedia, with a preference for work that showcases strategic thinking and user-centered design, especially within complex or government-related contexts.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, educational background, and proficiency in relevant design software. Use keywords from the job description such as "graphic design," "branding," "UX/UI," "TS/SCI clearance," and "client discovery."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, strategic rationale, and the outcomes of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with government clients and your understanding of operational requirements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with IDS International's mission, values, and the types of projects ADG Creative undertakes. Understand their commitment to resolving conflict and their client base.

⚠️ 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.