Senior Graphic Designer - Cleared

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - Cleared

Company: CACI

Location: Chantilly, Virginia, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Communications & Design / Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide executive-level multimedia support, translating complex requirements into visually impactful design products essential for mission communication.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of design projects, including exhibits, infographics, branding, and digital signage, ensuring alignment with client objectives and organizational standards.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software, primarily the Adobe Creative Suite, to produce high-quality visual assets.

• Integrate project management best practices, utilizing tools like Workamajig, to efficiently oversee multiple design efforts from conception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary title is Graphic Designer, the emphasis on executive-level support, project management, strategic planning, and organizational brand management positions this role within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operations support ecosystem, particularly for roles requiring clear, impactful communication of strategic initiatives. The "Cleared" designation and industry suggest a focus on government contracting, where operations efficiency and clear communication are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of visually appealing and impactful design products, including but not limited to exhibits, environmental graphics, infographics, posters, brochures, publications, branding elements, digital signage, slick sheets, illustrations, briefing presentations, logos, and engravings.

• Translate complex mission goals and objectives into clear, concise, and compelling visual communications tailored for executive-level audiences.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project scope, budget, and quality standards, utilizing Workamajig for project tracking.

• Conduct basic digital press and large-format print production functions, ensuring accurate color representation and material suitability for intended applications.

• Collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to gather requirements, solicit feedback, and ensure design solutions meet strategic communication objectives.

• Maintain brand consistency across all design outputs, adhering to established organizational brand management guidelines and 508 compliance standards.

• Support photography needs, including basic DSLR operation and post-processing, to enhance visual assets and presentations.

• Administer and maintain web content on platforms such as WordPress and SharePoint, ensuring visual assets are integrated effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond typical graphic design to encompass strategic visual communication, project management, and web administration, indicating a need for operations-minded individuals who can manage complex workflows and deliver strategic output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse project types and impactful visual solutions.

• 8 years of experience in project management, demonstrating the ability to plan, execute, and close design projects effectively.

• 8 years of experience in customer service, with a proven ability to manage client expectations, gather feedback, and deliver solutions that meet or exceed requirements. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, etc.) for creating sophisticated visual assets.

• Proven track record of creating impactful products and visual communications using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, essential for client interaction and presenting design concepts.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, senior leadership, and clients in a high-stakes environment.

• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail, critical for managing multiple projects, deadlines, and intricate design specifications.

• Applied knowledge of Section 508 compliance and other relevant accessibility and industry standards for digital and print materials. Preferred Skills:

• 10 years of creative and support experience within the government and defense industry, understanding unique communication needs and security protocols.

• Intermediate proficiency using DSLR cameras for photography and applying post-processing best practices for image enhancement.

• Intermediate proficiency in web administration using WordPress and SharePoint for content management and integration of visual assets.

• Intermediate proficiency with Workamajig project management software, demonstrating experience in managing design workflows and resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of advanced design skills with extensive project management, customer service, and specific software proficiencies (Adobe, Workamajig, WordPress, SharePoint) indicates a role that requires a blend of creative talent and operational rigor. The clearance requirement is a significant qualification.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a range of design projects covering diverse media and complexity, including branding, infographics, presentations, and publications, highlighting your ability to meet varied client needs.

• Include case studies or project examples that showcase your project management approach, detailing how you managed timelines, stakeholders, and delivered successful outcomes.

• Present examples of designs that adhere to specific compliance standards (e.g., 508 compliance) or branding guidelines, illustrating your attention to detail and adherence to requirements.

• Highlight projects where you translated complex information or abstract concepts into clear, compelling visual narratives, demonstrating your strategic communication capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, workflows, or project requirements to ensure consistency and facilitate collaboration within a team or with clients.

• Showcase instances where you optimized design workflows or implemented new tools/techniques to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, or enhance output quality.

• Illustrate your approach to receiving, interpreting, and acting upon feedback throughout the design process, demonstrating a structured and iterative methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role involving executive support and complex projects, a portfolio that not only displays creative output but also demonstrates robust project management, process adherence, and strategic communication is crucial. This reflects the operational aspect of managing creative delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,800 - $148,600 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Wellness programs and resources to support employee well-being.

• Financial planning and advisory services.

• Robust retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k).

• Family support benefits, including parental leave and resources.

• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

• Flexible time off (PTO) policy, offering autonomy and work-life balance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands and client needs. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided based on CACI's stated range for this position. The extensive benefits package is typical for a large government contractor like CACI, emphasizing employee well-being and professional growth, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking stable, long-term employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting, Information Technology, and Consulting. CACI is a major player in supporting national security and government missions, requiring high standards of integrity, security, and performance.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant number of employees (tens of thousands globally), indicating a structured environment with established processes and diverse career paths.

Founded: CACI was founded in 1962, signifying a long-standing presence and deep experience in its core markets, suggesting stability and a mature operational framework.

Team Structure:

• This role likely sits within a Communications, Marketing, or dedicated Creative Services department, supporting various internal or external client-facing projects.

• The team structure may involve reporting to a Creative Director or a Program Manager, with close collaboration with project managers, content strategists, and other designers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with program managers, technical teams, security personnel, and executive leadership, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely paramount, with design choices informed by client requirements, mission objectives, and performance metrics.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential, especially given the use of project management software like Workamajig and the need to manage multiple complex projects.

• Emphasis on efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to security protocols in all operational and creative processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's culture is deeply rooted in supporting national security missions, which translates to a demanding yet rewarding environment. Operations professionals here must be adaptable, highly organized, and committed to excellence and security. The company's scale offers structured career progression and access to extensive resources.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is for an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor junior staff (if applicable), and manage complex projects independently. It represents a significant step up from mid-level design roles, demanding strategic thinking and leadership in execution.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Creative Director, Program Manager, or a Manager of Communications/Operations Support. The role involves significant interaction with senior stakeholders and clients.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of mission-critical communications for top-tier clients. High-quality visual assets and presentations are crucial for securing contracts, conveying strategic information, and supporting operational objectives within the government and defense sectors. Their output influences client perception and decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, UI/UX design for government applications, or advanced branding strategy.

• Leadership: Transition into roles like Creative Lead, Art Director, or Project Manager for creative services, overseeing teams and larger initiatives.

• Skill Expansion: Develop further in areas like web administration, digital strategy, or even program management within CACI's broader service offerings.

• Professional Development: Access CACI's extensive learning resources, certifications, and opportunities for continued education to stay at the forefront of design and operational best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large organization, moving from individual contribution to leadership and broader operational responsibilities. The emphasis on clear communication and project management aligns with core operations career trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment within CACI facilities or at a client site. The environment is likely professional, secure, and equipped with standard office amenities.

Office Location(s): Chantilly, Virginia, likely within a CACI office or a government client facility. This location is part of a significant technology and defense corridor in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace is expected, facilitating interaction with project managers, fellow designers, and other support staff.

• Access to high-performance workstations, industry-standard software (Adobe Creative Suite), and potentially specialized printing equipment.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with government clients and CACI leadership, fostering a dynamic and mission-focused work atmosphere. Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely aligned with government contractor schedules (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or similar). While 40 hours are typical, flexibility might be available, but the on-site requirement necessitates consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and government contracting context suggest a structured and secure work environment. Professionals in these roles often benefit from the established routines and clear expectations that come with such settings, which aids in predictable operational delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with required skills, experience, and clearance. Be prepared to discuss your background and career trajectory.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a practical design exercise or a detailed discussion of your experience with specific software (Adobe Creative Suite, Workamajig) and design principles.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present and discuss your portfolio. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex requirements, deliver impactful visuals, and manage projects end-to-end. Explain your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing your project management skills, customer service approach, collaboration abilities, and how you handle pressure and deadlines. Prepare examples using the STAR method.

• Security & Clearance Discussion: Confirmation of your active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance and understanding of security protocols.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that showcase executive-level communication, strategic branding, complex infographics, or presentation design.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the challenge, your role, the process you followed (including any project management aspects), the tools used, and the outcome. Quantify impact where possible.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed deadlines, client feedback, and ensured the final product met all technical and strategic requirements.

• Tailor to CACI: If possible, include projects that align with government or defense sector needs, or demonstrate an understanding of brand management for large organizations.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer questions about your design choices, problem-solving strategies, and how you collaborate with stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that require rapid concept development or problem-solving within a limited timeframe.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on how you would approach a given design brief from a client.

• Understand CACI's mission and values, and how your design approach can support their strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior, cleared role will be rigorous. A strong portfolio that emphasizes not just design execution but also project management, client engagement, and strategic thinking is critical for success. This reflects the operational demands of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro. Familiarity with After Effects or Premiere Pro for motion graphics or video elements could be a plus.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency, particularly in PowerPoint for creating executive-level presentations and Word for collateral materials.

• Workamajig: Intermediate to advanced proficiency is desired for project management, time tracking, resource allocation, and client communication within a project lifecycle.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website analytics for WordPress/SharePoint content) is beneficial.

• Ability to interpret and incorporate data into design, especially for infographics and data visualization. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems is less direct, but understanding how marketing and sales collateral (slick sheets, brochures) are used in CRM contexts is helpful.

• Understanding of web content management systems like WordPress and SharePoint for deploying and managing digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a given, but the specific requirement for Workamajig highlights the operational aspect of managing creative projects efficiently. Knowledge of web platforms is also crucial for delivering digital assets effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: A core value at CACI, especially given the nature of government contracting and security clearances. Operations must be conducted ethically and transparently.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in all deliverables, from design to project execution, reflecting CACI's commitment to mission success.

• Innovation: While grounded in established processes, there's a drive to find creative and effective solutions to complex communication challenges.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams, including technical experts, program managers, and senior leadership, to achieve common goals.

• Mission Focus: Understanding and contributing to the broader mission of national security and client objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in project teams, collaborating closely with non-design roles to ensure design solutions are strategically aligned and technically feasible.

• Feedback-Driven: An open approach to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from clients and stakeholders to refine design outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to best practices within the design and operations support teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: CACI's culture emphasizes a disciplined, mission-oriented approach. For operations professionals, this means a strong focus on reliability, accuracy, and teamwork within a regulated environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Requirements: The primary challenge will be taking abstract or highly technical client requirements and translating them into clear, compelling, and actionable visual communications.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and feedback of multiple senior stakeholders, often with differing priorities, while maintaining design integrity and project timelines.

• Adhering to Strict Security and Compliance: Ensuring all design outputs meet stringent security protocols and regulatory standards (e.g., 508 compliance) without compromising visual appeal or effectiveness.

• Rapid Turnaround Demands: The nature of executive support and government contracting can involve tight deadlines and the need for rapid iteration on design projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new design software features, 3D rendering, motion graphics, or UI/UX design principles.

• Project Management Skills: Further development in project management methodologies, resource planning, and client relationship management.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to design, project management, or government contracting.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals within CACI, including senior designers, program managers, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong operational skills in managing complexity, communication, and compliance. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized skills and expanding into leadership roles within the operations and creative services domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical concept into a simple, effective visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" - Prepare a case study showcasing your problem-solving and communication skills.

• "How do you manage competing priorities and tight deadlines when working on multiple design projects for different stakeholders?" - Focus on your project management and organizational strategies.

• "Explain your approach to ensuring design compliance with standards like Section 508, especially when it might conflict with aesthetic choices." - Demonstrate your understanding of operational constraints and your ability to balance them with creative goals. Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for CACI, and what do you know about our mission?" - Research CACI's role in national security and government support.

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams that may not have a design background?" - Highlight your interpersonal and communication skills, and your ability to educate others on design principles.

• "Describe your experience working with government or defense clients. What are the unique considerations?" - Showcase any relevant experience and your understanding of the sector's demands. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design process), and the result/impact.

• Highlight Operations: Explicitly mention how you managed project timelines, client feedback loops, and ensured all requirements were met. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "delivered 15% ahead of schedule," "received positive feedback on clarity").

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Workamajig, and how these tools aided your workflow and project delivery.

• Engagement: Be prepared for interactive discussion. Answer questions thoughtfully, demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent, but also the operational acumen required for a senior role supporting high-stakes clients. Emphasize your ability to manage projects, communicate effectively, and deliver results under pressure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the CACI careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online or PDF portfolio to prominently feature projects that align with government contracting, executive communication, and complex information design. Highlight case studies demonstrating project management and client satisfaction.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "graphic design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "project management," "Workamajig," "TS/SCI with Polygraph," "visual communication," and "executive support." Quantify your achievements and responsibilities.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management strategies, and how you handle client feedback and deadlines. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CACI's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those in the intelligence and defense sectors. Understand how your role contributes to their overall objectives.

⚠️ 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.

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