Sr. Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Graphic Designer

Company: FedWriters, Inc.

Location: Washington, DC (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: July 31, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design high-visibility print and digital creative campaigns for the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs (OPA).

• Produce a wide range of visual assets including posters, exhibits, reports, and multimedia graphics for national events and initiatives.

• Ensure all design deliverables adhere to stringent federal accessibility and design standards, specifically Section 508 compliance.

• Collaborate directly with senior agency officials and stakeholders to refine creative direction and project scope.

• Manage projects independently from conceptualization through final production, including technical issue resolution and material recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on supporting federal government initiatives, requiring a deep understanding of public affairs communication strategies and strict adherence to government design and accessibility mandates. The "contingent upon contract award" status indicates a potential start delay or that the position is dependent on securing a government contract.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive design concepts for a diverse array of print and digital products, including but not limited to posters, exhibits, stage banners, website and social media graphics, motion graphics, infographics, annual reports, booklets, and signage.

• Independently manage design projects from initial concept development to final production, requiring minimal creative direction.

• Prepare and manipulate visual media using Macintosh systems and industry-standard design software packages.

• Proactively identify and resolve technical production issues, providing recommendations for appropriate materials and equipment for each specific assignment.

• Effectively prioritize competing project deadlines, proactively flagging potential risks and challenges to the project lead to ensure timely and successful project completion.

• Engage directly with senior agency officials and key stakeholders to gather feedback, align on creative direction, and ensure project objectives are met.

• Apply basic Section 508 accessibility principles to all design output, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with federal guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on independent work, direct interaction with senior officials, and adherence to Section 508 accessibility suggests a need for a highly self-motivated and detail-oriented designer with strong communication and problem-solving skills, accustomed to the demands of government contracting environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role, especially in a government context.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual assets.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in graphic design.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal to no design guidance, translating abstract concepts into concrete visual solutions.

• Proven experience interacting directly with senior/high-level officials or executives, managing feedback and expectations effectively.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for integration with other project deliverables.

• A robust portfolio demonstrating advanced design capabilities, showcasing a range of projects and styles (references/portfolio required for submission).

• Foundational knowledge of Section 508 accessibility requirements and their application in design.

• Mandatory: Prior direct work experience with the DOL Office of Public Affairs Creative Services Division.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting a federal public affairs or creative services function, understanding government communication nuances.

• Experience with large-format print production, exhibit/banner installation, or framing/matting processes.

• Familiarity with IPTC metadata standards for effective digital asset management and archival.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for prior experience with the DOL Office of Public Affairs Creative Services Division is a critical filter. Candidates must be able to clearly demonstrate this specific experience in their application and portfolio. The distinction between required and desired skills highlights areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 10 years of diverse graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on print and digital campaigns relevant to public affairs or government initiatives.

• Include detailed case studies for at least 2-3 significant projects, highlighting your role, the design process, challenges overcome, and the final impact, particularly where Section 508 compliance was a key consideration.

• Demonstrate proficiency in preparing files for various print outputs (e.g., large-format posters, reports, banners) and digital platforms (websites, social media).

• Provide clear examples of how you translated abstract briefs or stakeholder feedback into compelling visual designs.

• Include a section specifically addressing your understanding and application of Section 508 accessibility principles in your design work. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design workflow from brief to final delivery, emphasizing project management and time-saving techniques.

• Clearly articulate how you approach technical production issues and material selection for diverse design outputs.

• Demonstrate how you manage feedback from senior stakeholders and iterate on designs to meet evolving requirements.

• Provide examples of how you have proactively identified and mitigated project risks within design timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of problem-solving, process adherence, and specific government-contracting experience. Candidates should curate their portfolios to directly address the required skills and responsibilities, especially the DOL-specific experience and Section 508 compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Negotiable. Given the Senior Graphic Designer title, 10+ years of experience, specialized government experience (DOL OPA), and Washington D.C. location, a competitive salary range can be estimated. For a Senior Graphic Designer in Washington D.C. with this level of specialization and experience, typical ranges can fall between $85,000 - $120,000 annually. This estimate is based on national salary data for senior graphic designers, adjusted for the higher cost of living in the D.C. metropolitan area, and factoring in the specialized government contract experience.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options.

• Dental Insurance: Coverage for dental care needs.

• Vision Insurance: Support for eye care and eyewear.

• Long-term Disability Insurance: Financial protection in case of extended disability.

• Short-term Disability Insurance: Income replacement for shorter periods of disability.

• Life Insurance: Financial security for beneficiaries.

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company matching.

• Holiday Pay: Compensation for recognized public holidays.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued leave for vacation, personal time, and sick days.

Working Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (40 hours per week). This is a standard full-time schedule, typical for on-site government support roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Negotiable" salary indicates that FedWriters, Inc. is open to discussing compensation based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The listed benefits are standard for full-time employees and provide a good overview of the total compensation package. The specific working hours are clearly defined for this on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Professional Services. FedWriters, Inc. specializes in providing a range of professional support services to federal agencies, including writing, editing, graphic design, and administrative support.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, FedWriters, Inc. is recognized as a growing company, indicated by its "Top Workplace" awards. This suggests a medium-sized organization with a focus on employee satisfaction and development.

Founded: FedWriters, Inc. was founded in 2003. Its established history in government contracting implies a stable operational framework and experience in navigating federal procurement and compliance.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design function likely operates within a larger creative services or project support team dedicated to specific government contracts, such as the one with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs (OPA).

• This role reports to a Project Lead or a Creative Director within FedWriters, Inc., who manages the overall contract deliverables and client relationship.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, involving close interaction with OPA's Creative Services Division, other FedWriters team members (writers, editors, project managers), and potentially external vendors for specialized production needs. Methodology:

• FedWriters likely employs a project-based methodology, adhering to client-specific workflows and federal procurement guidelines.

• Emphasis will be placed on meticulous documentation, clear communication, and strict adherence to project scopes, timelines, and quality standards set by the government client.

• Data-driven insights are crucial, especially regarding the effectiveness of campaigns and ensuring designs meet accessibility metrics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely shaped by its government contracting environment, emphasizing professionalism, reliability, and adherence to regulations. Being a "Top Workplace" suggests a positive internal environment that values its employees, offering opportunities for growth and recognition within a collaborative setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer position, indicating a highly experienced individual contributor role. It requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to work independently, manage complex projects, and interact with high-level stakeholders. This level suggests a capacity for mentorship and leadership within design projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will report to a Project Lead or Manager at FedWriters, Inc. They will also work closely with and take direction from officials within the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Creative Services Division.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the public perception and effectiveness of U.S. Department of Labor initiatives. High-visibility creative campaigns, posters, exhibits, and digital content designed by this role will communicate critical information to national audiences, influencing public understanding and engagement with government programs. The quality and compliance of the design work directly reflect on both FedWriters, Inc. and the DOL.

Growth Opportunities:

• Internal Promotions: Potential advancement to roles such as Lead Graphic Designer, Creative Director, or Project Manager within FedWriters, Inc., especially for those demonstrating strong leadership and project management capabilities.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like motion graphics, large-format print production, and advanced Section 508 accessibility implementation through project work and potentially company-sponsored training.

• Leadership Potential: The role offers a pathway to leading design efforts on significant government projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to strategic creative planning for federal agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Top Workplace" recognition by The Washington Post suggests a company that actively invests in employee development. For a Senior Graphic Designer, growth is often tied to increasing project complexity, client interaction scope, and leadership responsibilities within the government contracting framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position requiring the employee to work within the U.S. Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building (FPB) headquarters in Washington, DC. This environment is characteristic of government agency workplaces, often involving secure facilities and established operational protocols.

Office Location(s): 200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20210. This is a central and well-known government building, accessible via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a government facility, likely offering a structured and professional environment. Collaboration with the DOL's OPA Creative Services Division will be a key aspect, fostering a direct partnership.

• Access to industry-standard design software and Macintosh systems is expected. The specific setup and available resources will be managed by FedWriters, Inc. and adhere to government facility standards.

• Regular interaction with government officials and FedWriters project managers will be integral to the daily workflow, necessitating a collaborative and communicative approach.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. This is a consistent, full-time schedule designed to align with typical government business hours and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a federal agency’s headquarters offers a unique experience, requiring adaptability to government protocols and a professional demeanor. The on-site nature ensures direct collaboration and immersion in the client's operational environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess required experience, particularly DOL OPA experience and Section 508 knowledge.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, technical processes, and how they managed client feedback and federal requirements. Expect questions on Section 508 compliance and independent work capabilities.

• Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with project leads or senior agency officials to assess communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit within a government environment. This stage often involves scenario-based questions related to handling challenging client interactions or project demands.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall suitability, including technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and alignment with FedWriters' values and the specific contract's needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize projects that directly showcase experience with government clients, public affairs, large-format print, digital campaigns, and Section 508 compliance.

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, challenges encountered (especially technical or client-related), and the successful outcome. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the specific software and techniques used. If large-format print or exhibit installation was involved, explain the production considerations.

• Demonstrate Independence: Showcase projects where you took initiative, worked with minimal direction, and drove the creative process forward.

• Address Section 508: Dedicate a section or clearly label projects that demonstrate your understanding and implementation of accessibility standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge, possibly involving adapting a provided brief into a concept or a quick redesign exercise. Focus on demonstrating your thought process, efficiency, and ability to meet specific constraints (like accessibility).

• Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders within a government agency.

• Anticipate questions about managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously and how you ensure quality and compliance under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for government contracting roles often emphasizes compliance, process adherence, and the ability to work effectively within established structures. A strong, relevant portfolio and clear communication about past experiences with similar clients are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat is a core requirement. Candidates should be able to demonstrate advanced usage for print, digital, and potentially motion graphics.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word for document creation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Excel for data handling is expected, as these tools are often integrated into government reporting and communication workflows.

• Macintosh Systems: The role specifically requires working on Macintosh computers, so familiarity with the macOS environment is necessary.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a requirement, understanding how to interpret basic analytics for digital assets (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement) can be beneficial for optimizing designs. The government client (DOL OPA) will likely have their own analytics tools, and the designer may need to provide assets compatible with their reporting systems. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this graphic design role. The focus is on creative production tools rather than sales or marketing automation platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard design software. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Macintosh systems is typical for creative roles, especially those requiring high-fidelity output for print and digital media.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of conduct and ethical behavior, crucial when representing a government agency and a contracting firm.

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free work that meets or exceeds client expectations and federal standards.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues at FedWriters and with the client's OPA team to achieve shared project goals.

• Accountability and Reliability: Taking ownership of tasks, meeting deadlines, and being a dependable member of the project team.

• Adaptability and Responsiveness: Being able to adjust to changing project requirements, feedback, and priorities in a dynamic government environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: The primary collaboration will be with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Creative Services Division. This involves open communication, incorporating feedback, and ensuring designs align with OPA's mission and brand.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with FedWriters project managers, writers, editors, and other support staff to ensure cohesive campaign development.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating project leads on progress, potential issues, and seeking clarification when needed to maintain project momentum and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely blends the professional service ethos of FedWriters with the structured environment of a government agency. Emphasis is placed on reliability, adherence to processes, and successful client relationship management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Working within federal agencies can involve complex approval processes and long lead times for feedback, requiring patience and strong communication skills.

• Strict Compliance Requirements: Meeting stringent federal accessibility (Section 508) and design standards for every deliverable can be demanding and requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Mandates: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that satisfy the specific requirements and objectives of senior agency officials.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple high-visibility projects with often tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Government Design: Gaining in-depth experience with federal communication strategies, public affairs campaigns, and government design protocols.

• Advanced Accessibility Implementation: Deepening expertise in Section 508 compliance, potentially leading to certifications or specialized roles.

• Project Leadership: Opportunities to lead design efforts on significant national initiatives, enhancing project management and client-facing skills.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving design trends and technologies while applying them within a government context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to government contracting, offering significant learning opportunities for designers willing to adapt to these specific environments. Growth is often tied to mastering these challenges and demonstrating consistent, high-quality performance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to deliver a complex design project with minimal creative direction. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your independent work process and problem-solving).

• "How have you ensured Section 508 accessibility in your past design projects? Can you walk us through an example?" (Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and tools).

• "How do you manage feedback from multiple senior stakeholders, especially when there are conflicting opinions?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills).

• "Given this role supports the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Public Affairs, what do you see as the primary design challenges or opportunities for communicating their initiatives?" (Showcase your understanding of public affairs and government communication). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about FedWriters, Inc., and why are you interested in working on government contracts?" (Research the company and its mission).

• "How do you see your skills contributing to the success of the DOL OPA's creative campaigns?" (Connect your experience directly to the job description).

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a government client and their internal creative team." (Emphasize collaboration, responsiveness, and professionalism). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with your most relevant and impactful projects, particularly those with a government or public affairs focus, and clearly demonstrate your DOL OPA experience if applicable.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or clear descriptions to show the success of your designs (e.g., "resulted in X number of inquiries," "communicated complex information effectively").

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly explain your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you met the specific requirements, including accessibility.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the software, techniques, and production considerations for your work.

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight your ability to work across different media (print, digital, motion graphics) and adapt to various project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation for interview questions, especially those related to government experience, Section 508 compliance, and independent project management, is crucial. A well-organized and relevant portfolio that directly addresses the job requirements will significantly enhance your application.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Graphic Designer position at FedWriters, Inc.:

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

• Tailor your resume: Ensure your resume highlights at least 10 years of professional graphic design experience, specifically mentioning any direct work with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Public Affairs (OPA) or similar federal agencies. Emphasize proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, and any experience with Section 508 accessibility.

• Curate your portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to create high-visibility print and digital campaigns, your independent work ethic, and your understanding of federal design and accessibility standards. Include case studies that detail your process and impact.

• Prepare for interview questions: Anticipate questions about your experience with government clients, Section 508 compliance, project management, and handling stakeholder feedback. Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving skills.

• Research FedWriters, Inc.: Understand the company's mission, its work in government contracting, and its "Top Workplace" recognition. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during the interview.

⚠️ 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.