Graphic Designer

Job Description

We are looking for a Graphic Designer to join a fast pace team! The employee shall provide computer-generated graphics and creative consultation in order to develop original artwork, visual aids, and typographic layout. Computer-generated products must be created specifically as required by project for either print media or digital display. The individual shall create graphics for websites, social media, digital displays (e.g., TV monitors), and printed products, among others. The products may be delivered to the customer in various formats as required, including, jpg, PDF, etc.

The Contractor shall also provide creative consultation and production services in order to develop various publications including, but not limited to annual reports, multi-color brochures, graphic illustrations, posters, PowerPoint presentations, charts, program booklets, conference and marketing collateral materials, courtroom exhibits, special events, educational programs, standard forms, award certificates, mail-merge documents, and other graphic art-related print and web products.

Education and Background

Degree in graphic design or related field.
The employee will also provide “pre-press and post print” production services. This includes preparing and generating print-ready files for release to commercial print vendor(s). Employee will be required to properly pre-flight print projects—verify that all images are converted from RGB to CMYK, are of suitable resolution (minimum 300 dpi at 100%), bleeds are extended properly (1/4 inch), font conflicts are resolved, and all packaged files are adequately cleaned up and unnecessary artwork removed.
The employee will use a variety of client provided hardware and software applications to create print, digital and web products, including Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and MS Office Suite.

Years of Experience

7+ years

Required Skills

Expert knowledge in industry standard publishing applications to include Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat Professional) plus demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Suite (must have digital portfolio) and Flash, PowerPoint, etc.
 
Highly skilled on the Mac platform is required.

Possess minimum of seven years professional experience in the graphic design and or publishing industry.
 
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Advanced expertise in graphic design practices and the use of industry-standard software 
  products, such as Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Adobe 
  Professional Acrobat) and Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint.
• Basic skills in proofreading are required. Capability to proofread and edit assigned projects.
• Ability to comprehend printing parameters, such as composition, format, paper type, and other printer instructions.
• Capability to create innovative designs, concepts, and visual styles for print and web publications, displays, and presentation materials.
• Ability to create visual representations from verbal or written descriptions of complex financial concepts, objects, issues, processes, or occurrences in the absence of existing images, models, or diagrams.
• Ability to advise clients on the benefits and drawbacks of various formats, styles, media, and reproduction methods, and to recommend those that best fulfill the information objectives of each project or presentation.
• Ability to produce a wide range of visual communications, illustrations, special designs and layouts from conception to production to communicate the visual requirement of the project(s).
• Capability to develop a variety of visual messages, graphics, custom designs, and layouts from conception to production to meet the project's visual needs.
• Ability to produce 508-compliant web files from pdfs and other documents.
• Highly skilled on the Mac platform is required.
• Prepares design files for print and web production including creating films, custom illustrations, blue lines, and match prints; providing file layout to fit presses; correcting errors in print-ready files (e.g., missing images and fonts, color correcting, photograph 
  manipulation, etc.); and conducting quality assurance checks.
• Performs and oversees all aspects of computer-based design, layout and production for printed materials (brochures, posters, fliers, reports, magazines, etc.), websites, electronic 
  documents (e-newsletters, banner ads, etc.), and booth displays.
• Manages creative projects from concept to completion, translates marketing objectives into creative strategies, and directs the creative team in the production of advertising, public relations, outreach and marketing collateral.
• Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines and schedules.
• Ability to work beyond normal working hours and (federal/religious) holidays when needed.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
 
Aesthetic direction:
• Contemporary, modern — not 2D drop shadows, embossing, or dated lettering effects
  More photo manipulation than vector graphics
• Clean, academic, prestigious tone 
• Good use of negative space ("do more with less")
• Portfolio must show range across:
• Long-form print/report design (The core of the clients work)
• Digital assets — social media graphics, digital banners (growing need as client shifts from paper to digital)
Bonus skills:
• Photo editing (cutting out subjects, cleanup, export) — Client uses a lot of photography
• AI-generated imagery experience — she's curious whether candidates have used AI to create unique background/flyer graphics

Working Conditions

Onsite in Washington, D.C. 5 times a week, working regular business hours.

• Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
• Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
• Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
• Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
• Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
• Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.