Senior Designer

Description:

The Senior Designer will be a key personnel member on the State Department Communications Support Contract, responsible for producing high-quality visual communications products that support the Department’s public diplomacy and strategic communications efforts. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in graphic design, a strong portfolio of work, and the ability to lead and collaborate with a diverse team of communications professionals.

Key Responsibilities:
Graphic Design and Production:

• Create visually compelling graphics, layouts, and designs for a variety of communications products including reports, brochures, infographics, social media content, presentations, and web graphics.
• Ensure all designs adhere to the State Department’s branding and visual identity guidelines.
• Manage the entire design process from concept to final production, ensuring high quality and consistency.

Creative Direction:

• Provide creative leadership and direction for design projects, ensuring alignment with strategic communication goals.
• Collaborate with writers, photographers, videographers, and other team members to develop integrated communication campaigns.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas to enhance visual storytelling.

Project Management:

• Oversee multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide updates on progress.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on all design outputs to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality.

Technical Expertise:

• Stay current with industry trends, tools, and technologies in graphic design and visual content production.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and other team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to design software and equipment.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with other key personnel on the contract to ensure a cohesive approach to communications.
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors for specialized design services as needed.
• Participate in meetings and briefings to stay informed about project requirements and deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree, with focus in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communication Design, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality visual content for print and digital platforms.
• Experience working with government agencies or in a public diplomacy context is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout techniques.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• US Citizenship Required: Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is required. Citizenship will be confirmed via I-9/E-Verify at the start of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as needed.