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Senior Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA

Who We Are

DCG is an award-winning, full-service engagement, digital, research, and data company with over 15 years of experience supporting the military, Veterans, and the American public. DCG strategically researches, plans, executes, and evaluates large-scale, multi-platform outreach initiatives across a wide range of mission-driven issues including human trafficking awareness, mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, ending homelessness, Veteran health, transportation safety, small business resources, and public diplomacy, to name a few. Additionally, our research and digital teams employ mixed methods research, Human-Centered Design (HCD), and change management principles to integrate new technologies built around well-researched user journeys.

Position Overview

DCG is seeking an experienced Senior Graphic Designer to support the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). This position will support OLPA’s graphic design, scientific illustration, and animation needs, delivering a wide range of print and digital visual materials that communicate the impact of NSF’s research and programs to diverse audiences. The Senior Graphic Designer will work across formats including posters, brochures, infographics, presentations, social media content, animated explainer videos, trade show materials, and exhibit graphics — all in alignment with NSF’s brand identity and Section 508 accessibility requirements.

Selected candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio of original work (3-5 samples) ahead of interviews. 

Note: This position is currently contingent on contract award 

Location

Alexandria, VA

Responsibilities

  • Create graphic design and layout for print and digital media, including posters, brochures, flyers, fact sheets, press kits, event graphics, trade show and exhibit materials, and digital and social media content.
  • Design and edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and other digital documents as needed.
  • Illustrate and design infographics for press kits, press releases, media events, and other press-related materials.
  • Create animated content as needed for video production, web content, and social media.
  • Create original illustrations in traditional and digital formats (including 3-D) to visually explain and clarify complex scientific or descriptive information.
  • Follow NSF’s branding guidelines and advise on implementation; help establish and maintain the Agency’s visual identity.
  • Research subject matter for accuracy in illustrations, infographics, and other visual materials; communicate with researchers to understand and interpret scientific content.
  • Ensure all content created meets current Section 508 accessibility requirements.
  • Gather requirements from stakeholders and work collaboratively within a team as well as independently on assigned projects.
  • Provide technical and artistic guidance to staff on visual information; mentor junior designers to support skill development within the creative team.
  • Participate in special projects and perform other creative and visually related duties as assigned by OLPA staff.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year college in Graphic Design or other closely related discipline
  • 5+ years of professional experience in graphic design, with demonstrated experience in print and digital media production
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro)
  • Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining high-quality output and meeting tight deadlines
  • Ability to gather requirements from stakeholders and take creative direction; experience presenting work to internal and client teams
  • Experience with Section 508 accessibility compliance, including PDF remediation
  • Demonstrated competency in mentoring junior designers
  • Expert-level experience with project and digital asset management software
  • Experience creating scientifically accurate illustrations or research-oriented infographics

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience supporting federal customers, particularly in science communication or public affairs contexts
  • Experience with motion graphics, video editing software, and animation

Culture at DCG 

DCG boasts a flexible and adaptable culture. We value hardworking, self-motivated, and dedicated team members and are committed to fostering ample opportunities for career advancement.  Get a glimpse into our culture here:

  • DCG Life Medium Blog: https://medium.com/dcg-life
  • DCG Life Instagram: @dcglife

Benefits Snapshot

  • A range of comprehensive healthcare plans, encompassing medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with group life coverage. The firm covers 60% of the premium cost for employees and all dependents.
  • Generous paid time off including paid federal holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company match
  • Wellness programs and activities, and pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Paid Family Bonding for new parents, with 50% cost sharing for Short-Term Disability 
  • $1,000 family expansion benefit to offset costs often uncovered with medical plans: fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy

*Note that the above benefits are available only to full-time employees of DCG*

All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without regard to personal characteristics or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local law to include Veteran or disability status. DCG does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind in the workplace, and we are committed to fostering a corporate culture that respects and values differences of thought informed by unique experiences.


If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please contact hr@dcgcommunications.com.

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