Graphics Specialist (Entry Level to SME) TS/SCI with Poly REQUIRED

CGI•Arlington, VA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

CGI Federal has an exciting opportunity for Graphics Specialists within our Intel sector advancing the national security mission through cutting edge technology. You must have a passion for keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology advancements and leveraging your knowledge on a highly collaborative team to deliver state-of-the-art capabilities. The Graphics Specialist supports the creative team by executing basic design concepts, editing visual assets, and adapting existing artwork. Responsibilities include preparing layouts for print or digital media, resizing images, and ensuring brand consistency. CGI Federal is growing its high-performance team whose members share a passion for building high-quality, scalable, advanced IT solutions in a collaborative, fast-paced, outcome-driven mission. This position is located in our Arlington office; however, a hybrid working model is acceptable.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI with Poly REQUIRED
High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant experience, OR Associates Degree with 2 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s Degree with 0 years of relevant experience (Entry Level)
Foundational understanding of design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). (Entry Level)
Solid understanding of typography, color theory, and composition. (Entry Level)
Ability to manage multiple minor projects and meet daily deadlines. (Entry Level)
Openness to receiving constructive feedback and a willingness to collaborate with team members. (Entry Level)
High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of relevant experience, OR Associates Degree with 4 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of relevant experience, OR Masters Degree with 0 years of relevant experience (Junior Level/Moderate)
Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop). (Junior Level/Moderate)
Ability to confidently present rough drafts, discuss project briefs, and incorporate constructive feedback. (Junior Level/Moderate)
Capable of handling multiple simultaneous tasks and meeting set deadlines. (Junior Level/Moderate)
High School Diploma/GED with 8 years of relevant experience, OR Associates Degree with 6 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years of relevant experience, OR Masters Degree with 2 years of relevant experience, OR PhD with 0 years of relevant experience (Mid-Level/Complex)
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects). (Mid-Level/Complex)
Working knowledge of motion graphics, UX/UI design principles, web design (HTML/CSS basics), and pre-press print production. (Mid-Level/Complex)
Ability to translate abstract or technical data into engaging, accessible visual narratives. (Mid-Level/Complex)
Strong communication skills for presenting concepts, managing feedback, and negotiating project scope. (Mid-Level/Complex)
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple complex design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. (Mid-Level/Complex)
High School Diploma/GED with 10 years of relevant experience, OR Associates Degree with 8 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s Degree with 6 years of relevant experience, OR Masters Degree with 4 years of relevant experience (Senior Level/Exceptionally Complex)
Exceptional communication skills to present ideas and negotiate effectively with internal stakeholders and outside vendors. (Senior Level/Exceptionally Complex)
High School Diploma/GED with 12 years of relevant experience, OR Associates Degree with 10 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of relevant experience, OR Masters Degree with 6 years of relevant experience, OR PhD with 4 years of relevant experience (SME Level/Exceptionally Complex)
Expert-level proficiency in industry-standard software suites, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects). (SME Level/Exceptionally Complex)
Proficiency in UX/UI design, HTML/CSS, motion graphics, 3D modeling/rendering, and cross-media design integration. (SME Level/Exceptionally Complex)
Exceptional problem-solving abilities, high-level client consultation, and the capacity to balance budget limits with high-end creative expectations. (SME Level/Exceptionally Complex)

Nice To Haves

Passion for keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology advancements
Leveraging knowledge on a highly collaborative team to deliver state-of-the-art capabilities
Building high-quality, scalable, advanced IT solutions in a collaborative, fast-paced, outcome-driven mission
Translates ambiguous requirements into structured, visually compelling strategies.
Master-level proficiency in industry-standard tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or UI/UX and 3D rendering software).
Cross-media execution: Translating a single brand identity into cohesive web, print, motion graphics, and interactive experiences.
Pre-press & Production Mastery: Ensure all digital files for diverse platforms (print, offset press, web CMS, digital delivery) meet highly technical specifications and accessibility standards.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a subject matter expert, guiding junior designers, conferring with senior leadership, and coordinating with external vendors and printers.
Advanced Visual Communication: Translates highly complex, data-heavy, or abstract concepts into infographics, technical drawings, and immersive 3D/2D visual assets.
Art Direction & Concept Development: Conceptualizes and directs the execution of brand identities, large-scale displays, and multimedia campaigns.
Project & Vendor Management: Manages the full lifecycle of major design projects, from initial prototype testing to pre-press, production, and final delivery. Coordinates with external vendors and print shops.
Technical Lead & Process Optimization: Defines design standards, establishes template libraries, and implements process improvement solutions for complex graphics activities.
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Reviews the work of junior and mid-level graphics staff, providing technical direction, feedback, and artistic guidance.

Responsibilities

Create and format graphics for social media, websites, email campaigns, and presentations.
Resize, crop, and retouch photographs using standard software (e.g., removing backgrounds or color correcting).
Strictly apply and maintain existing brand guidelines (using correct fonts, logos, and color palettes) for all materials.
Organize, label, and archive working design files to ensure easy access for the team.
Make revisions and adjustments to design drafts based on input from senior designers or project managers.
Create digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, email templates) and print materials (flyers, brochures, posters) under the direction of senior staff.
Apply established brand guidelines to all projects, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across all platforms.
Accurately update creative files throughout various rounds of reviews and client feedback.
Prepare and organize files for print (e.g., setting up bleeds and color profiles) or digital output.
Catalog, archive, and maintain an organized database of design assets, templates, and working files.
Assist the marketing and communications teams with miscellaneous design, presentation formatting, or administrative tasks.
Interpret client or stakeholder briefs to develop high-level visual concepts, wireframes, and prototypes for various platforms.
Design complex promotional materials, UX/UI layouts, infographics, motion graphics, and interactive digital/print assets.
Track creative assets, manage timelines, define production specifications, and collaborate with vendors or printers.
Ensure rigid adherence to brand guidelines while maintaining consistent typography, layout, and color hierarchy across all projects.
Perform advanced image retouching, compositing, color correction, and digital imposition before final delivery.
Guide less experienced team members, participate in team meetings, and optimize creative workflows.
Conceptualizing and executing highly technical, multi-disciplinary design solutions.
Translating a single brand identity into cohesive web, print, motion graphics, and interactive experiences.
Manage and design highly complex graphics projects with multiple media applications simultaneously. Translates ambiguous requirements into structured, visually compelling strategies.
Maintain strict brand consistency and architecture across global or enterprise-level communication channels.
Ensure all digital files for diverse platforms (print, offset press, web CMS, digital delivery) meet highly technical specifications and accessibility standards.
Act as a subject matter expert, guiding junior designers, conferring with senior leadership, and coordinating with external vendors and printers.
Review all design deliverables for technical accuracy, flawless typography, color correction, and adherence to production standards.
Translates highly complex, data-heavy, or abstract concepts into infographics, technical drawings, and immersive 3D/2D visual assets.
Conceptualizes and directs the execution of brand identities, large-scale displays, and multimedia campaigns.
Manages the full lifecycle of major design projects, from initial prototype testing to pre-press, production, and final delivery. Coordinates with external vendors and print shops.
Defines design standards, establishes template libraries, and implements process improvement solutions for complex graphics activities.
Reviews the work of junior and mid-level graphics staff, providing technical direction, feedback, and artistic guidance.