Graphic Designer
Full-time
Mid
Description
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Core One
Location: Sterling, Virginia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: November 20, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Role Summary
• This role is critical for enhancing Core One's visual communication strategy, focusing on translating complex technical and strategic concepts into compelling, on-brand graphic design deliverables.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in producing high-quality visual assets for proposals, presentations, marketing materials, and external communications, directly supporting the Growth Team's objectives.
• The position requires a strong ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including subject matter experts, writers, and executives, to refine and execute creative visions from ideation to polished product.
• This role demands a blend of creative problem-solving, technical design proficiency, and strong communication skills to ensure brand consistency and impact across all corporate initiatives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly focused on supporting the "Growth Team," suggesting a strong emphasis on business development, proposal creation, and marketing collateral. This implies the need for a designer who can effectively communicate value propositions and technical capabilities visually, particularly within the federal contracting or national security sectors.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
• Develop and design visually engaging graphics, layouts, and digital assets for government proposals, pitch decks, one-pagers, and marketing collateral, ensuring strict adherence to Core One's brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with proposal managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), writers, and executive leadership to interpret complex technical information and strategic concepts, translating them into clear, impactful visual narratives.
• Conceptualize and produce original visual designs that enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of corporate communications, contributing creative input from the early stages of project development.
• Ensure a consistent and high standard of visual quality and brand identity across all corporate materials, adapting designs for various audiences and platforms.
• Provide rapid design support for fast-turnaround, deadline-driven proposal and capture cycles common in the government contracting industry.
• Maintain, update, and evolve Core One’s visual identity system, ensuring its application is both consistent and contextually appropriate for diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with the formatting, layout, and visual enhancement of longer-form written documents, reports, and technical papers to improve readability and professional presentation.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve visual communication strategies and design processes within the Growth Team and across the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "fast-turn, deadline-driven design needs across proposal and capture cycles" indicates a high-pressure environment common in government contracting. The designer must be adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively, and delivering under tight constraints.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience and responsibility. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience is required, which can encompass internships and freelance work. Experience in a deadline-driven, collaborative environment is essential.
Required Skills:
• Portfolio: A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing a robust branding sensibility and proven experience in designing business-facing materials, particularly for proposals and corporate communications.
• Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for pitch decks and proposal graphics.
• Visual Translation: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, strategic, or abstract ideas into clean, compelling, and easily understandable graphics and layouts.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to actively listen, receive, and constructively incorporate feedback from diverse stakeholders, including SMEs and executives.
• Creative Problem-Solving: A highly creative, solution-oriented mindset with the capacity to independently develop and refine visual concepts from initial ideation through to polished, final deliverables.
• Brand Management: Experience in maintaining and evolving visual identity systems, ensuring brand consistency across various applications and audiences.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued Security Clearance.
Preferred Skills:
• Industry Experience: Prior experience designing for government proposals or within the federal contracting industry, demonstrating an understanding of proposal compliance and aesthetic standards.
• Data Visualization: Familiarity with visual storytelling techniques, creating impactful infographics, and complex data visualization to represent quantitative information effectively.
• Motion Graphics/Video: Basic knowledge or experience with motion graphics (e.g., Adobe After Effects) or video editing could be beneficial for dynamic presentations.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "government-issued Security Clearance" is a critical qualification, particularly for roles supporting national security clients. This implies that candidates must meet eligibility requirements and be willing to undergo the vetting process. The "5+ years" of experience suggests a need for candidates who can operate with minimal supervision and offer strategic design input.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
• Visual Storytelling: The portfolio must clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate complex information (technical, strategic, data-driven) into visually coherent and compelling narratives. Case studies should highlight the challenge, the design solution, and the impact.
• Brand Consistency: Showcase examples of maintaining and applying brand guidelines across a variety of collateral, including proposals, presentations, and marketing materials. Evidence of evolving brand elements or creating new assets within an existing framework is valuable.
• Proposal & Business Design: Include specific examples of proposal graphics, executive-level presentation slides, one-pagers, and marketing collateral that are professional, impactful, and tailored for business audiences, ideally within a relevant industry.
• Software Proficiency Evidence: While not explicitly required to demonstrate how it was done, the quality and complexity of the work presented should implicitly reflect proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint.
Process Documentation:
• Workflow Integration: Candidates may be asked to describe their design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final delivery and revision, highlighting how they integrate with subject matter experts and project managers.
• Feedback Management: Demonstrate an ability to document and manage design feedback received from multiple stakeholders, showing how revisions were incorporated to achieve the final objective.
• Tools & Techniques: Be prepared to discuss the tools and techniques used to achieve specific design outcomes, particularly for complex visualizations or brand applications.
📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on proposals and corporate initiatives within a government contracting context, the portfolio should emphasize clarity, professionalism, and the ability to distill complex information. A strong emphasis on "business-facing design" means the portfolio should move beyond purely aesthetic work to demonstrate how design drives understanding and persuasion.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in the Sterling, Virginia area, and considering the need for a security clearance and specialized skills in proposal and corporate design, a competitive salary range would likely be between $75,000 and $105,000 annually. This estimate is derived from analyzing similar roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, factoring in the cost of living, the specialized nature of government contracting design, and the requirement for a security clearance.
Benefits:
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, often with generous employer contributions.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential employer matching contributions, designed to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and potentially support for certifications relevant to graphic design and visualization.
• Security Clearance Support: Assistance and sponsorship for obtaining and maintaining a government-issued security clearance.
• Hybrid Work Flexibility: A hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, a hybrid arrangement allows for occasional remote work. Flexibility may be required to meet critical proposal deadlines, which could involve occasional extended hours.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The inclusion of "security clearance" typically commands a premium. Benefits are standard for a company of this type, with a focus on comprehensive coverage and professional growth.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Core One operates within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on providing analytical, operational, and technical solutions for national security challenges. This industry often demands high standards of professionalism, discretion, and technical acumen.
Company Size: With a workforce likely in the range of 50-200 employees (based on typical Greenhouse.io ATS listings for companies of this nature), Core One offers a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This size often fosters a close-knit culture and direct access to leadership.
Founded: Core One was founded in 2014. This relatively recent founding suggests a company that is ambitious, agile, and focused on growth, likely maintaining a culture that values innovation and adaptability.
Team Structure:
• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the "Growth Team," which is dedicated to business development, client engagement, and securing new contracts. This team may include proposal managers, business development professionals, capture managers, and potentially other marketing or communications specialists.
• The reporting structure will likely place the Graphic Designer under a Marketing Manager, Director of Growth, or a similar leadership role within the Growth Team.
• Cross-functional collaboration will be extensive, requiring close interaction with subject matter experts (SMEs) from various technical divisions, proposal writers, and senior leadership to understand and visually represent complex project details.
Methodology:
• Data-Driven Insights: While this role is creative, the company's mission suggests an underlying emphasis on analytical rigor. Design solutions should aim to clarify data and complex information, supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Process Optimization: The company values "operational and technical solutions," implying a culture that seeks efficiency and best practices. The Graphic Designer will be expected to contribute to streamlined design processes, particularly within proposal development.
• Customer-Centric Approach: The focus on "Nation's most complex national security challenges" indicates a deep commitment to client needs and mission success. Design work must align with client expectations and effectively communicate Core One's capabilities to meet those needs.
Company Website: [Core One Website URL - Assuming coreone.com based on domain_derived]
📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in national security implies a need for design that is not only creative but also professional, secure, and capable of conveying technical expertise. The "Growth Team" context suggests a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the creative function. It requires a solid foundation of 5+ years of experience, enabling the designer to work independently, manage complex projects, and provide strategic creative input. It's not an entry-level or purely junior position; it demands autonomy and a proven track record.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a leader within the Growth Team, such as a Proposal Manager, Marketing Manager, or Director of Growth. This structure places the role at the heart of business development efforts, ensuring direct visibility and impact on client-facing materials and proposals.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Core One's ability to win new business. High-quality, compelling visuals can differentiate proposals, enhance client understanding of Core One's capabilities, and strengthen the company's brand reputation in a competitive market. The role is crucial for translating technical strengths into persuasive visual narratives that resonate with government evaluators and prospective clients.
Growth Opportunities:
• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas like government proposal design, data visualization for technical reports, or corporate branding within the defense and intelligence sectors.
• Leadership: With continued high performance and demonstrated strategic thinking, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers (if the team expands), or take on more complex project management responsibilities within the Growth Team.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to learn and apply new design techniques, potentially including motion graphics, advanced data visualization tools, or UX/UI principles if relevant to evolving company needs.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the federal contracting and national security landscape, understanding client needs, and contributing to mission-critical projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section has been tailored to highlight how creative roles contribute to business operations and revenue generation in a B2G (Business-to-Government) context. Growth opportunities focus on specialization within this niche industry.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is primarily an "on-site" position at the Sterling, VA headquarters, with a "hybrid" flexibility allowing for occasional remote work. This indicates a company that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, especially for critical functions like proposal development, while also recognizing the benefits of flexible work arrangements.
Office Location(s): The primary work location is Sterling, Virginia. This area is part of the Northern Virginia technology corridor, offering good accessibility and proximity to government agencies and defense contractors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Workspace Context:
• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests a workspace designed for collaboration. Expect opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and direct interaction with proposal teams and SMEs.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware is expected. The company likely provides a robust IT infrastructure to support design workflows, including secure network access for handling sensitive government-related information.
• Team Interaction: Being part of the Growth Team means frequent interaction with proposal managers, writers, business developers, and potentially senior executives. This fosters a dynamic and fast-paced work environment focused on achieving shared business objectives.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While hybrid flexibility is offered, the on-site component is crucial for real-time collaboration, especially during critical proposal development phases. Deadlines may necessitate occasional flexibility or extended hours to ensure timely delivery of high-priority projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key detail. For operations roles, understanding the balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility is important for workflow management and personal productivity.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: An in-depth session with the hiring manager and potentially members of the Growth Team. This will involve presenting key pieces from your portfolio, discussing your design process, creative decision-making, and how you've handled similar projects.
• Skills Assessment: A practical exercise may be administered, such as a design challenge or a take-home assignment, to evaluate your ability to translate concepts into visuals under a time constraint, similar to real-world proposal demands.
• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on collaboration, problem-solving, handling feedback, managing deadlines, and your experience in deadline-driven environments.
• Final Round: Potentially an interview with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with Core One's mission and values.
Portfolio Review Tips:
• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in branding, proposal design, corporate communications, and complex concept visualization. Tailor the selection to highlight experience relevant to the federal contracting industry if possible.
• Tell the Story: For each project, be prepared to articulate the problem/objective, your creative process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or impact of your design. Emphasize how your design solved a business problem or communicated a key message effectively.
• Highlight Technical vs. Creative Balance: Demonstrate your ability to be both highly creative and technically precise, especially when dealing with complex data or technical concepts. Show how you can maintain brand integrity while adapting to project-specific needs.
• Prepare for On-the-Spot Tasks: Be ready for impromptu design exercises or discussions about how you would approach a specific design challenge presented during the interview.
Challenge Preparation:
• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, quickly identify the core message or concept that needs to be conveyed. Consider the target audience (e.g., government evaluators, potential clients) and the purpose of the deliverable (e.g., proposal win, marketing outreach).
• Focus on Clarity and Impact: Prioritize clear communication and visual impact over excessive ornamentation. Ensure your design effectively supports the written content and enhances understanding.
• Brand Consistency: If brand guidelines are provided or implied, adhere to them strictly. If not, demonstrate good judgment in establishing a professional and on-brand aesthetic.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between conceptualization, execution, and refinement. Be prepared to present your work and explain your rationale, even if it's not perfectly polished within the given timeframe.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges is standard for creative roles. The advice is tailored to highlight the specific needs of a Graphic Designer in a business development and government proposal context.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
• Adobe Creative Suite: Expertise in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, icons), Adobe InDesign (for layout, proposals, brochures, reports), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets, mockups) is essential.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency is critical for creating professional pitch decks, proposal sections, and dynamic presentations. This includes mastering its design features, animations, and integration with other graphics.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for seamless communication and file sharing within the Growth Team and with cross-functional SMEs.
Analytics & Reporting:
• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how visuals are consumed and perform (e.g., engagement on digital assets) can be beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics platforms or presentation software reporting features might be a plus.
CRM & Automation:
• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this creative role. However, understanding how marketing materials and proposals feed into CRM systems or sales funnels can provide valuable context.
📝 Enhancement Note: The core toolset for a graphic designer in this role is heavily focused on the Adobe Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint, reflecting the need for both high-quality graphic creation and effective business presentation delivery.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
• People First: Core One explicitly states a commitment to valuing its people, indicating a culture that prioritizes employee well-being, development, and a supportive work environment.
• Exceptional Performance: The company values high achievement and rewards performance. The Graphic Designer is expected to contribute significantly to the success of the Growth Team and corporate initiatives.
• Team-Oriented: Collaboration is key. The company fosters a team environment where individuals work together towards common goals, particularly in supporting national security missions.
• Innovation & Adaptability: As a growing company in a dynamic sector, Core One likely values creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt to evolving client needs and technological advancements.
Collaboration Style:
• Partnership with SMEs & Writers: The design process will involve close, collaborative partnerships with subject matter experts and proposal writers to ensure accuracy, clarity, and strategic alignment of visual content.
• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine deliverables and achieve optimal outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Working effectively across different departments (Growth Team, technical teams, potentially management) to achieve unified project goals and maintain a cohesive brand message.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "People First" and "Team-Oriented" suggests a positive and collaborative workplace culture, which is attractive for operations professionals who often work closely with diverse teams.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
• Translating Complexity: A primary challenge will be consistently translating highly technical or abstract national security concepts into clear, compelling, and accurate visuals for diverse audiences, often under tight deadlines.
• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Navigating the requirements of government proposals and corporate branding while maintaining creative integrity and visual appeal can be a delicate balance.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing feedback and expectations from various stakeholders with potentially different priorities and perspectives.
• Rapid Turnarounds: Meeting the demanding timelines often associated with proposal cycles requires efficient workflow management and the ability to perform under pressure.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in areas like infographic design, data visualization techniques for complex datasets, and creating compelling visual narratives for technical proposals.
• Industry Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the national security and federal contracting landscape, including client requirements, competitive dynamics, and proposal evaluation criteria.
• Advanced Software Proficiency: Opportunities to master advanced features within the Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies relevant to the industry.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential for mentorship from experienced growth strategists or leadership roles within the design function as the company and team evolve.
📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are typical for design roles supporting complex industries like defense and government contracting. The growth opportunities focus on specialization and industry immersion.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical concept into a simple, effective visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, problem-solving, and ability to simplify complexity.)
• "How do you approach collaborating with subject matter experts who may not have a strong design background?" (Highlight your communication, listening skills, and ability to guide stakeholders.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a key graphic for a government proposal. How do you ensure accuracy, brand consistency, and impact?" (Demonstrate understanding of proposal workflows and stakeholder management.)
• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs, especially when it conflicts with your initial vision?" (Showcase your maturity, adaptability, and focus on project goals over personal preference.)
Company & Culture Questions:
• "What interests you about Core One's mission in national security?" (Research Core One's specific projects or values and connect your passion for design to their mission.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to the success of our Growth Team?" (Align your skills with business development objectives, proposal wins, and brand enhancement.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you prefer to collaborate?" (Reflect the company's values of teamwork and people-first culture.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
• The "Why" Behind the "What": For each project, clearly articulate the objective and the problem your design solved. Don't just show the final product; explain the strategic thinking that led to it.
• Quantify Impact When Possible: If you have metrics (e.g., design contributed to proposal win, increased engagement), present them. If not, describe the qualitative impact (e.g., improved clarity, enhanced brand perception).
• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of projects that demonstrate your ability to handle different types of collateral (proposals, presentations, marketing) and adapt your style while maintaining brand consistency.
• Be Ready for Live Design: Prepare for a potential live design exercise or a discussion where you might be asked to sketch out ideas or critique existing visuals on the spot.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight the specific context of a government contractor and the importance of translating complex information visually.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
• Submit your application through the Greenhouse job portal link provided.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio or attached PDF is easily accessible and highlights projects most relevant to government proposals, corporate branding, and complex visual communication. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Microsoft PowerPoint," "Proposal Design," "Branding," "Visual Communication," and "Security Clearance." Clearly articulate your years of experience and specific achievements.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your design process, your experience translating complex ideas, and how you manage deadlines and feedback. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate these skills.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Core One's mission, values, and the national security sector. Understand how your design skills can support their growth objectives and contribute to their success.
⚠️ 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.
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Core One
Location: Sterling, Virginia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: November 20, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Role Summary
• This role is critical for enhancing Core One's visual communication strategy, focusing on translating complex technical and strategic concepts into compelling, on-brand graphic design deliverables.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in producing high-quality visual assets for proposals, presentations, marketing materials, and external communications, directly supporting the Growth Team's objectives.
• The position requires a strong ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including subject matter experts, writers, and executives, to refine and execute creative visions from ideation to polished product.
• This role demands a blend of creative problem-solving, technical design proficiency, and strong communication skills to ensure brand consistency and impact across all corporate initiatives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly focused on supporting the "Growth Team," suggesting a strong emphasis on business development, proposal creation, and marketing collateral. This implies the need for a designer who can effectively communicate value propositions and technical capabilities visually, particularly within the federal contracting or national security sectors.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
• Develop and design visually engaging graphics, layouts, and digital assets for government proposals, pitch decks, one-pagers, and marketing collateral, ensuring strict adherence to Core One's brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with proposal managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), writers, and executive leadership to interpret complex technical information and strategic concepts, translating them into clear, impactful visual narratives.
• Conceptualize and produce original visual designs that enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of corporate communications, contributing creative input from the early stages of project development.
• Ensure a consistent and high standard of visual quality and brand identity across all corporate materials, adapting designs for various audiences and platforms.
• Provide rapid design support for fast-turnaround, deadline-driven proposal and capture cycles common in the government contracting industry.
• Maintain, update, and evolve Core One’s visual identity system, ensuring its application is both consistent and contextually appropriate for diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with the formatting, layout, and visual enhancement of longer-form written documents, reports, and technical papers to improve readability and professional presentation.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve visual communication strategies and design processes within the Growth Team and across the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "fast-turn, deadline-driven design needs across proposal and capture cycles" indicates a high-pressure environment common in government contracting. The designer must be adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively, and delivering under tight constraints.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience and responsibility. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience is required, which can encompass internships and freelance work. Experience in a deadline-driven, collaborative environment is essential.
Required Skills:
• Portfolio: A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing a robust branding sensibility and proven experience in designing business-facing materials, particularly for proposals and corporate communications.
• Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for pitch decks and proposal graphics.
• Visual Translation: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, strategic, or abstract ideas into clean, compelling, and easily understandable graphics and layouts.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to actively listen, receive, and constructively incorporate feedback from diverse stakeholders, including SMEs and executives.
• Creative Problem-Solving: A highly creative, solution-oriented mindset with the capacity to independently develop and refine visual concepts from initial ideation through to polished, final deliverables.
• Brand Management: Experience in maintaining and evolving visual identity systems, ensuring brand consistency across various applications and audiences.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued Security Clearance.
Preferred Skills:
• Industry Experience: Prior experience designing for government proposals or within the federal contracting industry, demonstrating an understanding of proposal compliance and aesthetic standards.
• Data Visualization: Familiarity with visual storytelling techniques, creating impactful infographics, and complex data visualization to represent quantitative information effectively.
• Motion Graphics/Video: Basic knowledge or experience with motion graphics (e.g., Adobe After Effects) or video editing could be beneficial for dynamic presentations.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "government-issued Security Clearance" is a critical qualification, particularly for roles supporting national security clients. This implies that candidates must meet eligibility requirements and be willing to undergo the vetting process. The "5+ years" of experience suggests a need for candidates who can operate with minimal supervision and offer strategic design input.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
• Visual Storytelling: The portfolio must clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate complex information (technical, strategic, data-driven) into visually coherent and compelling narratives. Case studies should highlight the challenge, the design solution, and the impact.
• Brand Consistency: Showcase examples of maintaining and applying brand guidelines across a variety of collateral, including proposals, presentations, and marketing materials. Evidence of evolving brand elements or creating new assets within an existing framework is valuable.
• Proposal & Business Design: Include specific examples of proposal graphics, executive-level presentation slides, one-pagers, and marketing collateral that are professional, impactful, and tailored for business audiences, ideally within a relevant industry.
• Software Proficiency Evidence: While not explicitly required to demonstrate how it was done, the quality and complexity of the work presented should implicitly reflect proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint.
Process Documentation:
• Workflow Integration: Candidates may be asked to describe their design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final delivery and revision, highlighting how they integrate with subject matter experts and project managers.
• Feedback Management: Demonstrate an ability to document and manage design feedback received from multiple stakeholders, showing how revisions were incorporated to achieve the final objective.
• Tools & Techniques: Be prepared to discuss the tools and techniques used to achieve specific design outcomes, particularly for complex visualizations or brand applications.
📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on proposals and corporate initiatives within a government contracting context, the portfolio should emphasize clarity, professionalism, and the ability to distill complex information. A strong emphasis on "business-facing design" means the portfolio should move beyond purely aesthetic work to demonstrate how design drives understanding and persuasion.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in the Sterling, Virginia area, and considering the need for a security clearance and specialized skills in proposal and corporate design, a competitive salary range would likely be between $75,000 and $105,000 annually. This estimate is derived from analyzing similar roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, factoring in the cost of living, the specialized nature of government contracting design, and the requirement for a security clearance.
Benefits:
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, often with generous employer contributions.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential employer matching contributions, designed to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and potentially support for certifications relevant to graphic design and visualization.
• Security Clearance Support: Assistance and sponsorship for obtaining and maintaining a government-issued security clearance.
• Hybrid Work Flexibility: A hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, a hybrid arrangement allows for occasional remote work. Flexibility may be required to meet critical proposal deadlines, which could involve occasional extended hours.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The inclusion of "security clearance" typically commands a premium. Benefits are standard for a company of this type, with a focus on comprehensive coverage and professional growth.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Core One operates within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on providing analytical, operational, and technical solutions for national security challenges. This industry often demands high standards of professionalism, discretion, and technical acumen.
Company Size: With a workforce likely in the range of 50-200 employees (based on typical Greenhouse.io ATS listings for companies of this nature), Core One offers a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This size often fosters a close-knit culture and direct access to leadership.
Founded: Core One was founded in 2014. This relatively recent founding suggests a company that is ambitious, agile, and focused on growth, likely maintaining a culture that values innovation and adaptability.
Team Structure:
• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the "Growth Team," which is dedicated to business development, client engagement, and securing new contracts. This team may include proposal managers, business development professionals, capture managers, and potentially other marketing or communications specialists.
• The reporting structure will likely place the Graphic Designer under a Marketing Manager, Director of Growth, or a similar leadership role within the Growth Team.
• Cross-functional collaboration will be extensive, requiring close interaction with subject matter experts (SMEs) from various technical divisions, proposal writers, and senior leadership to understand and visually represent complex project details.
Methodology:
• Data-Driven Insights: While this role is creative, the company's mission suggests an underlying emphasis on analytical rigor. Design solutions should aim to clarify data and complex information, supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Process Optimization: The company values "operational and technical solutions," implying a culture that seeks efficiency and best practices. The Graphic Designer will be expected to contribute to streamlined design processes, particularly within proposal development.
• Customer-Centric Approach: The focus on "Nation's most complex national security challenges" indicates a deep commitment to client needs and mission success. Design work must align with client expectations and effectively communicate Core One's capabilities to meet those needs.
Company Website: [Core One Website URL - Assuming coreone.com based on domain_derived]
📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in national security implies a need for design that is not only creative but also professional, secure, and capable of conveying technical expertise. The "Growth Team" context suggests a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the creative function. It requires a solid foundation of 5+ years of experience, enabling the designer to work independently, manage complex projects, and provide strategic creative input. It's not an entry-level or purely junior position; it demands autonomy and a proven track record.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a leader within the Growth Team, such as a Proposal Manager, Marketing Manager, or Director of Growth. This structure places the role at the heart of business development efforts, ensuring direct visibility and impact on client-facing materials and proposals.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Core One's ability to win new business. High-quality, compelling visuals can differentiate proposals, enhance client understanding of Core One's capabilities, and strengthen the company's brand reputation in a competitive market. The role is crucial for translating technical strengths into persuasive visual narratives that resonate with government evaluators and prospective clients.
Growth Opportunities:
• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas like government proposal design, data visualization for technical reports, or corporate branding within the defense and intelligence sectors.
• Leadership: With continued high performance and demonstrated strategic thinking, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers (if the team expands), or take on more complex project management responsibilities within the Growth Team.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to learn and apply new design techniques, potentially including motion graphics, advanced data visualization tools, or UX/UI principles if relevant to evolving company needs.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the federal contracting and national security landscape, understanding client needs, and contributing to mission-critical projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section has been tailored to highlight how creative roles contribute to business operations and revenue generation in a B2G (Business-to-Government) context. Growth opportunities focus on specialization within this niche industry.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is primarily an "on-site" position at the Sterling, VA headquarters, with a "hybrid" flexibility allowing for occasional remote work. This indicates a company that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, especially for critical functions like proposal development, while also recognizing the benefits of flexible work arrangements.
Office Location(s): The primary work location is Sterling, Virginia. This area is part of the Northern Virginia technology corridor, offering good accessibility and proximity to government agencies and defense contractors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Workspace Context:
• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests a workspace designed for collaboration. Expect opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and direct interaction with proposal teams and SMEs.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware is expected. The company likely provides a robust IT infrastructure to support design workflows, including secure network access for handling sensitive government-related information.
• Team Interaction: Being part of the Growth Team means frequent interaction with proposal managers, writers, business developers, and potentially senior executives. This fosters a dynamic and fast-paced work environment focused on achieving shared business objectives.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While hybrid flexibility is offered, the on-site component is crucial for real-time collaboration, especially during critical proposal development phases. Deadlines may necessitate occasional flexibility or extended hours to ensure timely delivery of high-priority projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key detail. For operations roles, understanding the balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility is important for workflow management and personal productivity.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: An in-depth session with the hiring manager and potentially members of the Growth Team. This will involve presenting key pieces from your portfolio, discussing your design process, creative decision-making, and how you've handled similar projects.
• Skills Assessment: A practical exercise may be administered, such as a design challenge or a take-home assignment, to evaluate your ability to translate concepts into visuals under a time constraint, similar to real-world proposal demands.
• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on collaboration, problem-solving, handling feedback, managing deadlines, and your experience in deadline-driven environments.
• Final Round: Potentially an interview with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with Core One's mission and values.
Portfolio Review Tips:
• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in branding, proposal design, corporate communications, and complex concept visualization. Tailor the selection to highlight experience relevant to the federal contracting industry if possible.
• Tell the Story: For each project, be prepared to articulate the problem/objective, your creative process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or impact of your design. Emphasize how your design solved a business problem or communicated a key message effectively.
• Highlight Technical vs. Creative Balance: Demonstrate your ability to be both highly creative and technically precise, especially when dealing with complex data or technical concepts. Show how you can maintain brand integrity while adapting to project-specific needs.
• Prepare for On-the-Spot Tasks: Be ready for impromptu design exercises or discussions about how you would approach a specific design challenge presented during the interview.
Challenge Preparation:
• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, quickly identify the core message or concept that needs to be conveyed. Consider the target audience (e.g., government evaluators, potential clients) and the purpose of the deliverable (e.g., proposal win, marketing outreach).
• Focus on Clarity and Impact: Prioritize clear communication and visual impact over excessive ornamentation. Ensure your design effectively supports the written content and enhances understanding.
• Brand Consistency: If brand guidelines are provided or implied, adhere to them strictly. If not, demonstrate good judgment in establishing a professional and on-brand aesthetic.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between conceptualization, execution, and refinement. Be prepared to present your work and explain your rationale, even if it's not perfectly polished within the given timeframe.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges is standard for creative roles. The advice is tailored to highlight the specific needs of a Graphic Designer in a business development and government proposal context.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
• Adobe Creative Suite: Expertise in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, icons), Adobe InDesign (for layout, proposals, brochures, reports), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets, mockups) is essential.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency is critical for creating professional pitch decks, proposal sections, and dynamic presentations. This includes mastering its design features, animations, and integration with other graphics.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for seamless communication and file sharing within the Growth Team and with cross-functional SMEs.
Analytics & Reporting:
• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how visuals are consumed and perform (e.g., engagement on digital assets) can be beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics platforms or presentation software reporting features might be a plus.
CRM & Automation:
• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this creative role. However, understanding how marketing materials and proposals feed into CRM systems or sales funnels can provide valuable context.
📝 Enhancement Note: The core toolset for a graphic designer in this role is heavily focused on the Adobe Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint, reflecting the need for both high-quality graphic creation and effective business presentation delivery.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
• People First: Core One explicitly states a commitment to valuing its people, indicating a culture that prioritizes employee well-being, development, and a supportive work environment.
• Exceptional Performance: The company values high achievement and rewards performance. The Graphic Designer is expected to contribute significantly to the success of the Growth Team and corporate initiatives.
• Team-Oriented: Collaboration is key. The company fosters a team environment where individuals work together towards common goals, particularly in supporting national security missions.
• Innovation & Adaptability: As a growing company in a dynamic sector, Core One likely values creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt to evolving client needs and technological advancements.
Collaboration Style:
• Partnership with SMEs & Writers: The design process will involve close, collaborative partnerships with subject matter experts and proposal writers to ensure accuracy, clarity, and strategic alignment of visual content.
• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine deliverables and achieve optimal outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Working effectively across different departments (Growth Team, technical teams, potentially management) to achieve unified project goals and maintain a cohesive brand message.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "People First" and "Team-Oriented" suggests a positive and collaborative workplace culture, which is attractive for operations professionals who often work closely with diverse teams.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
• Translating Complexity: A primary challenge will be consistently translating highly technical or abstract national security concepts into clear, compelling, and accurate visuals for diverse audiences, often under tight deadlines.
• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Navigating the requirements of government proposals and corporate branding while maintaining creative integrity and visual appeal can be a delicate balance.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing feedback and expectations from various stakeholders with potentially different priorities and perspectives.
• Rapid Turnarounds: Meeting the demanding timelines often associated with proposal cycles requires efficient workflow management and the ability to perform under pressure.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in areas like infographic design, data visualization techniques for complex datasets, and creating compelling visual narratives for technical proposals.
• Industry Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the national security and federal contracting landscape, including client requirements, competitive dynamics, and proposal evaluation criteria.
• Advanced Software Proficiency: Opportunities to master advanced features within the Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies relevant to the industry.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential for mentorship from experienced growth strategists or leadership roles within the design function as the company and team evolve.
📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are typical for design roles supporting complex industries like defense and government contracting. The growth opportunities focus on specialization and industry immersion.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical concept into a simple, effective visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, problem-solving, and ability to simplify complexity.)
• "How do you approach collaborating with subject matter experts who may not have a strong design background?" (Highlight your communication, listening skills, and ability to guide stakeholders.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a key graphic for a government proposal. How do you ensure accuracy, brand consistency, and impact?" (Demonstrate understanding of proposal workflows and stakeholder management.)
• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs, especially when it conflicts with your initial vision?" (Showcase your maturity, adaptability, and focus on project goals over personal preference.)
Company & Culture Questions:
• "What interests you about Core One's mission in national security?" (Research Core One's specific projects or values and connect your passion for design to their mission.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to the success of our Growth Team?" (Align your skills with business development objectives, proposal wins, and brand enhancement.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you prefer to collaborate?" (Reflect the company's values of teamwork and people-first culture.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
• The "Why" Behind the "What": For each project, clearly articulate the objective and the problem your design solved. Don't just show the final product; explain the strategic thinking that led to it.
• Quantify Impact When Possible: If you have metrics (e.g., design contributed to proposal win, increased engagement), present them. If not, describe the qualitative impact (e.g., improved clarity, enhanced brand perception).
• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of projects that demonstrate your ability to handle different types of collateral (proposals, presentations, marketing) and adapt your style while maintaining brand consistency.
• Be Ready for Live Design: Prepare for a potential live design exercise or a discussion where you might be asked to sketch out ideas or critique existing visuals on the spot.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight the specific context of a government contractor and the importance of translating complex information visually.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
• Submit your application through the Greenhouse job portal link provided.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio or attached PDF is easily accessible and highlights projects most relevant to government proposals, corporate branding, and complex visual communication. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Microsoft PowerPoint," "Proposal Design," "Branding," "Visual Communication," and "Security Clearance." Clearly articulate your years of experience and specific achievements.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your design process, your experience translating complex ideas, and how you manage deadlines and feedback. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate these skills.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Core One's mission, values, and the national security sector. Understand how your design skills can support their growth objectives and contribute to their success.
⚠️ 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.