Web Design/Development Communications Specialist

We're seeking an exceptional Web Design/Development Communications Specialist to support a technical department in developing visual communications, user interface designs, and digital content that advances critical programs spanning artificial intelligence, large-scale data systems, and emerging technologies. This role will help establish common visualizations across the department, support infrastructure operations oversight, and integrate artificial intelligence into business practices and communications workflows.

This position demands a highly creative, technically proficient professional with expert-level skills in graphic design, web development, and user experience design, capable of leading projects with minimal oversight in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional design sensibility, advanced technical capabilities, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling visual communications while innovating with emerging technologies including artificial intelligence tools.

This newly-established position offers the opportunity to shape a role while supporting a recently reorganized department working high-profile initiatives. The successful candidate will help define visualization standards, refine processes, and establish best practices in a dynamic environment where both the organization and this role will evolve. We seek a collaborative and adaptable professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and delivers immediate value while supporting organizational evolution.

Key Responsibilities

Visual Design and Executive Communications

• Create graphics, logos, posters, infographics, placemats, custom diagrams, illustrations, and other visual communications materials that translate complex concepts into accessible, compelling formats for diverse audiences.
• Create or advise on user interface designs and visual elements for technical applications, collaborating with development teams to balance functionality with visual appeal.

Data Visualization Standards and Operational Insight

• Establish visual design standards and patterns for operational dashboards across the department's complex technical and business environment; collaborate with technical and administrative teams to define information hierarchies, visual schemas, and key performance indicators through mock-ups, prototypes, and design specifications.
• Support design and development of data visualizations for operational dashboards that track system health, business performance metrics, and other priorities; provide design consultation to technical teams or create dashboards using tools like Tableau or other advanced data visualization platforms.

Digital Development and Innovation

• Lead front-end web design and development efforts by creating and refining organizational websites, ensuring compliance with accessibility and content management policies.
• Leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, to evaluate opportunities for enhancing content creation, improving design workflows, and streamlining production processes.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Project Management

• Collaborate with senior leadership, technical teams, and stakeholders across the department to understand requirements and deliver solutions that meet organizational objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process innovation and workflow improvement, developing and implementing solutions that enhance team capabilities and efficiency.
• Create streamlined processes and standard operating procedures, and cross-train team members on tools and workflows to build organizational capacity.

Required Qualifications

TS/SCI W POLY

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other industry-standard design tools.
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint with exceptional ability to create visually compelling presentations and placemats; advanced proficiency across Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with data visualization tools, techniques, and/or concepts; ability to work with organizational business systems to extract, understand, and visualize data for dashboards and operational monitoring.

Professional Experience

• Extensive experience in graphic design, web development, and user interface design in professional environments.
• Proven track record creating executive-level communications materials (presentations, placemats, infographics) and supporting senior leadership with high-visibility materials that translate complex technical concepts into clear visual communications.
• Experience working in complex multi-system environments, collaborating with diverse technical and administrative teams, and working with organizational business systems and tools for visualization needs.
• Proven track record leading major design and communications projects with responsibility for deliverables and outcomes; demonstrated ability to establish and execute creative vision, design standards, and patterns that are implemented by others.
• Experience in intelligence or technical environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert domain knowledge in design principles, user experience, visual communications, and information design with outstanding visual design sensibility.
• Exceptional creative and technical problem-solving skills with ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Strong ability to distill complex information and technical architectures into clear, compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of accessibility requirements, including Section 508 compliance, with the ability to recommend and implement accessibility practices that ensure inclusivity across digital content.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with ability to translate between design concepts and technical implementation requirements and articulate design rationale.
• Ability to create cohesive, professional materials across multiple media types.

Work Style and Characteristics

• Proactive and innovation-focused: Anticipates leadership needs, identifies opportunities for innovation, and actively explores emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance capabilities.
• Minimal supervision required: Trusted to execute independently with excellence.
• Exceptional attention to detail: Maintains high quality standards across all deliverables with commitment to polish and precision.
• Team-oriented: Willing to share knowledge, cross-train colleagues, and provide coverage during absences.
• Continuous improvement mindset: Identifies areas for improvement, develops plans, and implements solutions with appropriate approval.
• Agile and comfortable with ambiguity: Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments with shifting priorities, quick-turn requirements, and roles/processes being defined.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with artificial intelligence tools for content creation, including text-to-image generation, AI-assisted design, and process automation.
• Experience designing dashboards and visualizations for technical system monitoring and business operations; familiarity with data pipeline concepts, operational metrics, and establishing visualization standards across teams.
• Ability to evaluate and report on metrics to guide data-driven improvements in communications and design effectiveness.
• Previous experience in intelligence community or government environments with understanding of security and classification requirements.

Education

• Minimum of 12 years experience with BS/BA, 10 years with MS/MA, or 7 years with PhD; 4 years of additional experience may be substituted in lieu of degree