Graphics Designer

Summary The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) leads the nation's effort to protect the United States from terrorism by integrating, analyzing and sharing information to drive whole-of-government action and achieve our national CT objectives. Responsibilities Major Duties and Responsibilities (MDRs) NCTC's Directorate of Intelligence (DI) is seeking a talented graphic designer with strong problem solving skills and some experience in cartography to work in a group supporting analytic and multimedia production. The officer will produce visual products that convey intelligence analysis for US policymaker, law enforcement officials, warfighters, and executives charged with national security responsibilities, including the President of the United States. This officer will: Plan and coordinate highly complex graphic design projects; define project goals, scope, and requirements (i.e., audience, deadline, final product format, delivery methods) for all phases of planning and production; lead team projects and interpret customer requirements and project complexity to determine required team and technical resources needed for timely, accurate product delivery. Plan and initiate content and lead production coordination activities with the project team to include the development of new concepts and unique specialty content, such as 3D animation, special visual effects, narration and sound effects, original video, audio or video editing, dynamic maps, graphics, databases, and illustrations. Plan and develop original content by researching and analyzing multimedia methodology and subject matter to develop original concepts, creating project storyboards and work plans, researching, and acquiring necessary releases, licenses, and approvals, and providing direction and guidance to project team members. Design and produce complex, highly sophisticated graphic design products by creating detailed artwork, such as illustrations, interactive charts, photographs, interactive maps, 3D animations, and special effects. Plan and conduct quality control activities to include testing integrated content on various platforms and networks to ensure viewing, interactivity, and audio/video quality and reviewing content with customers and other stakeholders (e.g., editors, scientists, analysts, graphic designers) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and correct classification and controls or declassification. Deliver final product and provide instructions to customers on aspects of the project, including navigation and specialized computer and display equipment. Define, clarify, and communicate customers' requirements and strategies and coordinate with customers to plan projects; work closely with customers and planners, assess work order parameters on complex projects, collect information, negotiate production schedules, arrange services, and resolve difficult procedural and production problems that may arise. Work as part of an interdisciplinary team managing multiple projects under minimal supervision. Develop and maintain skills commensurate with industry-wide best practices. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Mandatory Requirements Thorough knowledge of graphic design software and web, dynamic map or graphic, and/or multimedia programming/authoring. Thorough knowledge of graphic design methodology and techniques. Ability to apply the broad range of specialty software, including Macromedia Director, Adobe product suites, and other complementary multimedia software. Ability to utilize innovative and creative problem solving and analytical thinking skills to develop, organize, clarify, and enhance alternative approaches to the most sophisticated graphic design requirements. Ability to create high-end design and project implementation that meets customers' requirements. Thorough knowledge of at the core skill areas and working knowledge of at least one graphic design product. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within a diverse, creative, and often fast-paced project team environment and to efficiently manage time, technical, and administrative resources. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to interact effectively with customers, senior management, technical staff, and project team members; ability to coach and mentor others; thorough knowledge and understanding of organization mission and structure. At least two years of professional experience at a national agency, law enforcement organization, service component, or combatant command. Desired Requirements 4-7 years of experience in graphic design. A bachelor's degree in graphic design, art, cartography or a related field. Knowledge of software applications, ESRI ArcGIS and/or QGIS, to develop sophisticated thematic map designs that facilitate the rapid comprehension of complex substantive issues and the related bottom-line message. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles including data types, data layers, basic geographic, analytic, and statistical functions, map projections, geographic coordinate systems, and data formatting. Education Bachelor's Degree. Additional Information Job Interview Travel: Candidates from outside the Washington, D.C., area may be selected for a telephone, teleconference, or in-person interview. Salary Determination: The ODNI uses a rank-in-person system in which rank is attached to GS employees on the basis of individual qualifications, experience, and performance. Individuals whose current GS grade is equivalent to the grade of the advertised position will retain their current grade and step. Individuals who transfer to the ODNI from a non-GS pay scale will have base pay converted to the appropriate GS grade and step as determined by the Director/ Human Resource Management. On occasional instances when a current federal civilian employee applies for an ODNI position that is a lower grade than his or her personal grade, the candidate's personal grade will be downgraded to the grade of the advertised ODNI position and pay will be set at the step that is closest to but not less than the employee's current annual base rate of pay, not to exceed the maximum rate (i.e., step 10) of the GS grade to which assigned. Relocation Expenses: For new ODNI employees, reimbursement for relocation is discretionary based on availability of funds. Reasonable Accommodations: The ODNI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Reasonable Accommodations Officer by classified email at dni_reasonable_accommodation_wma@cia.ic.gov, by unclassified email at DNI_DRA@dni.gov, by telephone at 703-275-3900 or by FAX at 703-275-1217. Your request for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE EEOD EMAIL ADDRESS. THIS EMAIL IS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS ONLY. The ODNI is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.