Cartographer and Visual 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 NCTC's Directorate of Intelligence (DI) is seeking a talented cartographer with strong problem-solving skills and some experience in graphic design. The officer will produce visual products that convey intelligence analysis for US policymakers, law enforcement officials, warfighters, and executives charged with national security responsibilities, including the President of the United States. This officer will: Apply thorough knowledge and coach others in cartographic principles, theory, practices, geographic/topical knowledge, and software applications to develop original cartographic products that facilitate the rapid comprehension of complex substantive issues and the related bottom-line messages. Work directly with customers to plan and coordinate the research, design, and digital production of complex cartographic and graphic design products for a variety of finished intelligence publications, presentations, reference products, and/or interactive websites. Primarily produce thematic and reference maps, but as needed contribute to design projects including charts and graphs, timelines, infographics, presentation visuals, illustrations, publication design, cover designs, brochures, posters, logos, etc. Coordinate, adjust, and realign work and project schedules based on changing mission and customer requirements; initiate content and production coordination with key stakeholders to identify and address substantive and procedural issues and meet project requirements. 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: Ability to establish regular contacts with internal persons of importance and influence and to demonstrate considerable tact, discretion, and persuasive abilities in obtaining desired actions and/or outcomes; ability to manage possibly difficult and sometimes contentious personal relationships by exhibiting high level interpersonal skills in working with customers, senior managers, technical staff and project team members. Thorough knowledge of software applications to develop sophisticated thematic map designs that facilitate the rapid comprehension of complex substantive issues and the related bottom-line message; practical knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.); working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Thorough 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. Thorough knowledge of design and production methodology for publishing products in hardcopy or electronic formats, as well as software, hardware, and platforms necessary for complex multi-media production. Ability to stay informed of current multi-media industry trends and technological advancements in electronic and hardcopy products and methodologies; ability to quickly adapt and acquire new software skills and production methodologies to respond to new product design and mission requirements. Ability to work effectively and efficiently within a diverse, creative, and often fast-paced project team environment and to efficiently manage time. 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. Five to seven years of progressive experience in cartography or geospatial information systems. Desired Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Geography, Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, graphic design, or fine arts with a strong emphasis on graphic design (or in a closely-related field). Thorough knowledge of graphic design software and web, dynamic map or graphic, and/or multimedia programming/authoring. 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. At least two years of total five to seven years professional experience at a national agency, law enforcement organization, service component, or combatant command. 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.