Junior Graphic Designer at REI Systems

Job description

REI Systems’ mission is to deliver reliable, innovative technology solutions that advance Federal clients' missions and exceed their expectations. Our technologists and consultants are passionate about solving complex challenges that impact millions of lives. We take a Mindful Modernization® approach in delivering our services, including application modernization, grants management, case management systems, government data analytics, and advisory services. This approach, the REI Way, ensures mission impact by aligning our clients' strategic objectives with measurable outcomes through people, processes, and technology. REI is embracing Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies as tools to enhance how we think, create, and work. Our teams are encouraged to experiment with new tools, explore new approaches, and continuously learn as technology and creative practices evolve. In this role, you will be expected to thoughtfully explore and use AI-enabled tools to support ideation, design exploration, workflow efficiency, and creative problem-solving, while applying strong design judgment and maintaining REI’s standards for quality and brand consistency. We offer the same commitment to our employees by providing professional development, meaningful projects, and flexibility to spend time with family and friends. We believe employees are at their best when fulfilled in both their professional careers and their personal lives. Learn more at www.REIsystems.com. Employees voted REI Systems a Washington Post Top Workplace in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025! Project Overview: REI Systems’ Creative Services team plays a vital role in supporting a wide range of marketing initiatives, internal communications, branding initiatives, and proposal efforts. The team brings ideas to life through digital artwork, technical illustrations, infographics, print materials, branding for products and events, website design, video production, photography, and more. Clients rely on our expertise to navigate the design process smoothly, trusting us to understand their needs and deliver creative solutions that align with their goals. Position Overview: We are seeking a talented, creative, and passionate early-career graphic designer with a portfolio showcasing strengths in marketing, typography, layout, visual storytelling, infographics, and digital media. Professional, internship, freelance, academic, or personal work that demonstrates these capabilities is welcome. The ideal candidate thrives on creative challenges, enjoys problem-solving, and is not afraid to share ideas and explore innovative solutions. We are looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, and proactive—someone who takes ownership of their work, looks for opportunities to contribute, and takes initiative rather than waiting to be directed at every step. In our collaborative environment, designers are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, experiment with new approaches, seek feedback, and continuously refine their work and creative approach. You will work alongside experienced designers and internal partners on a wide variety of projects, with opportunities to continue developing your skills, take on increasingly complex creative challenges, and grow within the role. If you enjoy working on diverse projects, continuously developing your skills, and finding new and better ways to solve creative challenges, we would love for you to join our team. Scope of Work: • Design a variety of materials to promote REI Systems including, but not limited to, social graphics and advertisements, digital banners, landing pages, printed collateral, flyers, posters, event banners, presentations, videos, etc.   • Conceptualize and design visually compelling marketing campaigns that run across various platforms and mediums.   • Transform complex technical content into modern, intuitive proposal graphics from conception to finalization.   • Collaborate with other designers and stakeholders to understand project goals, audiences, and messages and translate it into compelling visual communications.   • Explore multiple creative approaches and thoughtfully use new tools, technologies, and AI-enabled workflows to strengthen concepts, improve efficiency, and solve design challenges. • Take ownership of assigned projects, proactively identify next steps, ask questions when needed, communicate needs or roadblocks, and follow projects through from concept to completion. • Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.  • Clearly communicate creative ideas and present work to internal and external stakeholders. • Actively participate in the creative process by sharing ideas, seeking and providing feedback, and iterating on concepts to strengthen the final product. • Demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail, and solid time management in a deadline-oriented environment.  • Understand the REI corporate brand and advocate for maintaining brand and identity across projects, products, and websites, while exploring new creative approaches within established brand standards. • Continue developing skills in design, visual storytelling, technology, and creative problem-solving through hands-on work, feedback, and collaboration with the Creative Services team. Required Qualifications Software Proficiency: • Adobe Creative Suite—specifically: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign • A portfolio demonstrating strong foundational skills in marketing, typography, layout, visual hierarchy, composition, and digital or print design. A portfolio link or work samples must be provided to be considered for this position. Project Management Skills: • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines • Strong self-management, organization, and follow-through • Ability to proactively communicate questions, roadblocks, or changes that may impact project requirements or timelines • Soft Skills: • Strong attention to detail • Collaborative and comfortable in fast-paced environments • Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills • Proactive, resourceful, and willing to take initiative and ownership • Curious and committed to continuous learning, with a willingness to experiment with new ideas, tools, technologies, and creative approaches • Receptive to creative feedback and willing to iterate, and explore alternative solutions • Comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance when needed Design Knowledge: • Strong understanding of design principles, processes, and best practices, with the ability to apply sound design judgment and explain the rationale behind creative decisions. Availability: Occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines Preferred Qualifications The following are helpful, but not required. Candidates are not expected to have experience in all of these areas: • Experience with Federal government or technology-related work • Experience with WordPress, Divi, or HubSpot • Experience with Adobe Premiere or After Effects • Videography or photography experience • Experience working on a proposal team and developing proposal graphics • Experience creating technical solution graphics for client presentations and proposals Experience: Approximately 1–3 years of relevant design experience. Internships, freelance work, and other relevant professional experience may be considered as part of that experience. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related creative field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of a degree. Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance is preferred. Location: Hybrid – 2 days (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) per week at REI Systems’ Sterling, VA office. Compensation & Benefits: base salary 60,000 TO 75,000 + annual performance-based bonuses 100% employee-owned (ESOP) — share directly in company growth Comprehensive medical, dental, vision + HSA contributions 401(k) plan with a company match of 50% on the employee’s first 5% of contributions, plus company-paid life and disability insurance. Hybrid work + generous PTO + 11 paid holidays Wellness programs, mental health support, and professional development opportunities EEO Statement: REI Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In our workplace, we seek, we welcome, and respect diversity in all of its forms. #LI-HYBRID #LI-PH1

Requirements

Must-haves

Employees voted REI Systems a Washington Post Top Workplace in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025!
If you enjoy working on diverse projects, continuously developing your skills, and finding new and better ways to solve creative challenges, we would love for you to join our team.
Conceptualize and design visually compelling marketing campaigns that run across various platforms and mediums.
Transform complex technical content into modern, intuitive proposal graphics from conception to finalization.
Collaborate with other designers and stakeholders to understand project goals, audiences, and messages and translate it into compelling visual communications.
Explore multiple creative approaches and thoughtfully use new tools, technologies, and AI-enabled workflows to strengthen concepts, improve efficiency, and solve design challenges.
Take ownership of assigned projects, proactively identify next steps, ask questions when needed, communicate needs or roadblocks, and follow projects through from concept to completion.
Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.
Clearly communicate creative ideas and present work to internal and external stakeholders.
Actively participate in the creative process by sharing ideas, seeking and providing feedback, and iterating on concepts to strengthen the final product.
Demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail, and solid time management in a deadline-oriented environment.
Understand the REI corporate brand and advocate for maintaining brand and identity across projects, products, and websites, while exploring new creative approaches within established brand standards.
Continue developing skills in design, visual storytelling, technology, and creative problem-solving through hands-on work, feedback, and collaboration with the Creative Services team.
Adobe Creative Suite—specifically: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong self-management, organization, and follow-through

Nice-to-haves

Experience with Federal government or technology-related work
Experience with WordPress, Divi, or HubSpot
Experience with Adobe Premiere or After Effects
Videography or photography experience
Experience working on a proposal team and developing proposal graphics
Experience creating technical solution graphics for client presentations and proposals
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related creative field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance is preferred.

Application prep

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Keywords to mirror

Platform: icims
Effort: medium

Benefits

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Dental

Vision

401(K)

Pto

Wellness

Professional Development