On-Call/Surge Graphic Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Graphic Designer – On-Call / Surge Support

Location: On-Site & Remote Support at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) HQ (Washington, DC)

Employment Type: On-Call / As-Needed (Est. 200 Hours/Year) | Non-Exempt

Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required; must maintain valid FBI Fingerprint, USCIS Immigration, and NCIC Background Clearances

Contingency Note: This position is contingent upon contract award. Formal offers are subject to contract win and customer approval.

Position Summary

The On-Call Graphic Designer provides flexible, rapid-response visual communication, prepress production, digital asset creation, and Section 508 accessibility support. This role absorbs workload spikes, fulfills urgent or emergency publication requests under COR direction, and provides seamless backup coverage for primary full-time on-site designers during planned or unplanned absences.

Key Responsibilities

• Surge & Emergency Response: Rapidly execute overflow production assignments, high-priority graphics requests, and quick-turnaround publication needs under tight deadlines.
• Coverage & Continuity: Serve as dedicated backup support for full-time designers during scheduled leave or unscheduled absences, maintaining seamless workflow continuity across DOT Headquarters.
• Visual Design & Layout: Create high-quality, press-ready publications (reports, brochures, exhibit materials), web graphics, and interactive presentation decks compliant with DOT brand standards.
• Section 508 Accessibility: Remediate and tag complex PDF and digital documents to ensure full Section 508 accessibility compliance.
• Production & Platform Operations: Prepare production-ready print assets, manage cross-platform file compatibility across Mac and PC environments, and maintain native Adobe source files on designated servers.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• Experience: 2 to 5 years of professional graphic design experience (agency or in-house).
• Technical Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro) with native PC and Mac file compatibility.
• Core Competencies: High flexibility for short-notice turnarounds, strong communication skills, and complete technical alignment with Level II Graphic Designer competencies.

OPUA, LLC is an award-winning management consulting and strategic communications firm specializing in public health, healthcare communications, executive messaging, and enterprise program management. Operating at the intersection of strategic clarity and executive governance, OPUA delivers turn-key solutions for federal agencies, healthcare organizations, and mission-focused enterprises. We bring a high-performance, purpose-driven workplace culture focused on professional growth, operational precision, and meaningful impact.

Company Description

OPUA, LLC is an award-winning management consulting and strategic communications firm specializing in public health, healthcare communications, executive messaging, and enterprise program management. Operating at the intersection of strategic clarity and executive governance, OPUA delivers turn-key solutions for federal agencies, healthcare organizations, and mission-focused enterprises. We bring a high-performance, purpose-driven workplace culture focused on professional growth, operational precision, and meaningful impact.