Senior Graphic Designer and Project Coordinator

Quick Facts

• Role: Senior Graphic Designer and Project Coordinator
• Work style: On-site embedded support within NIH (DMA)
• Focus: Scientific posters and biomedical research communications; award and recognition program production

Description

Serve as an embedded creative and production professional managing projects from concept through final delivery. Produce professional-quality visual and digital communications while applying strong design expertise and operational discipline for prepress, large-format printing, and certificate finishing. Coordinate projects, vendors, and schedules to meet DMA productivity requirements and NIH communication standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce visual/digital communication products: scientific posters, print collateral, campaigns, educational materials, publications, exhibits, environmental graphics, and signage.
• Develop design concepts and final deliverables aligned to project goals, audience needs, and NIH standards.
• Use Adobe Creative Cloud and EFI Fiery print management tools for print-ready and digital output.
• Perform large-format color poster production and digital press operation; execute finishing (trimming, matting, framing) for award certificates and service awards.
• Conduct prepress file review (resolution, color mode, bleed, margins, output specs) and communicate corrections.
• Consult with NIH clients/stakeholders on purpose, scope, audience, schedule, budget, and technical requirements.
• Manage client expectations for estimates, timelines, and proofing/approval.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects; maintain schedules and deliverables; meet productivity requirements.
• Maintain project documentation (roadmaps, timelines, status reports, workload tracking) and track hours/material/job records.
• Handle urgent/rush requests and keep stakeholders informed.
• Liaise with program staff and support teams to resolve issues proactively.
• Coordinate with outside vendors: obtain estimates and provide technical specifications.
• Monitor inventory of paper, ink, substrates, framing materials, and consumables; support reordering.
• Support procurement actions per NIH procedures.
• Provide status updates to project owners and designated government staff.
• Review workflows and recommend improvements; evaluate program/process effectiveness qualitatively/quantitatively.
• Conduct operational studies related to workflow efficiency and management improvement.

Requirements

• 5+ years of graphic design and production experience.
• End-to-end proficiency in graphic design and print production.
• Expert-level Adobe Creative Cloud skills (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and familiarity with EFI Fiery.
• Experience with large-format digital printing, prepress preparation, color management, and output quality control.
• Hands-on finishing experience: trimming, matting, framing.
• Strong project management and organizational skills for multiple concurrent projects and tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with client-facing experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Portfolio/reel/design sample links required.