Assistant Set Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Aptive is seeking an inspired, detail-driven Senior Graphic Designer and Project Coordinator to join our creative team in support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Research Services, Division of Medical Arts (DMA). This is a unique opportunity to apply your design and production expertise to work that directly supports biomedical research communications, scientific poster production, and award and recognition programs for one of the world's leading health research institutions.

The Senior Graphic Designer/Project Coordinator will serve as an embedded creative and production professional on-site within DMA, independently managing projects from concept through final delivery. This role demands equal parts creative ability and operational discipline; someone who can concept a scientific communication piece in the morning, manage a vendor estimate at midday, and deliver a framed award certificate by afternoon. If you thrive in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment and want your design work to have real-world impact, this is the role for you.

This position is performed on-site at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD.

Graphic Design & Visual Communications

• Produce professional-quality visual and digital communication products including scientific posters, print collateral, campaigns, educational materials, publications, exhibits, environmental graphics, and signage.
• Develop design concepts and final deliverables that meet project goals, audience needs, and NIH communication standards.
• Operate Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), EFI Fiery Print Management Software, and related production tools to create and output print-ready and digital materials.
• Execute large-format color scientific poster production, digital press operation, and finishing including trimming, matting, and framing of award certificates and length of service awards.
• Perform prepress file review for resolution, color mode, bleed, margins, and output specifications; communicate file corrections to requestors promptly.
• Consult directly with NIH clients and program stakeholders to define project purpose, scope, audience, schedule, budget, and technical requirements.
• Set and manage client expectations for cost estimates, delivery timelines, and proofing and approval processes.

Project Management & Coordination

• Manage multiple concurrent projects from intake through final delivery, maintaining schedules, tracking deliverables, and meeting DMA productivity requirements.
• Create, maintain, and update project management documentation including roadmaps, timelines, status reports, and workload tracking records.
• Process urgent and rush requests efficiently and keep appropriate staff and clients informed of project status throughout the lifecycle.
• Track project hours, material usage, and job records in accordance with DMA division procedures.
• Collaborate with project managers, subject matter experts, and NIH program staff to establish project direction and technical requirements.
• Serve as a liaison among DMA program staff, support teams, and stakeholders to facilitate project execution and resolve issues proactively.
• Analyze tradeoffs among design quality, usability, technical constraints, and performance requirements to recommend optimal solutions.
• Coordinate with outside vendors to support production of visual communication materials; obtain cost estimates and provide detailed technical specifications.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of paper, ink, substrates, framing materials, and consumables; notify appropriate personnel when supplies are low and assist with reordering.
• Support procurement actions related to vendor services in accordance with NIH procedures.
• Monitor project progress and provide status updates to project owners, CORs, and designated government staff.
• Review and analyze organizational web, marketing, and production workflows to identify and recommend opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs, processes, and operations against DMA goals and objectives on a qualitative and quantitative basis.
• Plan and conduct operational studies related to workflow efficiency and management improvement.

• 5+ years of graphic design and production experience in an agency, in-house creative team, or production house environment.
• End-to-end proficiency in the graphic design and print production process, from pre-production through final delivery and finishing.
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and familiarity with print management software (e.g., EFI Fiery).
• Demonstrated experience with large-format digital printing, including prepress file preparation, color management, and output quality control.
• Hands-on experience with finishing techniques including trimming, matting, and framing of printed materials and award certificates.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent projects against tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience working directly with clients to gather requirements and manage expectations.
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Portfolio, reel, or design sample links required.

• Experience supporting federal agencies, particularly NIH, HHS, or other Cabinet-level science and health organizations.
• Familiarity with NIH, ORS, or DMA communication standards, visual identity systems, or biomedical publishing requirements.
• Experience producing scientific posters, biomedical education materials, or health communication campaigns.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and federal data confidentiality requirements as they apply to print and digital production environments.
• Experience with vendor procurement coordination in a federal contracting environment, including cost estimating and production specification development.
• Background in workflow analysis, process documentation, or operational improvement in a creative production context.
• Experience producing digital content for client-owned channels including web, social media, and institutional platforms.

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.