1

Visual Communication Designer Jobs in Washington

Graphic Designer

Mclean, VA · Hybrid

$34 - $45/hr

Monitor design trends and tool capabilities; recommend improvements to elevate visual communication ... Graphic Designer Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree. * 10+ years of experience in digital ...

... visual communication strategies in support of mission objectives. This role is responsible for ... graphic designer in a leadership role may be substituted for the degree requirement. HUBZone ...

Graphics Designer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Army and DoD visual communication and multimedia needs. The ideal candidate will provide high ... designs. • Create visual aids for PowerPoint, social media, posters, banners, videos, and ...

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $150K/yr

In this role, the Graphic Designer will create engaging visual communications that help advance DOC's mission to: * Attract foreign direct investment to the United States through the SelectUSA ...

New

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $150K/yr

In this role, the Graphic Designer will create engaging visual communications that help advance DOC's mission to: * Attract foreign direct investment to the United States through the SelectUSA ...

New

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $150K/yr

In this role, the Graphic Designer will create engaging visual communications that help advance DOC's mission to: * Attract foreign direct investment to the United States through the SelectUSA ...

New

Senior Graphic Designer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

... high-level visual communication strategies in support of mission objectives. This role is ... graphic designer in a leadership role may be substituted for the degree requirement. HUBZone ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

... high-level visual communication strategies in support of mission objectives. This role is ... graphic designer in a leadership role may be substituted for the degree requirement. HUBZone ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

... high-level visual communication strategies in support of mission objectives. This role is ... graphic designer in a leadership role may be substituted for the degree requirement. HUBZone ...

Showing results 41-60

Visual Communication Designer information

See Washington salary details

$19

$52

$93

How much do visual communication designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual communication designer in Washington is $52.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.94 and $65.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a visual communication designer?

A Visual Communication Designer is a professional who creates visual content to communicate messages, ideas, or information effectively. They use graphic design, typography, color, imagery, and layout techniques to convey concepts across various media, including print, digital, and environmental design. Their work can include designing logos, marketing materials, websites, and user interfaces. Visual Communication Designers often collaborate with clients or other creative professionals to ensure that the final design aligns with the intended message and audience.

How does a visual communication designer typically collaborate with other departments or team members on projects?

Visual Communication Designers frequently work in close partnership with marketing teams, copywriters, UX/UI designers, and project managers to ensure that visual elements align with overall messaging and branding goals. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, sharing design drafts for feedback, and adjusting visuals based on input from stakeholders. Clear communication and the ability to translate ideas into visual concepts are essential, as designers must balance creative vision with practical considerations and project requirements. This collaborative process helps create cohesive, impactful materials that support business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual communication designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Visual Communication Designer, you need strong graphic design abilities, a solid understanding of color theory and typography, and typically a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and sometimes familiarity with web design platforms are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret client needs and collaborate across teams. These skills are crucial to producing visually compelling content that clearly conveys messages and meets project objectives.

What is the difference between Visual Communication Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectVisual Communication DesignerGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically holds a degree in visual communication, graphic design, or related fieldsUsually has a degree or certification in graphic design or visual arts
Work EnvironmentWorks in advertising agencies, media companies, or corporate branding teamsWorks in print shops, design studios, or freelance settings
Industry UsageUsed across marketing, branding, digital media, and advertisingPrimarily focused on print and digital graphic content

While both roles involve visual design skills, a Visual Communication Designer has a broader scope, focusing on conveying messages through various media, whereas a Graphic Designer mainly creates visual content like logos, posters, and layouts. The roles often overlap, but the Visual Communication Designer emphasizes strategic messaging across multiple platforms.

What can you do with a visual communication designer degree?

A degree in visual communication design prepares individuals for roles such as graphic designer, branding specialist, user interface designer, or multimedia artist. Graduates can work in advertising, marketing, digital media, or print production, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite and collaborating with clients or teams. The field emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and understanding of visual storytelling.

What does a visual communication designer do?

A visual communication designer creates visual content to convey messages and ideas effectively across various media, including digital and print. They use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and focus on layout, typography, color, and imagery to enhance user experience and brand identity.

What are popular job titles related to Visual Communication Designer jobs in Washington?

For Visual Communication Designer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Visual Communication Designer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Visual Communication Designer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Visual Communication Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,058 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Senior Scientific Graphic Designer

Spire Communications

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead complex design initiatives to support communications for the U.S. National Science Foundation.

  • Establish and maintain NSF's visual identity and ensure brand consistency across design assets.

  • Create original graphics, illustrations, and templates for print, digital, collateral, presentations, and social media.


Job description

The position is hybrid, with potential for full-time at the client site in Alexandria, VA.

DESIGN PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION.

Spire Communications is hiring a full-time, highly skilled senior graphic designer with demonstrated expertise in print and digital design, brand development, and design leadership to support communications for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Candidates should bring a strong background in science and technology subject matter. This role leads complex design initiatives, establishing and maintaining NSF’s visual identity while advising staff on visual communication strategy and taking on the most demanding and ambiguous design challenges. This position is an exceptional opportunity for a designer passionate about science and technology to shape how the nation’s premier scientific research agency visually communicates its mission and discoveries to the public, policymakers, and the research community.

Spire Communications is a woman-owned strategic communications and creative firm based in Alexandria, VA that supports science, technology, and engineering organizations within the government and private sectors.

  • Gather requirements from stakeholders and work independently on assigned projects.
  • Establish and maintain the NSF’s visual identity.
  • Communicate directly with stakeholders and researchers to understand goals, gather feedback, and interpret complex subject matter.
  • Create original graphics and illustrations in traditional and digital formats to clarify complex information.
  • Create collateral, presentation, and social graphic templates.
  • Review and approve final design assets produced by other designers prior to production, ensuring quality, brand consistency, and attention to detail.
  • Provide technical and/or artistic advice to staff and designers.
  • Contribute to and organize NSF’s digital assets and multimedia resources, including maintaining metadata and permissions within Acquia DAM and Brightcove.
  • Participate in special projects and other creative duties as assigned.
What You’ll Bring to Spire
  • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in graphic design or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in graphic design.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead design direction and establish visual identity standards.
  • Ability to multi-task and work efficiently under pressure with attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated success leveraging AI-assisted tools to enhance design quality and production efficiency, with ability to guide adoption across the team.
  • Understanding of Section 508/WCAG accessibility requirements.
  • Working understanding of web, interactivity, and video production.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating scientific/technical subject matter, with expertise in one or more NSF focus or technology areas (e.g., Biology, Engineering, Computing, AI, Cybersecurity).
Major Pluses
  • Expertise supporting interactive or immersive virtual reality experiences (e.g., Oculus 360° video, CGI VR experiences, Unity/Unreal, interactive VR development).
  • Federal or federally funded research experience.

Medical (United Healthcare), dental (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), and vision (United Concordia) plans paid at 100% (employee premium) plus 30% contribution to family premium.

Monthly $50 “wellness” stipend for gym memberships, spa services, etc.

Life and disability insurance (short‑ and long‑term).

18 days PTO and 8 federal holidays per year (+Veterans Day for those who have served).

Home office expense reimbursement.

401(k) plan with automatic 3% of salary employer contribution.

Annual stipend for employee and/or job-related training.

About Spire

We are a boutique, woman‑led agency that specializes in technology, health, and science. Our clients are federal agencies and contractors charged with advanced R&D and vital national programs that make life better for all Americans. Our team is committed to the work of these pioneers and public servants. We believe in their missions, marvel at their innovations, and delight in telling their stories.

Every member of our team is a senior‑level communicator. This means every assignment is an opportunity to work with and learn from the best strategists and storytellers—designers, videographers, writers, editors, media relations leads, social media managers, and web developers.

Spire Communications is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

#J-18808-Ljbffr