Graphic Designer / Illustrator - Contract - XCell

Overview

We are seeking talented Graphic Designers with strong illustration skills to join our creative team. This role involves creating engaging social media graphics, charts, diagrams, and various internal branded materials. Additionally, occasional client design work will be part of your responsibilities. We value a strong portfolio and exceptional talent in both graphic design and illustration.

We are not interested in working with any agencies.

Commitment to Quality and Future Opportunities
We value our team, and culture which is why finding the right fit takes time. We believe in hiring slow. We are always looking for amazing people, while we wait for anticipated job openings. Candidates who apply to this role please understand we may not have an immediate opening however you will be considered as opportunities arise. 

We prioritize the quality of our team and the culture we cultivate. We believe in a deliberate hiring process, taking the time to find the perfect fit. While we may not have immediate openings, we are continuously seeking exceptional individuals to join our team. Candidates applying to this role should understand that although there might not be an immediate opportunity, your application will be considered for future openings.

Why XCell

XCell was born out of a passion for using the power of design to transform organizations in ways that build up our communities. For us, Human-Centered Design isn't just a trend or tool; it's a way of looking at the world. Our impact on people is front and center at all times. 

We work in small, fast-paced agile teams that use Design Thinking to help Government, Non-Profit and Educational organizations solve complex processes or systems.

Our vision is to impact the world through interactive media. We do this by using design as a catalyst for change. We are deeply integrated with the heartbeat of our local communities. By impacting the life of one individual (end-user), we are laying the foundation to inspire the world.

As a small and expanding digital agency, we're in a growth and culture shaping phase. While this position offers remote work, our preference is to hire team members located within the DMV area (Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland). However, applicants from all states are still encouraged to apply

What it looks like:

We are looking for passionate Designers to join our small, yet growing team. We value people. That means we're always thinking about the needs of our teams, customers, their users, our communities, and our world at large.

Note: A link to your portfolio is required for a Graphic Designer contract role. If your portfolio is password protected, include a password in order to be considered.

Leadership

• Independently executes and implements solutions with minimal direction from senior designers or team leaders.
• Provide conceptual feedback to team members

Human Centered Design

• Utilize Human-Centered Design methodologies to develop visual content.
• Ensure all designs meet accessibility standards (WCAG, A11Y, or 508 compliant).
• Identify and address user and business needs through innovative design solutions.
• Foster empathy within the team for the direct user community through workshops and design thinking methodologies.

Graphic Design & Illustration

• Collaborate closely with clients and back office staff to create compelling graphics, charts, diagrams, and various internal & external branded materials including social media graphics.
• Embrace transparent design practices by openly sharing your design process and work-in-progress with others.
• Develop and apply frameworks, such as style guides and design systems, to streamline visual content.
• Create high-quality design artifacts to effectively support project objectives.

Collaboration

• Provide and receive design feedback within the team to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate effectively throughout the project lifecycle, navigating complex organizational relationships.
• Work closely with developers during the design handoff process in an Agile environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with ever-changing project demands.
• Work directly on a small Agile Development team.

Documentation / Presentation

• Articulate how our services align with business objectives to stakeholders.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and communicate design vision and strategy.
• Document design processes and generate reports to inform decision-making.
• Develop tools to assist users in understanding complex systems and communicate design artifacts effectively to stakeholders and clients.

Nice-to-have qualifications

• Prior experience working in the civic tech space.
• Experience working in a remote-team environment.
• Experience creating motion graphics

What we are looking for:

• Strong portfolio (specifically looking for designs that can be applied on digital products websites, software illustrations etc.)
  Hint: if you really want to catch our attention, show us your entire process.
• Experience designing accessible (a11y, WCAG, 508 Compliance) digital products.
• Designers with a Unique style that will compliment client projects 
• Ability to juggle multiple projects
• Someone that loves Adobe, Figma, Sketch and other design tools. Sorry if Canva is your tool of choice this is not the ideal position.
• Team players that wear empathy on their sleeve and champion the user's direct needs.
• Someone always willing to learn and grow in their career field.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to break down complex concepts clearly and persuasively across different audiences.
• Experience with Agile Development and Human Centered Design
• Priority will be given to candidates within the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) area.

What we care about:

• You the person. We want you to bring your whole (100%) authentic self. Not the fake person that puts on a mask to look good for an interview.
• Your passions, personal or professional (even if it's not related to the job, secret don't tell us what you think we want to hear)
• Your thoughts or opinions as it relates to design, technology, working in a team, and your thought process.

All contractors must be U.S. Citizens as a federal contractor, all contract work is require work to be done within the United States.

Qualifications/Experience

• min. 3-5+ years experience (Have a degree, certification, or equivalent) work experience showing aptitude within the Geraphic Design career field.
  • Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field.
  • Min 2 years removed from tech bootcamp such as General Assembly.
• Strong understanding of UX principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch or Adobe XD.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, Agile environment.

Pay

$30 - $60 an Hour
Part time expectations. Projects will be on an as needed basis.

As a federal contractor, we are required to collect proof of COVID vaccination at start date. Learn more.