Graphic Design Subject Matter Expert and Visual Communication Strategist

Leidos is seeking a Graphic Design Subject Matter Expert and Visual Communication Strategist to support the Cyber National Mission Force Commander’s Action Group at U.S. Cyber Command through COSS 3.0 in Fort Meade, Maryland.

The successful candidate is a visual thinker and trusted creative adviser who can listen to an emerging idea, identify the message that matters, and make that message understandable through a compelling visual. You will work with senior leaders and mission experts to explain complex cyber operations, strategic priorities, organisational relationships, and operational outcomes to audiences with different levels of technical knowledge.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead discovery discussions with the Commander’s Action Group and mission experts to establish purpose, audience, essential message, evidence, and desired outcome before selecting the visual format.
• Translate incomplete notes, complex narratives, and technical information into original visual concepts, storyboards, infographics, diagrams, maps, and leadership presentations.
• Design executive briefings, strategy graphics, decision visuals, campaign and mission overviews, placemats, reports, and event materials.
• Make cyber concepts understandable without changing their technical meaning.
• Build editable PowerPoint presentations and reusable vector graphics.
• Use advanced illustration, layout, and image editing techniques to establish strong visual hierarchy, readable typography, and purposeful use of colour.
• Create motion graphics, short visual explainers, or interactive prototypes when the communication objective and approved technology environment warrant them.
• Advise senior stakeholders on visual communication and provide constructive alternatives when the requested design obscures the message.
• Establish reusable templates, visual standards, and an organised asset library.
• Evaluate emerging design and AI-assisted methods against real communication needs.
• Manage multiple priorities, communicate delivery estimates, and coordinate technical, security, and release reviews.

Basic Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional graphic design or visual communication experience.
• Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance with a polygraph.
• A portfolio demonstrating original concept development and expert visual communication.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and professional vector and raster design tools.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading visual communication assignments.
• Ability to interpret unfamiliar technical material and work with subject matter experts.
• Experience supporting demanding senior stakeholders and delivering quality products under changing deadlines.
• Ability to create accessible presentations and documents.
• Working knowledge of computer networking concepts and terminology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree or higher in graphic design, visual communication, multimedia arts, or a related discipline.
• Experience advising a commander, general, or flag officer on high-consequence visual communications.
• Experience translating cyber, intelligence, defence, engineering, scientific, or other complex technical subject matter into accurate visual explanations.
• Advanced layout and publication skills using Adobe InDesign.
• Experience with Figma/FigJam or comparable tools for collaborative concept development.
• Experience using approved AI-assisted creative workflows.
• Experience with data storytelling in Power BI or Tableau.
• Adobe Certified Professional credentials in Illustrator and Photoshop.