Graphics and Communications Assistant

chimera; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

chimera seeks a Graphics and Communications Assistant to support the WMD Countermeasures Division by creating and organizing outreach materials that explain division activities and services to internal and external stakeholders.

The role includes drafting slides and talking points, managing Teams channels, assisting with webinars, and maintaining knowledge management for outreach assets, with a strong emphasis on clear, plain-language communication.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in graphic design, digital communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field with 2 years of professional or internship experience in office administration, marketing support, graphics, or design.
• Experience in communications, graphics, public affairs, training support, knowledge management, or a closely related field is desired.
• Experience in governmental, private sector, nonprofit, or academic settings is valued.
• Strong ability to write and edit clear English for professional audiences; drafting newsletters, announcements, or summaries is required.
• Ability to translate technical information into plain language for non-specialists; prior experience with security/public health programs preferred.
• Proficiency in creating visual presentation materials (slides, basic graphics) using standard office tools; familiarity with PowerPoint required.
• Experience using collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint) to organize information and engage distributed audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, version control, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work with staff at all levels and represent the division professionally.
• General computer proficiency (Microsoft Office suite) is required.
• No prior WMD experience is required but rapid learning of new subject matter is essential.
• Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Draft and update slides, talking points, and written products.
• Organize and maintain Teams channels and distribution lists.
• Assist with planning and execution of webinars and outreach events.
• Catalog and recommend photographs/graphics for presentations and outreach materials.
• Maintain basic knowledge management and version control for outreach materials, including tracking engagement metrics.
• Collaborate with DOS staff to translate complex information into audience-friendly content.

Skills

Writing & editing

Plain language translation

PowerPoint graphics

Team collaboration tools

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Quick learner

Driver's license

Public sector experience

Education

Associate's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

SharePoint

Microsoft Teams

Job description

The Graphics and Communications Assistant shall support the WMD Countermeasures Division by developing, organizing, and disseminating informational and outreach products that explain WMD Division activities, capabilities, and services to internal and external stakeholders. This position shall work closely with WMD Division staff to identify lessons learned, recurring questions, and emerging issues, and shall translate that information into clear, user-focused communication materials for Department personnel worldwide. Duties include drafting and updating slides, talking points, and written products; organizing and maintaining virtual engagement mechanisms such as Microsoft Teams channels and distribution lists; assisting with the planning and execution of webinars and other outreach events; cataloging and recommending photographs and graphics for use in presentations and outreach; and maintaining basic knowledge management and version control for outreach materials, including tracking simple engagement metrics as directed by WMD Division management.

The Graphics and Communications Assistant will possess the following background, knowledge, and experience:

1. 1. Associate's degree in graphic design, digital communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field with 2 years of professional or internship experience in office administration, marketing support, graphics, or design.
2. 2. Experience in communications, graphics, public affairs, training support, knowledge management, or a closely related field is desired. Experience may have been gained in government, private sector, nonprofit, or academic settings.
3. 3. Experience in operational, administrative, or program support roles at U.S. diplomatic facilities, in the Department of State, or in Diplomatic Security is highly desired.
4. 4. Demonstrated ability to write and edit clear, concise, and grammatically correct English for professional audiences, including experience drafting newsletters, announcements, briefing materials, summaries, or similar products, is required.
5. 5. Demonstrated ability to translate technical or specialized information, provided by subject-matter experts, into plain language content suitable for non - specialist audiences is required. Prior experience working with law enforcement, security, emergency management, public health, or technical programs is preferred, but not required.
6. 6. Experience creating and updating visual presentation materials (e.g., slides, basic graphics, charts, or layouts) using standard office productivity tools is required. Familiarity with Microsoft PowerPoint and related graphics or layout tools is required.
7. 7. Experience using collaboration and communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar tools to organize information, host meetings or webinars, and engage distributed audiences is required.
8. 8. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain version control of documents, and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment, are required.
9. 9. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team, interact with staff at all levels within the DOS, and represent the WMD Countermeasures Division professionally in written and verbal communications are required.
10. 10. General computer proficiency is required (i.e., Microsoft Office suite of products).
11. 11. No prior WMD or CBRN experience is required; however, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to rapidly learn new subject matter and accurately reflect technical information in outreach products, under the guidance of WMD subject-matter experts.
12. 12. The candidate must possess a valid, state-issued driver's license.

This is a non-supervisory position.

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.