Manager, Senior Designer

CACI International Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. is seeking a Manager, Senior Designer in Reston, VA to lead strategic creative development and mentor two designers.

You will translate business objectives into integrated visual solutions across branding, marketing campaigns, digital experiences, and corporate communications. The role requires a strong portfolio, agency experience, and mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud with motion capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in graphic design/visual communications.
• 8+ years of professional design experience, including agency or in‑house studio.
• Strong portfolio showing strategy, integrated campaigns, and execution across channels.
• Experience leading creative projects and mentoring designers.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud with After Effects & Premiere Pro knowledge.
• Ability to translate complex info into compelling storytelling across branding, digital, print, and video.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic creative development and translate objectives into concepts and visual solutions.
• Develop campaign identities, visual systems, infographics, and presentation assets.
• Contribute hands‑on design and production across print, digital, video, and events.
• Mentor two designers and balance hands‑on work with team leadership.
• Ensure brand consistency and high creative standards across projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align direction and approvals.

Skills

Team mentorship

Brand storytelling

Strategic thinking

Cross-channel design

Presentations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Advertising, or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Premiere Pro

Figma

Asana

Job description

Job Title: Manager, Senior DesignerJob Category: CommunicationsTime Type: Full timeMinimum Clearance Required to Start: NoneEmployee Type: RegularPercentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%Type of Travel: Local* * *The Opportunity:The Manager, Senior Designer is a strategic, highly conceptual, and hands-on creative leader responsible for developing compelling visual communications that strengthen CACI's brand, support business priorities, and bring complex ideas to life.Reporting to the Executive Director, Creative Studio, this role provides creative direction and mentorship to two designers while contributing directly to the development and execution of integrated creative across branding, marketing campaigns, digital experiences, presentations, video, motion graphics, and corporate communications.We are particularly interested in candidates who bring an advertising agency mindset, combining bold conceptual thinking, integrated storytelling, and hands-on creative versatility, with an understanding of the defense, technology, and government contracting landscape.The ideal candidate is a multidisciplinary creative thinker who can move seamlessly between big-picture concepts and hands-on execution. This individual will help elevate CACI's creative output, establish strong visual direction, and foster a collaborative, strategically driven Creative Studio.This position is located onsite in Reston, VA.Responsibilities:Creative Strategy & Concept Development1. Lead Strategic Creative DevelopmentTranslate business objectives, creative briefs, and audience insights into compelling concepts and integrated visual solutions.Develop original creative ideas for brand initiatives, marketing campaigns, product launches, executive communications, and enterprise-wide programs.Partner with the Executive Director, Creative to establish creative direction and ensure work supports CACI's brand positioning and business priorities.Present concepts and creative recommendations with clear strategic rationale.2. Translate Complex Technology into Compelling StorytellingDevelop a strong working knowledge of CACI's capabilities, markets, customers, and competitive landscape.Collaborate with technical subject matter experts, marketing stakeholders, and business leaders to simplify complex information through design.Create visual storytelling that communicates CACI's differentiation across defense, intelligence, national security, and emerging technologies.Multidisciplinary Design & Production3. Design Across Multiple Channels and FormatsConceptualize and execute creative across print, digital, web, social media, presentations, advertising, events, and environmental applications.Develop campaign identities, visual systems, infographics, executive presentations, and other high-visibility creative assets.Maintain strong hands-on design capabilities, supporting both complex creative initiatives and day-to-day production needs.Adapt creative concepts across multiple formats while maintaining consistency and quality.4. Support Video, Motion Graphics & MultimediaDevelop storyboards, visual concepts, motion graphics, and animated content for campaigns, social media, presentations, and corporate communications.Collaborate with video production resources on creative direction, visual storytelling, and post-production execution.Contribute hands-on motion design, animation, and video editing capabilities as project needs require.Identify opportunities to use emerging creative technologies and formats to elevate audience engagement.Team Leadership & Creative Direction5. Lead, Mentor & Develop DesignersProvide day-to-day creative leadership, direction, and mentorship for two designers.Assign and review creative work in coordination with Creative Studio leadership and Marketing Operations.Provide constructive feedback that strengthens conceptual thinking, design execution, and professional development.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement.Balance hands-on creative contributions with team oversight and development.6. Establish and Maintain Creative ExcellenceReview creative deliverables for conceptual strength, visual quality, accuracy, and brand consistency.Help establish design best practices, creative standards, and quality-control processes.Partner with the Executive Director, Creative to identify opportunities to improve creative output, capabilities, and workflows.Ensure creative work is both strategically effective and executable within project timelines and resources.Brand Stewardship & Governance7. Protect and Elevate the CACI BrandEnsure all creative work aligns with CACI's brand identity, messaging, and corporate standards.Support the development and evolution of brand guidelines, visual systems, templates, and creative resources.Maintain a consistent masterbrand approach across corporate initiatives, products, programs, and campaigns.Identify opportunities to modernize and strengthen CACI's visual expression while maintaining brand integrity.Collaboration & Project Execution8. Partner Across Corporate Communications and the BusinessCollaborate with Marketing Strategy, Marketing Operations, Strategic Communications, Digital, Social Media, Video, and Events & Partnerships.Participate in creative brief development, project kickoffs, concept reviews, and stakeholder presentations.Partner with Marketing Operations to establish realistic timelines, clarify deliverables, and manage creative priorities.Communicate proactively with stakeholders to ensure alignment on creative direction, feedback, and approvals.9. Support Creative Studio OperationsManage assigned creative tasks and team deliverables within Asana, maintaining visibility into project progress and deadlines.Follow established creative workflows, including briefing, concept development, reviews, approvals, quality assurance, and final delivery.Identify resource constraints, production challenges, and potential project risks early.Support process improvements that increase efficiency, accountability, and collaboration across the Creative Studio.Innovation & Creative Evolution10. Advance Creative Thinking & CapabilitiesStay current on design trends, emerging technologies, motion graphics, digital experiences, and evolving creative practices.Explore opportunities to incorporate AI-assisted workflows, new design tools, and innovative production techniques.Recommend new approaches to visual storytelling that strengthen CACI's brand and differentiate the company within its markets.Encourage creative experimentation and knowledge-sharing across the team.Qualifications:Required:Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Advertising, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.8+ years of professional design experience, ideally including experience within an advertising agency, creative agency, or in-house creative studio.Strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking, original concept development, integrated campaigns, and exceptional design execution across multiple channels.Demonstrated experience leading creative projects, providing art direction, and mentoring or managing designers.Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, with working knowledge of After Effects and Premiere Pro.Versatility across branding, digital, print, social media, presentations, video, and motion graphics.Ability to translate complex business objectives and technical information into compelling creative concepts and visual storytelling.Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate creative rationale to stakeholders and leadership.Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.Preferred:Advertising or creative agency background, with experience developing integrated campaigns, leading conceptual creative, and presenting ideas to clients or senior stakeholders.Experience within the defense, aerospace, intelligence, national security, technology, or government contracting industries.Understanding of the federal contracting landscape, government customers, and business-to-government marketing.Experience translating complex technical capabilities into accessible, engaging, and differentiated brand storytelling.Strong motion graphics, animation, video editing, and multimedia production capabilities.Experience with Figma, digital design systems, and modern web design principles.Experience developing creative for enterprise brands, executive leadership, corporate communications, and high-visibility marketing initiatives.Familiarity with Asana or similar project management platforms and collaborative creative workflows.Experience incorporating AI-assisted creative tools and emerging technologies into the creative development process.Ideal Candidate Profile: We're looking for a multidisciplinary creative leader who brings the conceptual thinking and creative ambition of an advertising agency, combined with the strategic discipline needed to support a complex, technology-driven business.This individual should be equally comfortable developing a big campaign idea, leading two designers, building a compelling visual identity, creating motion graphics, or rolling up their sleeves to execute the work.The ideal candidate understands how to balance creativity with business objectives, bringing fresh thinking, strong storytelling, and a high standard of design excellence to everything they do.-What You Can Expect: A culture of integrity.At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.An environment of trust.CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.A focus on continuous growth.Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.Pay Range :There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.The proposed salary range for this position is:$84,900 - $178,400CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.