Visual Consultant

Socket.dev; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clearing is seeking a Visual Consultant to join our Washington, DC–area team. You’ll produce high-quality visual deliverables—infographics, branding assets, presentations—and collaborate with clients and internal designers to turn complex data into clear, impactful visuals.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in graphic design or visual communications, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and a portfolio that demonstrates strong typography, accessibility, and human-centered design. A U.S.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance preferred or obtainable.
• 4+ years of experience in graphic design, visual communications, information design, user experience, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, User Experience Design, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of typography, accessibility, and human-centered design.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with short deadlines and high attention to detail.
• Portfolio demonstrating branding, web/mobile interfaces, data visualizations, and visual storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and iterate high-quality print and digital deliverables, including infographics, presentations, one-pagers, data visualizations, wireframes, reports, logos, newsletters, and other graphic products that meet client, brand, and end-user needs
• Turn complex information and data into clear, digestible, and engaging visual content
• Collaborate with designers, cross-functional teams, and clients to develop and refine visual deliverables
• Understand client objectives and requirements and develop clear creative solutions
• Apply design principles such as typography, hierarchy, and balance to create cohesive materials that align with client branding and messaging
• Ensure visual deliverables meet Section 508 compliance requirements and accessibility standards
• Develop and improve templates, design systems, and asset libraries to support brand consistency and efficiency across projects
• Support proposal design, business development initiatives, and client relationships

Skills

Secret clearance

Graphic design

Visual communications

User experience

Project management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Figma / wireframing

Education

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

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Figma

MS Office / Google Workspace

Job description

Description

Company Description

The Clearing is a management consulting firm that helps leaders solve complex challenges by turning insight into action. We specialize in diagnosing the root causes of organizational friction across people, processes, and technology, then configuring proven solutions that accelerate meaningful, measurable progress.

Our approach blends analytical rigor with human-centered design. Whether we’re enabling change, optimizing workflows, or guiding smart technology adoption, everything we do is built to scale, repeat, and deliver value. We work across public, private, and mission-driven sectors, partnering with clients to modernize how they lead, work, and deliver.

Our team brings deep experience across disciplines, including change management, strategic planning, organizational design, leadership development, behavioral science, and more. What unites us is a shared belief: real progress happens when we focus on what’s not working, define what’s possible, and deliver outcomes that stick.

If you're excited by purpose-driven work, energized by solving problems at their roots, and passionate about building solutions that last, we’d love to meet you.

Visual Consultants collaborate closely with internal teams and clients, contributing to small- to large-scale projects focused on delivering high-quality visual outputs (including product design and development). Product design and development at our firm spans from crafting small-scale items, such as icon sets and social media graphics, to executing extensive projects, including branding and strategic roadmapping. We deliver a range of high-quality deliverables, including data visualizations, interactive presentations, and comprehensive user experience services such as persona development and prototyping. We ensure every output, whether simple or complex, meets the highest standards for our clients. This position requires advanced design skills, proficiency in relevant software, and the ability to contribute to project management.

All applicants must provide an online portfolio that showcases a range of materials, technical capabilities, and design styles. Portfolios should include a variety of design projects, such as branding, web and mobile interface design, data visualizations/infographics, and interactive media, showcasing the applicant's versatility, creativity, and problem-solving skills in visual communication.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and iterate high-quality print and digital deliverables, including infographics, presentations, one-pagers, data visualizations, wireframes, reports, logos, newsletters, and other graphic products that meet client, brand, and end-user needs
• Turn complex information and data into clear, digestible, and engaging visual content
• Collaborate with designers, cross-functional teams, and clients to develop and refine visual deliverables
• Understand client objectives and requirements and develop clear creative solutions
• Apply design principles such as typography, hierarchy, and balance to create cohesive materials that align with client branding and messaging
• Ensure visual deliverables meet Section 508 compliance requirements and accessibility standards
• Develop and improve templates, design systems, and asset libraries to support brand consistency and efficiency across projects
• Support proposal design, business development initiatives, and client relationships

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

• Active Secret clearance, or willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
• 4+ years of experience in graphic design, visual communications, information design, user experience, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, User Experience Design, User-Interface Design, Product Design, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of core design principles and practices, with an understanding of visual hierarchy, accessibility, and human-centered design, and how to apply them across a range of visual projects
• Ability to manage competing priorities with short deadlines while having a strong attention to detail
• Ability to take ownership of assigned projects, work independently, and collaborate effectively with team members
• Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, with experience using Figma or similar tools for wireframing and prototyping
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Ability to articulate visual design decisions and follow through on feedback and revisions
• Ability to set expectations, define project timelines, and deliver quality designs with minimal supervision or oversight
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients and cross-functional teams
• Proven track record of successfully managing projects and delivering results in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills
• Must be local to the Washington, DC metro area and able to attend on-site meetings at the request of the client and project team; occasional travel outside of these regions could be expected (5%)
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design fundamentals, creative thinking, and quality of execution