Visual Communications Specialist-536244

About the role

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) manages the State Department's overseas building program. The Office of External Affairs (OBO/EA) serves as OBO's congressional and press liaison, handling legislative, press, and industry affairs. This position supports EA by managing the industry relations portfolio, coordinating media requests, internal meetings, and related communications.

Responsibilities

• Design visual communications and materials for technical and non‑technical audiences
• Create templates, layouts, and graphics for OBO projects, catalogues, fact sheets
• Create, edit, and produce content for social media, OBO projects, and leadership interviews
• Maintain photo archives, messaging slides, and YouTube channel
• Act as project and content manager for internal and external digital content, including websites and SharePoint
• Produce event video and photography on‑site and perform post‑editing
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop designs that meet organizational and stakeholder needs
• Ensure DOS and OBO branding and 508 compliance on all communications collateral bureau‑wide
• Reserve equipment, studio time, and event spaces
• Maintain EA equipment inventory list and advise the Director on equipment needs
• Stay current with the latest design tools and software to produce high‑quality, impactful work

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), PowerPoint, SharePoint, Canva; WordPress experience a plus
• Ability to translate complex information into engaging, easy‑to‑understand visual designs that communicate the department's mission, policies, and initiatives to diverse audiences
• High attention to detail
• Expert knowledge of 508 Compliance
• Keen eye for aesthetics and branding consistency
• Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of experience (with four years of creating contention experience)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance
• Ability to work on‑site five days per week

Benefits

• 100% coverage of employee benefit premiums (Medical PPO or HDHP, Vision, Dental)
• Matching 401K
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability
• Pet Insurance
• Professional Development/Education Reimbursement
• Parking and Transit Benefits for NY, NJ, ATL, and DC Metro areas

Pay

$95,000‑$100,000 per year