Senior Manager, Communications

Do you enjoy translating complex scientific concepts into engaging visual content that helps the public understand research and innovation? Are you experienced managing creative teams while delivering high-quality digital products on deadline?

Avid Core is seeking a Senior Manager, Communications to support communications initiatives as a Digital Project Manager for a federal agency. This role will focus on developing digital communications products—including graphics, infographics, data visualizations, and scientific illustrations—that communicate the impact of federally funded research.

To Apply: Submit resumes and cover letters through this posting. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Candidates from all backgrounds are welcome to apply for our open positions and to join our bench of talented professionals.

Salary Range: $100,000 – $145,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Overall Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning, development, and delivery of digital communications products supporting federal programs and initiatives
• Oversee production of visual communications materials such as infographics, digital graphics, scientific illustrations, data visualizations, and presentation materials
• Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible visual formats for public, academic, and policy audiences
• Coordinate design workflows and project timelines across multiple design and communications initiatives
• Supervise and provide guidance to a team of junior designers and illustrators producing graphics and visual communications materials
• Review and provide feedback on design deliverables to ensure visual clarity, accuracy, and consistency
• Ensure visual materials align with federal communications objectives and agency branding standards
• Work closely with writers, communications staff, and subject matter experts to develop integrated digital communications products
• Conduct research and collaborate with scientists and program staff to accurately represent research concepts visually
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and task assignments for digital design projects
• Track project milestones, risks, and deliverables while ensuring projects remain on schedule
• Facilitate internal coordination among communications staff, designers, and client stakeholders
• Ensure digital products meet federal accessibility standards and usability best practices
• Support development of digital assets for websites, presentations, social media, and outreach materials
• Maintain organized digital asset libraries and version control for graphics and visual communications materials
• Participate in internal and client meetings to discuss communications priorities and project progress
• Identify opportunities to improve design workflows, project efficiency, and visual storytelling approaches
• Mentor junior designers and provide constructive feedback to support professional growth
• Provide general digital communications and project support as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Skills:

• 6+ years of experience in digital project management, graphic design, digital communications, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience managing creative or digital production teams
• Strong background in graphic design, digital media production, marketing or scientific visualization
• Strong understanding of project management processes, including scheduling, resource coordination, and milestone tracking
• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) or similar software
• Experience developing infographics, scientific illustrations, or data visualizations preferred
• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms and content management systems preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to obtain a public trust clearance

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Organized and able to manage multiple design projects simultaneously
• Professional and confident interacting with researchers, program staff, and federal stakeholders
• Detail-oriented and committed to producing high-quality visual communications products
• Able to balance creative direction with project management responsibilities
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and adaptable
• Team-oriented and supportive of junior staff development

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, Scientific Illustration, Communications, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Vision, dental, and short-term and long-term disability
• 401K with employer match (after six months of employment)
• Federal and non-federal paid holidays
• Flexible paid time off
• Generous bonus program based on firm and individual performance
• An opportunity to learn and grow in an inclusive and supportive environment with a fun team

Location:

The position is based in Washington, D.C. Candidates may be expected to work a hybrid schedule with time both on-site and remote, depending on client requirements.

Candidates will be provided with a computer; however, they must have a steady internet connection and a phone.

Accommodation:

Avid Core is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we provide reasonable accommodation as needed. Contact careers@avid-core.com to request an accommodation to participate in the job application and/or interview process.

Avid Core is an award-winning small woman-owned business headquartered in Northern Virginia with employees throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area. We provide effective professional services and communications support to public and private sector clients.

Avid Core is an equal-opportunity employer and operates a drug-free workplace.