The Visual Information Specialist in DCBE helps create online and print materials for use in national and regional campaigns on consumer protection topics. The employee must demonstrate proficiency in design and illustration using a variety of software applications, including Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite, and works in HTML/CSS. Duties include:

• Designs, lays out, and produces a range of consumer and business materials in digital and print formats, including websites and pages, brochures, fact sheets, bookmarks, infographics, reports, email campaigns, logos, signs and posters, event materials, electronic presentations. Works closely with DCBE and Bureau staff to develop conceptual approaches for design of digital and print materials. Creates designs that accurately interpret and effectively communicate the subject in ways that clarify the topic. Uses a variety of sources to research subjects, and uses a variety of graphics and design software to design and produce visual material. Must be proficient in design and illustration using a variety of software applications, including Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Provides printing support, which includes working with the Government Printing Office, GPO-approved printers and fellow designers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, follow up on job quality and completion, and suggest alternate printing techniques for common products.
• Serves as a Drupal CMS editor for content websites, including loading and editing content, loading images, and troubleshooting formatting.
• Revises existing and develops new print and online materials in a collaborative environment. Works with content owners throughout the design process.
• Applies section 508 principles to all deliverables.
• Knowledge of UX principles and human centered design.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relations with a variety of personnel inside the agency. When needed, helps clients define goals and requirements. Works under tight deadlines.
• Uses oral communication skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse points of contact inside the Commission. Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and a team player.

Conditions of employment

• Relocation expenses will not be paid.
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Applications must be submitted online via www.usajobs.gov

Qualifications

You must meet the following Basic Requirements:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.

Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.

OR

Specialized Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.

At the GS-09 level:

You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:

• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite to design print and online materials to reach consumers;
• Working with printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion
• Experience working with HTML/CSS; applying Section 508 principles to design; and working collaboratively with a variety of people
• OR have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree,
• OR have 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
• Or have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide samples of your work (prints, designs, and other projects. You may also be asked to present your portfolio of work after the close of this announcement.

At the GS-11 level:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal service performing the following duties:

• Using Adobe Creative Suite to design and develop a range of visual materials for publication, exhibits, and/or presentations;
• Using Government Printing Office and GPO-approved printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion
• Using HTML/CSS and content management systems;
• Applying Section 508 principles to design
• Working collaboratively with a variety of people
• OR completed a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position,
• OR have 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
• Or have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide samples of your work (prints, designs, and other projects). You may also be asked to present your portfolio of work after the close of this announcement.

At the GS-12 level: You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:

• Using Adobe Creative Suite to independently design and develop a wide range of visual materials for publication, exhibits, and/or presentations;
• Giving constructive design feedback to fellow designers;
• Working with the Government Printing Office and GPO-approved printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion;
• Using HTML/CSS and content management systems;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of an organization’s digital strategy;
• Applying Section 508 principles to design; and working collaboratively.

You must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide samples of your work (prints, designs, and other projects. You may also be asked to present your portfolio of work after the close of this announcement.

Candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements within thirty (30) days of the closing date of the announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For information on how FTC determines the best qualified candidates please click here.
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