Visual Communications & Design Consultant - Active Top Secret Clearance Required

Job Type Full-time Description

Company Description

The Clearing is a modern 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.

Position Description

Visual Consultants collaborate closely with internal teams and clients, contributing to small to large-scale projects with a focus 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 spectrum of high-standard deliverables, including data visualizations, interactive presentations, and comprehensive user experience services, such as persona development and prototyping. Our commitment ensures every output, whether simple or complex, aligns with 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 are required to provide an online portfolio that displays 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 deliver quality design solutions (concepts, prototypes, and final deliverables) that meet client needs and ensure exceptional customer experience
• Manage project lanes or small projects to completion by scoping tasks and managing resources (i.e., time, budget, people) effectively; forecast and track lane/project financial performance and contribute to invoicing reviews and approvals
• Design and facilitate internal and external meetings, ensuring collaboration with teams for design feasibility and quality assurance
• Perform in-depth research and analysis to develop comprehensive data visualizations, client solutions, strategies, and implementation plans
• Plan, conduct, and create detailed client presentations, interviews, reports, etc., with guidance from senior team members on visual quality assurance
• Align with and contribute to the organization's business and development goals
• Participate in proposal development and other business development activities
• Support client relationship development and account growth initiatives
• Continuously research and explore design trends, resources, and communities
• Engage with online design communities, attend events, and participate in professional development to stay at the forefront of the industry
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance
• Four (4) years of experience in a design-related field, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional client and customer experiences
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant design-related field such as Graphic Design, Visual Communications Design, User-Experience Design, User-Interface Design, Product Design, Information/Data Design, or Experiential Design
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States, now and in the future, without the need for company (The Clearing) visa sponsorship now or in the future 
• Willingness and ability to travel to client sites in the surrounding DC and Baltimore metro areas; occasional travel outside of these regions could be expected (5%)
• Proficient in Adobe Creative, Microsoft, and Google Suite
• Skilled in prototyping software such as Figma or InVision
• Good understanding of HTML/CSS
• Ability to articulate visual design decisions and follow through on feedback and revisions
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills within all levels of an organization 
• Proven track record of successfully managing projects, driving change, and delivering resultsin a fast-paced, growth environment
• Ability to prioritize and operate in ambiguity, think critically, and be resourceful when problem-solving
• Active listening skills to build authentic relationships, understand nuances of client intent, create value, and move clients toward outcomes
• Strong analytical skills

Requirements

Compensation

The projected salary range for this position is between $75,000 and $95,000 annually. Actual compensation and starting salaries are determined based on various factors, including the education, experience, knowledge, skills, certifications, and clearance level of the candidate, and internal equity. Once at The Clearing, movement through pay bands is based on performance. Base-annual salary is just one component of The Clearing’s total compensation philosophy and approach. Employees are eligible to participate in The Clearing's robust benefits programs, including our incentive compensation (bonus) programs. Please refer to our Careers Page online for a complete list of benefits. 

Physical and Mental Requirements

While performing duties of this job, an employee may be required to perform any, or all of the following: attend meetings in and out of the office, travel (sometimes extensively); occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand; communicate effectively (both orally and in writing); ability to effectively use computers and other electronic and standard office equipment; and occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work is primarily sedentary and involves sitting for several hours at a time. Occasionally walking, climbing stairs, and standing occur in this role. Additionally, this job requires certain mental demands, including the ability to use judgment, withstand moderate amounts of stress, and maintain attention to detail. The Clearing is committed to partnering with all candidates and employees to ensure reasonable accommodations are made to meet these requirements. 

Eeo

The Clearing is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, The Clearing complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs.

Salary Description $75,000 - $95,000