Design Operations Intake Lead

Are you a strong advocate for great design and illustration?

Do you find satisfaction in seeing projects move seamlessly from concept to completion? Most importantly, do you thrive in fast-paced environments where collaboration, creativity, and strategy come together to support impactful communication?

The Communications Department (COMM) at APL is seeking a Design Operations Intake Lead to join our Graphic Design and Illustration Group. In this critical role, you will manage the intake, prioritization, and resourcing of creative projects across the WCD group-ensuring that ideas are translated into powerful visual communications that inform, inspire, and advance the Lab's mission.

You'll work hand-in-hand with designers, illustrators, editorial, and print colleagues to orchestrate the execution of high-impact deliverables. Your work will enable our creative professionals to focus on what they do best: crafting compelling visual stories that bring complex ideas to life. As a leader you will also be joining our department leadership team as we work together to establish a world-class communication. You will be engaged in both the making and execution of strategy for the Multimedia Design Group. You'll report to the Group Supervisor. You will be engaged in both the making and execution of strategy for the Lab's communications and the Communications Department.

As a Design Operations Intake Lead...

• Oversee project intake, prioritization, and coordination of internal resources within WCD. You will ensure project deliverables are well understood and work is distributed effectively.
• Own and manage the end-to-end intake and workflow process within the three functional areas (Design, Editorial, and Print).
• Partner closely with Section Supervisors and team Intake Coordinators to assign resources based on team members' skillsets, knowledge, and availability.
• Serve as the central point of contact between Communication Strategists, Project Managers and teams, ensuring clear handoffs and that all COMM Department stakeholders are aligned on scope, priorities and requirements.
• Providing oversight, consistency and guidance as they handle day-to-day project delivery, including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Oversee the quality review stages with Project Managers and delivery teams throughout the project lifecycle to catch errors, ensure brand consistency, and maintain editorial and visual standards.
• Manage projects involving Design, Editorial, and Print Shop teams, where close collaboration and alignment are critical to ensuring seamless handoffs and consistently high-quality deliverables
• Continuously monitor workload and workflow across teams to maximize efficiency and resolve bottlenecks.
• Aligning execution with the strategic vision set by the Communications Strategist. They are deeply engaged with delivery teams and individual project managers to monitor progress, remove blockers, and maintain workflow efficiency and quality

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• A bachelor's degree in design, project management, communications, or related field, or equivalent years of experience.
• At least 7 years of professional experience to include demonstrated experience with graphic design, illustration and any related graphics work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Demonstrated project management skills, strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels of a matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated skill in bringing together complementary teams in service of design and storytelling.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on operational execution and delivery excellence.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Discretion in handling sensitive personnel and organizational information.
• A self-motivated, strong influencer and negotiator with demonstrated ability to assess situations, collaborate across the organization, make timely decisions, and communicate these decisions clearly to all levels of the organization.
• Unquestionable integrity with exceptional communication skills and ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. Applicant selected will be subject to a Government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Experience managing multimedia design teams.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing formally or informally at APL.
• Are skilled in the use of desktop computer applications, like Asana, and Slack, Power Bi.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.