Lead Graphic Designer

GENERAL FUNCTION:
We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Graphic Designer to shape and advance the visual identity of C-SPAN across broadcast, digital, print and marketing platforms. The Lead Graphic Designer will create compelling, accurate and visually engaging graphics that support C-SPAN's mission of providing public access to government proceedings and political information. This position requires a deep understanding of the U.S. government, particularly the Executive Branch, and the ability to translate complex governmental processes, policies and institutional information into clear, unbiased visual communications.

The ideal candidate combines advanced broadcast design expertise with strong editorial judgment, attention to detail and knowledge of C-SPAN's commitment to transparency, accuracy and nonpartisan coverage. You will lead the creation of on-air graphics while serving as a steward of the C-SPAN visual identity across broadcast, print, digital, social and experiential platforms. This role thrives in a fast-paced newsroom and production environment.

RESPONSIBILITES:

On-Air & Broadcast Design

• Leads the design and evolution of on-air graphics packages, including lower thirds design, bugs, bumpers, transitions, show opens, animations, visual storytelling, tickers, data visualization, digital set backrounds, integrated sponsorships and full-screen graphics.
• Collaborates with senior manager, producers, designers, editors and the technical operations team to develop and deliver polished, broadcast-ready assets under tight deadlines.
• Ensures consistency and quality across all live, taped and promotional graphics.

Brand & Corporate Identity

• Owns and evolves the network's overall visual identity, including logo systems, color palettes, typography and brand guidelines.
• Develops and collaborates on corporate marketing campaigns to ensure a cohesive look and feel across all touchpoints - broadcast, print, digital, social media and experiential/event materials.
• Serves as the creative check for brand consistency across departments and external vendors.

Print & Digital Design

• Designs marketing collateral, promotional materials, ads, presentations and exhibits.
• Partners with marketing and digital teams to adapt broadcast branding for digital-first content.
• Works collaboratively in addressing digital design needs, including web graphics, social media templates, email campaigns and app assets.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentors and guides junior and mid-level designers, providing creative direction and constructive feedback.
• Successfully balances multiple concurrent projects and competing deadlines in a high-pressure, live television environment.
• Presents design concepts and rationale to senior leadership while incorporating guidance, direction and feedback from senior leadership to ensure alignment with organizational goals, brand standards and project objectives.
• Partners cross-functionally with marketing, programming, editorial and technical teams to align design with business goals.

BACKGROUND SKILLS:

Government & Editorial Knowledge

• Maintains a strong working knowledge of the structure and operations of the U.S. government, including the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches.
• Collaborates with editorial teams to ensure graphics accurately identify government officials, agencies, titles, locations and institutional relationships.
• Applies strong editorial judgment when creating visual storytelling elements for complex political and governmental topics.
• Understands the importance of accuracy, context and neutrality when designing content related to public officials, political events and elections.

Design & Creative Tools

• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects.
• Knowledge of InDesign and Canva.
• Familiarity with Figma or Sketch.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and effective use of premium stock media platforms, including AP Images, Getty Images, Shutterstock, Envato and other licensed content libraries to source photography, video, graphics, templates, music and creative assets that support broadcast, marketing, streaming and social platforms.

AI & Emerging Design Technologies

• Demonstrates knowledge of AI-powered design tools and emerging technologies, with a willingness to explore, adopt and advance creative workflows using AI for visual enhancements, efficiency and innovation while maintaining strong design principles.

Broadcast & Motion Graphics

• Strong understanding of broadcast-safe colors, resolutions and aspect ratios.
• Expertise in Real-time/live graphics workflows and rapid-turnaround design under deadline pressure.
• Knowledge of motion graphics design and animation for live and taped television.
• Knowledge of broadcast graphics playout systems (e.g., Chyron, Vizrt, Ross Xpression or similar).

Brand & Visual Design

• Full knowledge of brand identity systems and style guide development and roll out strategies.
• Expertise in typography, color theory and layout/composition principles.
• Expertise in logo design and design system scalability across platforms.
• Fully understanding print production (bleed, color modes, file prep for print vendors).

Digital & Web

• Fully capable of web and digital ad design (responsive layouts, banner ads, email templates).
• Familiarity with social media graphic templates and platform-specific specs (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital assets.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Creative direction and team mentorship.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder communication skills.
• Project management and ability to prioritize across multiple simultaneous deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset for working cross-functionally with management, editorial, marketing, and technical teams.
• Adaptability and composure in a live, fast-paced news production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control.

Qualifications Required:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional graphic design experience, with at least three years in a senior or lead capacity.
• Proven experience designing for broadcast/television or a similarly fast-paced media environment.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).
• Knowledge of InDesign and Canva.
• Familiarity with Cinema 4D or similar 3D/motion tools a plus.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating both broadcast motion graphics and print/digital brand design.
• Deep understanding of brand systems, typography, color theory and layout principles.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a live TV, breaking news environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.