Graphic Design Jobs with the US CIA

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Graphic Design Jobs with the US Central Intelligence Agency
Jacci Howard Bear

Fans of the now-defunct CBS show The Agency already know that computer arts and design played an important role in this television drama about the Central Intelligence Agency. For those that might not have realized it, the CIA does indeed have graphic design jobs. There is even a CO-OP program for graphic design students.

According to the show's official CBS Web page, "Terri Lowell (Paige Turco) is a wizard in the graphic design department whose ambition and good instincts have made her a prime candidate for fieldwork. She's assisted by Lex (Richard Speight Jr.), a young computer wizard who works side-by-side with her on time-sensitive missions. Guiding them is Joshua Nankin (David Clennon), head of the Office of Technical Services."

In past episodes, Joshua and his staff have been called on to create numerous false documents and videos, doctor photographs, analyze suspicious documents and photos for authenticity, create perfect matches to wallpaper and even replicate all elements of a room working solely from photographs.

While the television series may have dramaticized the actual work of those with graphic design jobs in the CIA, it is true that these designers provide important support to those who "combat terrorism, nuclear threats, biological warfare and any and all assaults on the United States" using such familiar desktop publishing tools as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Graphic Design Jobs Descriptions and Qualifications
Perhaps you could put your design skills to work in support of the war on terrorism and other matters of national security. Taken from the CIA Web site in February 2003, these job descriptions are representative of the skills and qualifications sought by the CIA. They do not necessarily refer to specific, current graphic design jobs available at this time.

* Graphic Artist/Multimedia Specialist The position is part of a team of professional graphic designers in the Directorate of Science and Technology. This position provides an opportunity for the selected candidates to apply his/her graphic design expertise to design and produce a broad range of finished intelligence products relating to national security issues confronting the United States. Finished * intelligence production includes a wide variety of formats and delivery vehicles, including: hardcopy and electronic publications and briefings, web site design, interactive multimedia, and 3D animation.
Qualifications: BA or BFA in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Computer Graphics, Multimedia, or Illustration. Demonstrated excellence in graphic design skills and a high degree of innovation through the professional portfolio; excellent analytic thinking and creative problem solving skills for visual information design; strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills; the ability to function effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team; the stamina to produce high-quality graphics in a fast-paced work environment; proficiency with state-of-the-art software to produce accurate and innovative graphic design; and ability to quickly learn and integrate new tools and technologies to meet customer needs. Experience using some or all of the following is required: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Adobe InDesign; Microsoft PowerPoint; Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash; and Director.

* Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers provide graphic design support to Agency customers with hard and soft copy products, including web sites. Perform a wide range of routine to complex duties and responsibilities to include:
Web design
Publications, brochures, covers
Posters, briefings, multimedia
Illustration, logos, exhibits
Qualifications: Knowledge of design and presentation software packages to include Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, PowerPoint, QuarkXpress, PageMaker. Flash, Director, InDesign knowledge a plus. Familiarity with digital file formats (tiff, gif, eps, pdf) and the strengths and weaknesses of each. Comprehensive knowledge of graphic design principles, a wide variety of media, and production methods. Basic knowledge of black and white and color photographic processes and conventional and digital print processes.

* Graphic Designers CO-OP
The Graphic Design Co-Op provides a wide-range of products. Assignments include web, publication, brochure, poster, briefing, multimedia, illustration, logo and exhibit design. Graphic design Co-Ops will be required to: work with a wide customer base; manage multiple projects; learn new software tools; develop design skills; and, acquire expertise in multiple skill areas in partnership with the senior graphic designers.
These positions are open to students in pursuit of an Associate or Bachelor Degree in Fine Art or Graphic Design.

While a degree in Graphic Design or related fields is preferred (required in some cases), equivalent experience and a strong background in graphic design can suffice in some cases. All positions require U.S. Citizenship, medical examination, polygraph interview, and an extensive background investigation as well as relocation to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.

Some related positions include Multimedia Designers and Video Production Specialists to work on 3D animation, video production, and other multimedia projects.

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