Senior Designer (On-Site, Washington, DC)

Position Overview  

Rational 360 is seeking a Senior Designer who combines strong conceptual thinking with refined execution and the ability to lead complex design projects from initial concept through final delivery. This role is responsible for producing high-quality visual work while helping guide creative direction across client engagements. The Senior Designer will collaborate closely with creative leadership, strategists, and account teams to translate communications objectives into clear, compelling visual solutions. 

The ideal candidate brings advanced design expertise, strong organizational discipline, and the ability to mentor junior designers while maintaining consistency across established design systems and brand standards.

About Rational 360

Rational 360 is a full-service strategic communications and digital company that helps organizations win in high-stakes public affairs, corporate communications, and reputation management. We combine data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to deliver results for clients across industries. Our team is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and driven by impact.

With a staff of approximately 120 and growing, Rational 360 is partially employee-owned and deeply invested in professional development, mentorship, and career advancement. Our teams work at the forefront of strategic communications, public policy, and media engagement across a wide variety of sectors.

Core Responsibilities  

• Lead the design and execution of digital and print creative across client campaigns, including social media, branding, presentations, and web assets. 

• Translate strategic and messaging objectives into clear visual concepts that support public affairs and advocacy communications. 

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining organization, timelines, and quality across medium- to large-scale creative initiatives. 

• Ensure consistency and quality across all deliverables by working within established brand standards and design systems. 

• Collaborate closely with creative leadership, strategists, and account teams to develop and refine creative approaches. 

• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior designers, offering feedback that strengthens craft and execution. 

Qualifications  

• 4–7 years of professional graphic design experience, ideally within an agency, communications, or public affairs environment. 

• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, strong typography, and high-quality visual execution across digital and print formats. 

• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma and presentation design platforms. 

• Experience working within brand guidelines and design systems while adapting them across multiple campaign needs. 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight timelines. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. 

Why Join Rational 360?

• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• Exposure to high-impact work across public affairs, communications, and digital
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Hybrid work model with flexibility- this role will be required to adhere to our hybrid work policy which requires employees to work in-person from our HQ located in downtown DC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Salary range for this role is 78,000 to 92,000 USD annually.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Rational 360 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.