Illustrator

ABOUT M&C SAATCHI WORLD SERVICES

M&C Saatchi World Services is a full-service marketing company renowned for using commercial advertising to solve the worlds toughest challenges. World Services is a specialty branch of M&C Saatchi Group and we provide strategic communications behavior change and marketing support to Public Sector clients with special emphasis on the US Federal Government and State Local Tribal & Territorial leaders.

M&C Saatchi World Services US is seeking a highly creative visually driven and versatile Illustrator. This role develops original illustrations iconography infographics and visual storytelling assets that support communications outreach and stakeholder engagement initiatives transforming complex information into compelling visual narratives that strengthen audience understanding engagement and brand impact across digital print social experiential and multimedia channels.

THE ROLE

Working closely with creative designers art directors writers strategists UX specialists strategy account and communications teams you will transform complex ideas into clear visually engaging illustrations that inform inspire impact and connect with audiences. From campaign artwork assets and infographics to iconography digital content digital experiences presentations brand materials and enterprise communications products you will play a key role in shaping how stories and information are communicated through visual design. The ideal candidate combines strong design fundamentals artistic ability with strategic thinking and a deep understanding of visual communication. They are comfortable adapting their style to different audiences and platforms collaborating across disciplines and delivering high-quality creative work that balances storytelling usability and brand consistency.

This is a hybrid role; however the ideal candidate will live in the greater NYC area or the District of Columbia Maryland and Virginia (DMV) region.

Key Responsibilities

Create custom illustrations iconography diagrams and visual assets for digital print motion graphics social media presentations reports and integrated communications campaigns.

Develop visual storytelling concepts that simplify complex information and communicate ideas in engaging and accessible ways.

Collaborate with designers art directors writers strategists UX specialists and communications teams to develop audience-centered creative solutions.

Build illustrations as organized layered files that support motion graphics and animation handoff thinking about separated elements sequential frames or animation-ready post-production assets.

Produce illustrations that align with brand standards visual identity systems accessibility requirements and enterprise design guidelines.

Art direct concepts from initial sketch through final execution applying independent judgement on style composition and visual systems as it relates to the brief and creative strategy.

Adapt illustration styles and visual approaches to support a variety of campaigns audiences communications objectives and content formats.

Support the development of infographics explainer graphics presentation visuals campaign artwork and enterprise communications materials.

Design illustrations for product and interface use including icon sets empty states and onboarding flows that function consistently within a broader UX/UI design system.

Develop illustration assets as reusable components such as icons states and variants that integrate into existing design systems and component libraries rather than standalone artwork.

Provide creative support for high-visibility initiatives executive communications and time-sensitive projects.

Prepare artwork for digital and print production ensuring proper formatting resolution color profiles and technical specifications.

Maintain organized illustration libraries creative assets templates and version control processes. Participate in creative reviews and feedback sessions refining work based on stakeholder input while maintaining artistic integrity and quality.

Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to broader creative and communications initiatives.

Stay current on illustration trends visual storytelling techniques AI-enabled creative tools and emerging digital design practices.

Key Attributes

Experience creating professional illustration visual storytelling or graphic design work within a creative communications or marketing environment.

Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in illustration conceptual development character development visual storytelling style versatility and creative problem-solving including examples of illustration developed or adapted for motion graphics.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Photoshop After Effects and related illustration and design tools.

Experience utilizing AI-assisted content development research and optimization tools to enhance content quality audience engagement and workflow efficiency.

Curiosity in technology landscape and how AI is changing communications.

Strong understanding of composition form visual hierarchy color theory typography integration and drawing techniques.

Ability to translate complex ideas technical concepts or strategic objectives into compelling visual narratives.

Experience developing artwork for digital print presentation campaign and multimedia environments.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to visual quality consistency and brand alignment.

Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across creative motion graphics production communications strategy UX and account functions.

Working knowledge of how illustration translates into motion graphics including layered file structures and animation-ready asset preparation.

Experience designing illustration for product interfaces with an understanding on how illustration must scale simplify and remain legible within a design system.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to incorporate feedback and refine creative work effectively.

Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Familiarity with accessibility standards including Section 508 and WCAG requirements particularly as they apply to icon legibility color contrast and illustration scalability within product interfaces.

Experience with motion graphics animation production or multimedia storytelling is a plus.

Experience supporting federal government public affairs international development or mission-driven communications programs is preferred.

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as required by the position.

Degree or relevant experience in Illustration Fine Arts Graphic Design Visual Communications Digital Arts or a related creative field preferred.

Educational Requirements:

BA/BS in Illustration Fine Arts Graphic Design Visual Communications Digital Arts or a related creative field preferred.

Location: Hybrid able to commute regularly to Rosslyn VA or New York NY office spaces.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience required.

Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Must be a United States Citizen (required by government contract).

Clearance Eligibility: Must be able and willing to obtain a U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret security clearance immediately upon employment.

Background Screening: Must be willing to submit to a rigorous federal background investigation which includes an in-depth review of personal finances criminal history employment history and drug use.

The salary range provided reflects the anticipated compensation for this role across our Washington DC and New York locations. Actual starting salary will be determined based on geographic location relevant experience skills and other job-related factors.

WHY YOULL LOVE IT HERE

Work on impactful programs supporting federal and defense-related initiatives.
Collaborate with high-performing cross-functional teams across communications digital and analytics disciplines.
Opportunity to shape strategic public engagement initiatives at enterprise scale.

Flexible hybrid working environment.
Exposure to complex mission-driven stakeholder engagement challenges.
Career development opportunities within a fast-growing global organization.

WHAT YOU GET

We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package designed to support your health family life financial wellbeing and growth:

• 12 weeks of full pay for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.

• Choice of three medical plans (HSA at $0 cost; EPO 75% employer funded; PPO 65% employer funded)

• 70% employer-funded dental and vision coverage

• Generous paid time off sick leave and company holidays including an office closure between Christmas & New Years

• 401(k) with 5% employer match

• Gym membership reimbursement and/or Wellhub subscription

• Mental health support through EAP and Self Space services

• Work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks per year (subject to approval)

• Social events happy hours professional development trainings etc.

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