Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Alberta Innovates / InnoTech Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Job Type: Full-time - Permanent
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: May 14, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute high-impact visual assets across digital and print media to enhance brand presence.
• Integrate photography and videography to create compelling corporate storytelling and bring innovative concepts to life.
• Collaborate within a Communications team to support organizational strategic priorities and high-profile initiatives.
• Ensure all visual content adheres to brand standards, accessibility guidelines (WCAG), and privacy requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities, including photography, videography, and digital asset management, indicate a broader multimedia and visual communications role. The focus on "corporate storytelling" and supporting "innovation" suggests a strategic contribution to brand narrative rather than solely executing design tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality visual assets for diverse platforms, including annual reports, presentations, infographics, social media, web content, and marketing campaigns.
• Capture compelling photography and videography at corporate events, in laboratory settings, and during field activities across Alberta.
• Edit and produce short-form videos tailored for digital channels and internal communications, ensuring brand consistency and quality.
• Manage and organize a digital asset library through effective archiving, tagging, and cataloging processes.
• Translate complex scientific and research concepts into clear, engaging, and accessible visual narratives.
• Maintain and evolve brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency across all organizational communications.
• Collaborate closely with internal clients and stakeholders to understand their creative needs and deliver effective visual solutions.
• Support high-impact initiatives such as Innovation Week, funding program launches, and research storytelling projects.
• Coordinate with external vendors, including printers, photographers, and videographers, to ensure project success.
• Optimize designs for digital platforms, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG) and best practices for web and social media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic support for organizational initiatives. The inclusion of photography, videography, and digital asset management suggests a need for a candidate who can manage multiple facets of visual content creation and curation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Diploma in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional design experience, preferably within corporate, agency, or public sector environments.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
• Demonstrated expertise in photography and videography, including capture, editing, and production workflows.
• Strong understanding of digital design principles for web, mobile, and social media platforms.
• Proven ability to capture and edit video content for various digital channels.
• Experience with photography and videography equipment and associated production processes.
• Exceptional design, layout, and typography skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to translate complex information and research into clear, engaging visual narratives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder consultation.
• Creative, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
• Experience with multimedia production and digital asset management systems.
• Understanding of brand management principles and their application across various media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required" skills list is comprehensive and directly reflects the diverse responsibilities. The "Preferred" skills highlight areas that would provide a candidate with a competitive edge, particularly regarding digital platforms and accessibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing a strong understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy across both print and digital mediums.
• Demonstrations of visual storytelling through compelling infographics, presentations, or campaign materials.
• Examples of photography and videography work, including short-form video edits, that illustrate creative capture and effective editing.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to translate complex concepts into accessible visual narratives.
• Evidence of maintaining brand consistency and evolving brand standards in design outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow processes for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including client consultation and feedback integration.
• Documentation of digital asset management practices, such as archiving, tagging, and version control.
• Showcasing how performance insights or trends were used to inform and improve visual content strategies for digital platforms.
• Evidence of collaboration with internal teams or external vendors to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role blending design with multimedia production, a portfolio should not only display creative output but also demonstrate process, project management capabilities, and an understanding of how visual assets serve organizational goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 4+ years of experience in Edmonton, Alberta, the estimated salary range is CAD $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Edmonton and the specialized skill set required, including photography and videography.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation aligned with internal classification and pay bands.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health and dental coverage.
• Pension benefits.
• Vacation starting at three weeks annually.
• Paid time-off programs designed to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• A respectful and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration and values diverse perspectives.
• Flexible work arrangements, where operationally feasible.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the role's requirements, experience level, and geographic location. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are typical for a full-time permanent position in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Science & Research, Technology, Government & Public Sector. Alberta Innovates is Alberta's comprehensive research and innovation agency, while InnoTech Alberta is a leading research and technology organization. This dual identity suggests a culture that bridges applied research, technological development, and public service. Company Size: Alberta Innovates/InnoTech Alberta is a significant provincial agency, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals across its operations. This size indicates a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration and impact. Founded: Alberta Innovates was established to consolidate provincial innovation efforts, building on a legacy of research and development in Alberta. InnoTech Alberta's history is rooted in provincial research institutions. This long-standing commitment to innovation provides a rich context for a creative role supporting groundbreaking work.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be a key member of the Communications team, likely comprising specialists in communications, marketing, and possibly digital content.
• Reporting structure will likely be to a Communications Manager or Director, with close collaboration across marketing, research, and program delivery teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as the role supports various departments and initiatives, requiring interaction with researchers, program managers, and executive leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are used to inform content strategies, with an emphasis on measuring the impact of visual storytelling.
• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for managing multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
• Automation and efficiency practices are implicitly valued through the need for managing digital assets and optimizing designs for digital platforms.

Company Website: https://albertainnovates.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to drive economic growth through innovation suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. The Graphic Designer's role is central to communicating this mission and the impact of its work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level within the creative and communications function. It requires a solid foundation of technical design skills combined with practical experience in multimedia production and project management. The responsibilities suggest a contributor role with significant autonomy in executing design tasks and providing creative input. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Communications department. This structure allows for guidance and oversight while providing opportunities to take ownership of design projects and contribute to broader communication strategies. Collaboration will extend across various departments, offering exposure to different facets of the organization's innovation ecosystem. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts how Alberta Innovates/InnoTech Alberta is perceived by stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, researchers, government bodies, and the public. High-quality visual assets are critical for communicating the organization's value, the success of its initiatives, and the impact of innovation on Albertans. Effective visual storytelling can enhance engagement, increase awareness of programs, and support fundraising or partnership efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced After Effects for motion graphics) or multimedia production techniques.
• Specialization Paths: Potential to specialize in areas like data visualization, interactive design, or leading visual content strategy for specific campaigns.
• Learning & Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and potentially industry conferences to stay current with design trends and technologies.
• Leadership Potential: With proven success and expanded responsibilities, opportunities may arise for senior designer roles or team leadership positions within the communications department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around enhancing core design and multimedia skills, specializing within visual communications, and potential progression into leadership roles. The emphasis on "operations impact" connects the creative role to tangible business and organizational outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Edmonton Research and Development Park, suggesting a modern, professional office environment likely designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The "Hybrid" work model indicates a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. Office Location(s): Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The specific location within the Research and Development Park likely provides access to a hub of scientific and technological activity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with the Communications team and other departments involved in innovation projects.
• Access to standard design software and potentially specialized photography/videography equipment will be available.
• Opportunities for team interaction will be frequent, especially during in-office days, facilitating brainstorming, project reviews, and knowledge sharing among creative professionals.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model suggests flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing in-office and remote workdays as operationally feasible, allowing for focused design work and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment highlights the blend of a professional research setting with a collaborative creative team, emphasizing the hybrid nature of the work and its impact on daily operations and interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter to assess qualifications and experience against requirements.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio. This stage is critical for evaluating design skills, multimedia capabilities, and visual storytelling. Expect to discuss specific projects, your role, and the outcomes.
• Interview(s): Likely includes interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the Communications team or key stakeholders. Questions will focus on design philosophy, problem-solving approaches, project management, and cultural fit.
• Skills Assessment/Practical Exercise: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to assess design skills, creative problem-solving, and ability to meet project briefs under timed conditions.
• Final Selection: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, portfolio, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase a diverse range of projects that directly align with the job description, emphasizing visual storytelling, digital design, and multimedia (photography/video) capabilities.
• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process you followed, the tools used, and the results or impact achieved (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity of complex information).
• Showcase Process: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex concepts into visual narratives, maintain brand consistency, and adapt to client needs.
• Video/Photography Samples: Ensure any video or photography samples are well-edited, demonstrate creative capture, and showcase your ability to tell a story visually.
• Accessibility Focus: If possible, include examples demonstrating an understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG) in design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Organization: Research Alberta Innovates and InnoTech Alberta's mission, values, current initiatives, and recent communications.
• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you approach creative briefs, and how you handle feedback or revisions.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would visually represent complex scientific or innovation-related topics, or how you would handle competing project priorities.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with the Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio review and potential practical assessment, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just creative output but also their strategic thinking and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign (layout and print design), Illustrator (vector graphics), Photoshop (image editing), Premiere Pro (video editing), and After Effects (motion graphics, visual effects).
• Photography/Videography Equipment: Experience with professional-grade cameras, lighting, audio equipment, and related production tools.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with organizing, tagging, and archiving digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of digital analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) may be beneficial for optimizing web and social media content.
• Ability to interpret performance insights to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress is preferred for web content integration.
• Understanding of how visual assets are deployed across digital marketing channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around the Adobe Creative Suite, reflecting the core design and multimedia requirements. Familiarity with CMS platforms and digital asset management is also highlighted as important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: Aligned with the organization's mission, a culture that values exploring new ideas, technologies, and creative approaches to visual communication.
• Collaboration & Respect: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and valuing diverse perspectives within the Communications team and across departments.
• Accountability & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and taking ownership of design projects.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging learning, adapting to new trends and technologies, and seeking feedback to enhance design outcomes.
• Impact-Driven: A focus on how visual communications contribute to achieving organizational goals and benefiting Albertans.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various internal teams (e.g., research, program delivery, marketing) to understand project needs and deliver effective visual solutions.
• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged to refine designs and improve project outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design trends, and technical skills within the Communications team and potentially broader organizational forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is shaped by the organization's core mission of innovation and public service, emphasizing collaboration, quality, and a drive to make a tangible impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: A primary challenge will be translating intricate scientific research and innovation concepts into visually compelling and easily understandable assets.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while also producing fresh, engaging, and innovative creative work.
• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously with varying deadlines and stakeholder requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, software updates, and emerging visual media trends (e.g., AI in design, new video formats).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications, particularly motion graphics and advanced video editing.
• Industry Best Practices: Access to workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on graphic design, digital media, photography, videography, and visual storytelling.
• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior creative professionals within the organization or through industry networks.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into Alberta's innovation landscape by working closely with researchers and program managers, which can inform design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a role bridging creative execution with complex subject matter and organizational demands, while growth opportunities focus on continuous skill enhancement and strategic development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a complex research finding into an engaging infographic or visual narrative." (Focus on your methodology, source analysis, and design thinking.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse digital and print platforms while still producing fresh, creative designs?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, strategic application, and creative problem-solving.)
• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. How did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on project management, communication, and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Alberta Innovates' mission and how do you see your design skills contributing to it?" (Research their current initiatives and articulate your alignment.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as researchers or program managers, to gather requirements and feedback?" (Emphasize communication, active listening, and translation of needs.)
• "Describe a time you used data or performance insights to inform your design decisions for a digital platform." (Showcase your analytical approach and data-driven mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation around stories for each project. Start with the objective, outline your process (research, ideation, execution), showcase the final assets, and detail the impact or outcome.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Clearly highlight your skills in graphic design, photography, and videography, perhaps by dedicating sections or specific projects to each.
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the specific software and techniques used for each piece, especially within the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Relevance: Emphasize projects that align with corporate communications, public sector work, or the communication of scientific/technical information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on strategic thinking, process demonstration, and the ability to connect design work to organizational goals, especially given the company's innovation-focused mandate.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature examples of visual storytelling, digital design, and multimedia (photography/videography) work that aligns with corporate communications and innovation-focused organizations.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of professional experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and specific achievements in photography, videography, and project management. Use keywords from the job description.
• Cover Letter Strategy: Craft a compelling cover letter that articulates your passion for Alberta Innovates' mission, your understanding of visual communication's role in innovation storytelling, and how your unique blend of design, photography, and videography skills makes you an ideal candidate.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Alberta Innovates and InnoTech Alberta to understand their strategic priorities, recent projects, and brand identity. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview discussions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.