Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Avison Young Canada

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: TEMPORARY

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute creative marketing strategies for various internal teams, focusing on innovative print and digital collateral.

• Manage the end-to-end design and layout of diverse marketing materials, including high-impact proposals, presentations, and comprehensive property marketing collateral.

• Drive digital marketing initiatives by leveraging advanced proficiency in marketing technology tools and automation platforms.

• Ensure unwavering brand consistency across all materials, adhering to global corporate standards and local market needs.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to produce engaging visual content, including promotional videos and interactive websites, to elevate brand initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a commercial real estate firm, implying a need for design that effectively communicates property value, market insights, and client-centric solutions. The emphasis on "complete project ownership and management" suggests a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously from brief to final delivery. The "power-user" designation for specific platforms indicates a requirement for deep technical understanding beyond basic design principles, aligning with a Marketing Operations or specialized Creative Services function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a wide array of marketing collateral, including but not limited to new business proposals, client presentations, service line brochures, property flyers, white papers, invitations, and advertisements.

• Design informative research materials such as market reports, newsletters, and white papers, ensuring clarity and visual appeal to enhance market positioning.

• Create dynamic promotional videos and interactive websites for brand-elevating initiatives, in close collaboration with service line leaders, marketing directors, communications specialists, and thought leaders.

• Act as a regional "power-user" for key marketing technology tools, including Mapbox (mapping solutions), Templafy (content enablement), and Bynder (digital asset management), to streamline content creation and distribution.

• Serve as the primary regional "power-user" for Buildout, Avison Young's property listings and marketing automation platform, managing all sales and leasing assignment marketing materials.

• Support social media marketing efforts by designing compelling social graphics, animated GIFs, and videos for national channels (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube), in partnership with regional marketing leads and corporate marketing and communications teams.

• Maintain strict brand consistency across all deliverables, ensuring adherence to global corporate design standards and guidelines.

• Coordinate and manage signage and special printing requirements for properties, ensuring timely and accurate execution.

• Oversee outsourcing and manage relationships with external vendors for large print jobs and mailing campaigns when necessary.

• Stay informed about Avison Young's technology and innovation initiatives, identifying opportunities for their application in local market strategies and actively evolving design skills to meet changing needs.

• Participate actively in the firm’s strategic marketing and communications best practices meetings, conference calls, and strategy sessions to contribute to broader marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to act as a "power-user" for specific platforms like Buildout, Mapbox, Templafy, and Bynder indicates a strong leaning towards a Marketing Operations function where system management and process optimization are critical. The role demands not just creative output but also a deep understanding of how to leverage technology for efficient and effective marketing execution within the commercial real estate context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of technical proficiency and creative output.

Experience: 2-5 years of progressive experience in creative graphic design, with a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality marketing collateral. Experience within the commercial real estate industry is a significant asset.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, potentially After Effects).

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), with an emphasis on creating polished presentations.

• Demonstrated experience with HTML, video editing software, website design principles, and print design.

• Proven ability to translate project briefs into creative, effective marketing solutions.

• Excellent project management skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

• Capacity to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear and concise interaction with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

• Technical aptitude and willingness to become a "power-user" of specialized marketing technology platforms. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems like Bynder.

• Familiarity with content enablement platforms such as Templafy.

• Knowledge of property listing and marketing automation platforms, specifically Buildout.

• Experience with mapping solutions like Mapbox.

• Background in commercial real estate marketing or a related industry.

• Basic understanding of animation principles for social media graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific technology platforms (Mapbox, Templafy, Bynder, Buildout) and the requirement to be a "power-user" strongly suggests that candidates with a background in Marketing Operations or a strong technical aptitude for learning and mastering marketing technology will be highly favored. This goes beyond standard graphic design qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design work showcasing proficiency in print and digital collateral creation, including proposals, presentations, brochures, and marketing flyers.

• Specific examples demonstrating the ability to translate complex information (e.g., market reports, white papers) into clear, visually engaging designs.

• Case studies or examples of video production and interactive website design, highlighting creative problem-solving and execution.

• Evidence of maintaining brand consistency across various projects and platforms, adhering to established guidelines.

• Demonstrations of how design work has supported specific marketing objectives or business goals. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how project briefs were interpreted and executed, detailing the design process from concept to completion.

• Illustrate experience with managing project timelines, workflows, and stakeholder feedback loops to ensure timely delivery of marketing materials.

• Provide examples of how design and technology were integrated to achieve specific marketing automation or digital marketing outcomes.

• Demonstrate an understanding of brand guidelines and how they were applied consistently across diverse deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on technology platforms and project management, the portfolio should ideally include examples that highlight not just aesthetic design but also the efficiency and strategic thinking behind the creative process. Demonstrating an understanding of how design contributes to marketing automation and content enablement will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Calgary, Alberta, the estimated salary range for this temporary position would be CAD $55,000 - $75,000 annually, prorated for the temporary duration. This estimate considers the cost of living in Calgary, the demand for skilled designers, and the specific technical requirements of the role.

Benefits: As this is a temporary position, benefits may vary. Typically, temporary roles may not include the full suite of benefits offered to permanent employees. However, potential benefits could include:

• Competitive hourly or project-based rate.

• Opportunity to gain experience with a leading commercial real estate firm.

• Exposure to advanced marketing technology platforms.

• Networking opportunities within the industry.

• Potential for contract extension or conversion to a permanent role based on performance and business needs.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as requiring 40 hours per week, indicating a standard full-time temporary commitment. Flexibility may be offered depending on project deadlines and team needs, but the expectation is consistent engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on average market data for Graphic Designers in Calgary, Alberta, considering the specified experience level. The absence of specific salary information in the raw listing necessitates this estimation. Benefits are speculative due to the temporary nature of the role, reflecting common offerings for such positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Brokerage and Advisory. Avison Young operates globally, providing a wide range of services including transaction, management, financial, and consulting. This industry context means designs often need to be professional, data-driven, and focused on conveying value and expertise.

Company Size: Avison Young is a global firm with a significant presence, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and resources. This size offers opportunities for collaboration across diverse teams and functions.

Founded: Avison Young has a long-standing history, recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for over 13 years, with a Platinum Club designation. This suggests a stable, reputable organization with a strong emphasis on operational excellence and client service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a regional marketing team, collaborating closely with marketing leaders, communications specialists, and service line leaders.

• There will be interaction with global corporate marketing and communications teams to ensure brand alignment.

• The role requires close collaboration with sales and leasing teams who utilize the marketing materials.

• The design function is integrated within the broader marketing and communications department, supporting various corporate initiatives and client-facing activities. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Marketing materials, especially proposals and reports, will likely need to incorporate data and analytics visually.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on "power-user" roles for specific platforms suggests a focus on streamlining workflows and maximizing efficiency through technology.

• Brand Stewardship: A core methodology will be maintaining global brand consistency while adapting designs for local market relevance and impact.

• Collaborative Development: The role necessitates working closely with subject matter experts and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and effectiveness of marketing content.

Company Website: https://www.avisonyoung.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's recognition as a "Best Managed Company" for over a decade underscores a commitment to operational excellence, which will likely translate into structured processes and a professional approach within the marketing team. The global nature of Avison Young means brand guidelines are paramount, but local adaptation is also key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an intermediate-level Graphic Designer position, focusing on execution and technical proficiency within a marketing operations framework. It requires 2-5 years of experience and the ability to manage projects independently, while also being a key contributor to team efforts. The "power-user" aspect elevates it beyond a purely creative role, touching on MarOps functions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, with direct collaboration across various service lines and corporate marketing functions. The temporary nature might imply a more direct reporting line to a specific project lead or manager overseeing marketing initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Avison Young's ability to win new business, market properties effectively, and maintain a strong, consistent brand presence. High-quality collateral and digital assets are crucial for client engagement, lead generation, and overall brand perception in the competitive commercial real estate market. The role's contribution to marketing automation and technology adoption also enhances operational efficiency for the sales and marketing teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in marketing technology platforms (Buildout, Bynder, Templafy, Mapbox) and digital marketing design, potentially leading to a MarOps specialization.

• Project Leadership: With proven success and project ownership, there's potential to take on larger, more complex design projects or lead smaller design initiatives.

• Industry Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of commercial real estate marketing, a valuable niche skill.

• Permanent Conversion: Depending on performance and business needs, this temporary role could offer a pathway to a permanent Graphic Designer or Marketing Technologist position within Avison Young.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Gain exposure to various aspects of commercial real estate brokerage and corporate marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "power-user" requirement for specific platforms suggests a growth path toward roles with more strategic involvement in marketing technology management and MarOps. The temporary nature presents an opportunity to prove capabilities and potentially transition to a permanent role with expanded responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-Site. This indicates a traditional office setting where in-person collaboration and access to office resources are expected.

Office Location(s): Calgary, Alberta, Canada (4300, 525 - 8th Avenue SW, T2P 1G1). This is a central business district location, likely offering good accessibility via public transit and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with marketing leaders, sales teams, and potentially other designers or marketing specialists. Expect a dynamic, team-oriented workspace.

• Technology Access: As an on-site role, the designer will have direct access to office hardware, software, and potentially specialized equipment for design and production.

• Professional Setting: Working within a global commercial real estate firm implies a professional, business-oriented atmosphere with opportunities for interaction with industry professionals.

• Brand Integration: The workspace will likely reflect Avison Young's branding, reinforcing the importance of brand consistency in all aspects of work.

Work Schedule: The expectation is a 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time temporary role. While on-site, there might be some flexibility for project-driven needs, but core hours will be required for team collaboration and meeting attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value Avison Young places on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and immediate access to resources within their Calgary office. This is typical for roles that involve significant cross-functional interaction and require hands-on use of office-based technology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, technical skills, and alignment with job requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: This may involve a practical design exercise or a discussion focused on your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and other relevant tools. You might be asked to walk through specific design challenges and your problem-solving approach.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio, discussing your creative process, project ownership, and the impact of your designs. Be prepared to explain how you managed projects, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured brand consistency.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and in a team, communication style, and alignment with Avison Young's company culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior marketing leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, understanding of the commercial real estate market, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this specific role, emphasizing print collateral, digital marketing assets, and any video or web design work.

• Highlight Project Ownership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the objectives, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful proposal submission).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples that demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with the specific platforms mentioned (Buildout, Bynder, Templafy, Mapbox).

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines, or how you adapted designs for different audiences while maintaining brand integrity.

• Prepare for "Power-User" Discussion: Be ready to discuss your experience with marketing technology platforms, your ability to learn new systems quickly, and how you leverage technology to improve efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If provided, allocate time effectively. Focus on meeting the brief's requirements, maintaining brand consistency, and delivering a polished final product within the given timeframe.

• Case Study Presentation: Prepare to discuss a past project in detail, focusing on the problem, your solution (design and process), and the measurable impact.

• Technology Questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with marketing automation, digital asset management, and your approach to becoming proficient with new software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "power-user" status for specific platforms means interviewers will likely probe deeply into your technical capabilities and your approach to mastering new software. Your portfolio should reflect not just design talent but also your capacity for system-level thinking and efficient workflow management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. After Effects may be beneficial for video and animation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Crucial for creating presentations (PowerPoint), reports (Word), and data integration (Excel).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility, the role supports marketing initiatives that rely on data. Familiarity with how design impacts analytics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Buildout: Required as a "power-user" for property listings and marketing automation. This platform is central to managing sales and leasing assignments.

• Templafy: Expected to be a "power-user" for content enablement, suggesting a need for efficient document creation and management.

• Bynder: Expected to be a "power-user" for digital asset management, indicating a role in organizing, distributing, and maintaining brand assets.

• Mapbox: Expected to be a "power-user" for mapping solutions, likely for property location visualization and market analysis graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Buildout, Templafy, Bynder, and Mapbox, coupled with the "power-user" requirement, signifies that proficiency or rapid learning ability with these specific MarTech tools is non-negotiable and will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality design that is both creative and effective, pushing boundaries within brand guidelines.

• Collaboration: Working seamlessly with various teams, understanding their needs, and contributing to shared goals through effective communication and teamwork.

• Efficiency & Automation: Embracing technology and process optimization to deliver marketing materials accurately and on time, particularly through the use of marketing technology platforms.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects from start to finish, ensuring all requirements are met and deliverables are of the highest standard.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of conduct, communication, and presentation befitting a leading global commercial real estate firm.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach, working closely with marketing, sales, leasing, and corporate communications teams to ensure all visual content aligns with business objectives and brand standards.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on project progress, seeking clarification when needed, and providing creative input to enhance marketing strategies.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Open to constructive feedback and using it to refine designs and processes, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, particularly regarding design tools and marketing technology, to support team members and enhance overall departmental capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "power-user" roles and specific MarTech platforms suggests that a culture valuing technological proficiency, process efficiency, and data-informed decision-making is likely present within the marketing team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Rigidity: Effectively producing innovative designs while strictly adhering to Avison Young's global brand guidelines and local market requirements.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling design requests from various teams and individuals, each with potentially different priorities and expectations, within tight deadlines.

• Mastering Specialized MarTech Platforms: Rapidly becoming proficient as a "power-user" for platforms like Buildout, Bynder, Templafy, and Mapbox, beyond basic design applications.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with design software updates, marketing automation trends, and new digital marketing initiatives within the real estate sector.

• Project Prioritization: Effectively managing workload and prioritizing tasks when faced with numerous competing demands and urgent requests.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• MarTech Mastery: Deepen expertise in Buildout, Bynder, Templafy, and Mapbox, potentially becoming a go-to resource for these platforms within the region.

• Commercial Real Estate Marketing: Gain in-depth knowledge of marketing strategies specific to the commercial real estate industry, including property marketing, investor relations, and market analysis presentations.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Enhance skills in areas like video editing, motion graphics, and interactive web design.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learn about different facets of the commercial real estate business through collaboration with sales, leasing, and client services teams.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining marketing workflows and content management processes, leveraging design and technology expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lie in mastering the specified marketing technology stack and applying design skills within the unique context of commercial real estate marketing and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and understanding of brand integrity.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing a complex marketing collateral project, from brief to final delivery. What tools do you use to stay organized?" (Highlight project management, communication, and workflow efficiency.)

• "How would you approach creating marketing materials for a new business proposal in the commercial real estate sector? What key elements would you focus on?" (Demonstrate industry understanding and strategic design thinking.)

• "Describe your experience with digital asset management or marketing automation platforms. How have you used them to improve efficiency or brand consistency?" (Prepare to discuss Bynder, Templafy, or Buildout, emphasizing your "power-user" capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Avison Young and the commercial real estate industry? What interests you about this specific role?" (Show research on the company, its services, and how your skills align with their needs.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs from stakeholders?" (Focus on your adaptability, professionalism, and commitment to improvement.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." (Emphasize collaboration, proactivity, and a positive work attitude.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., proposals, digital assets, technology integration).

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the tools used (especially MarTech), and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight "Power-User" Capabilities: If possible, include examples that show how you've used platforms like Bynder, Templafy, or Buildout to streamline processes or enhance deliverables. Be ready to discuss your technical proficiency.

• Demonstrate Brand Stewardship: Explicitly point out how you adhered to or adapted brand guidelines, showcasing your attention to detail and understanding of brand consistency.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions about your design choices, technical processes, and how you would approach specific tasks for Avison Young.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely scrutinize not only your design talent but also your technical aptitude with specific marketing technology platforms and your ability to operate effectively within a structured, professional corporate environment. Highlighting your "power-user" potential is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this temporary Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Avison Young careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature examples relevant to commercial real estate marketing, including proposals, presentations, property flyers, and any digital marketing assets. Ensure it showcases your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and highlights any experience with marketing automation or digital asset management tools.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 2-5 years of design experience, highlighting key responsibilities such as project management, brand consistency, and digital/print collateral creation. Clearly list your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and any mentioned marketing technology platforms (Buildout, Bynder, Templafy, Mapbox).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project ownership, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with the specified MarTech platforms and how you would contribute to Avison Young's marketing efforts. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Avison Young's services, recent projects, and company culture. Understand their position in the commercial real estate market and how design contributes to their business objectives.

⚠️ 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.