Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Brock University Location: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (6-month contract) Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education / Administrative Date Posted: May 15, 2026 Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Inferred) Remote Status: Hybrid (with on-campus requirements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the creative development, production, and execution of print and digital design assets that adhere to Brock University's brand standards and relevant legislation.
• Develops comprehensive and cohesive design solutions for marketing communications, encompassing layout, production, and pre-press file preparation.
• Creates engaging, commercial-quality graphics and promotional materials, including infographics, presentations, reports, posters, and digital media elements for advertising, web pages, and email campaigns.
• Collaborates with internal partners to establish visual aesthetics and content for marketing materials, ensuring alignment with their needs and University brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role within Marketing Operations or Creative Operations, focusing on the execution and production of brand-aligned assets for broader marketing initiatives. The "reporting to the Manager, Brand and Marketing" further reinforces this connection. The "hybrid" work arrangement is clarified by the explicit statement that "all employees are required to work on campus as needed," indicating that while some flexibility might exist, on-site presence is crucial.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute design solutions for Brock's marketing communications, including layout, production, and pre-press file preparation.
• Develop comprehensive and cohesive designs that align with overarching brand and campaign guidelines.
• Design and produce engaging, commercial-quality graphics and promotional materials such as infographics, presentations, brochures, reports, posters, and magazine publications.
• Create multimedia graphic elements for digital advertising, online media buys, interactive documents, web pages, and email campaigns.
• Consult with internal partners to understand their needs and establish the overall look, graphic elements, and content of marketing materials, ensuring compliance with University Brand standards.
• Prepare illustrations or rough sketches and utilize software to generate new design ideas.
• Organize print jobs with internal and external vendors, ensuring timely delivery within tight deadlines.
• Ensure all design work complies with accessibility standards and relevant legislation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong execution and production skills, typical of a Graphic Designer within a Marketing Operations or Creative Services function. The emphasis on "pre-press file preparation," "print production," and "organize print jobs" points to a hands-on production role rather than pure concept ideation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A college diploma or undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as graphic design, arts, or digital media.

Experience:

• Relevant experience developing and designing print and digital graphic layouts from conception to final product.
• Proven experience in pre-press and print production.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on marketing collateral and brand compliance.

Required Skills:

• Strong creativity and exceptional visual design abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or other relevant graphic software within a Mac environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pre-press production processes and print requirements.
• Ability to design graphics that ensure a professional appearance and consistency with brand and accessibility standards.
• Strong attention to detail and visual problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills for effective collaboration with internal partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to new platforms, software, and evolving design techniques.

Preferred Skills:

• Applied knowledge of photography, motion graphics, and photo/video editing.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation as it relates to design and electronic communication platforms (e.g., accessibility standards).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred based on the typical progression for a role requiring a diploma/degree and the scope of responsibilities, which includes managing projects from conception to completion and working with vendors. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and a Mac environment is crucial for technical assessment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of print and digital design projects, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Case studies or examples of projects where you managed the design process from initial concept through to final production, highlighting your role in each stage.
• Visual examples of how you have adapted designs to meet specific campaign objectives or stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrations of your ability to create accessible design materials and your understanding of relevant standards.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed print production workflows, including interactions with vendors and pre-press preparation.
• Documentation or visual representation of your design process, from sketching and concept development to final file delivery.
• Showcasing your approach to ensuring brand consistency across multiple marketing collateral types.
• Evidence of your ability to translate project briefs into effective visual communication solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The portfolio requirements are tailored to emphasize the production and brand compliance aspects mentioned in the job description, rather than purely conceptual or strategic design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Job Grade K, Salary Scale: $62,115 - $99,384 CAD per year.
• Target Hiring Range: $62,115 - $65,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements (as outlined in the University's policy, with on-campus work being a requirement).
• Access to University resources and a professional development environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to a well-established educational institution's brand.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.
• The specific schedule will be determined based on operational needs and project deadlines, with the understanding that on-campus presence is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific. The "Target Hiring Range" suggests that candidates closer to the lower end of the scale are likely to be considered, especially for a fixed-term contract. The benefits are limited for a contract role but include crucial elements like flexible work arrangements, though this is qualified by the on-campus requirement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Public University Company Size: Large (Over 1,000 employees, inferred from university operations) Founded: 1964 (Brock University)

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Manager, Brand and Marketing.
• This role is part of the Brand and Marketing team, which likely collaborates closely with various academic departments, administrative units, and student services across the University.
• The team structure suggests a focus on centralized brand management and marketing execution to ensure a unified institutional voice.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on adherence to University Brand Standards and relevant legislation (e.g., accessibility).
• A collaborative approach to design, involving consultation with internal partners to define project requirements.
• A process-driven methodology for print production, including vendor management and pre-press preparation.
• A commitment to a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative environment, as highlighted in the company description.

Company Website: www.brocku.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of Brock University as a "comprehensive university" and its recognition as a "Top Employer" and for "Company Culture" and "Diversity" indicates a positive and established organizational environment. The mention of the traditional territory acknowledges a commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, which is increasingly important in institutional cultures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Specialist Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager, Brand and Marketing, indicating clear lines of accountability for design execution and brand compliance.

Operations Impact:

• This role directly impacts the University's public image and external communications by ensuring consistent, high-quality visual representation across all marketing materials.
• Effective design execution contributes to the clarity and impact of marketing campaigns, supporting recruitment, alumni engagement, and institutional reputation.
• Adherence to brand and accessibility standards ensures legal compliance and broader reach for University communications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone skills in specific design software, expand knowledge in motion graphics and video editing, and gain experience in higher education marketing.
• Portfolio Enhancement: The diverse range of projects (infographics, reports, digital ads) provides excellent material for portfolio development, showcasing versatility.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to collaborate with various departments, offering insights into different areas of university operations and their marketing needs.
• Contract Extension/Future Opportunities: While this is a 6-month contract, strong performance could lead to contract extensions or opportunities within other departments at Brock University.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term contract, the role offers valuable experience within a large educational institution. The growth opportunities focus on practical skill enhancement and portfolio building, which are key for contract positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus Environment Office Location(s): Main Campus, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• The role is based on campus, implying a need for in-person collaboration and use of university facilities.
• The work environment is described as welcoming and inclusive, fostering a strong company culture.
• Access to university-wide design resources and potentially a dedicated design studio or shared workspace.
• Opportunities for interaction with marketing teams, faculty, and administrative staff.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility potentially available as per the University's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy.
• However, the explicit requirement for employees to "work on campus as needed" means that remote work is not the primary arrangement, and on-site presence is essential for collaboration and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" designation in the AI fields is nuanced. While some flexibility might exist, the emphasis on working "on campus as needed" means this is not a fully remote role and requires regular physical presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of applications, resumes, and portfolios.
• First Interview: Likely a discussion of design philosophy, past projects, and suitability for the role and Brock's culture. Expect questions about your experience with brand standards, print production, and digital design.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design software. This may involve creating a sample design based on a brief or critiquing existing designs.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with the Manager, Brand and Marketing, and potentially other team members or stakeholders. This stage often assesses cultural fit and overall fit for the team's dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating print and digital design, brand compliance, and production experience.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the final outcome (including metrics if available).
• Highlight Production Skills: Include examples that clearly demonstrate your pre-press preparation, print production coordination, and ability to deliver print-ready files.
• Address Brand Consistency: If possible, show examples where you've maintained strict brand guidelines for a client or organization.
• Accessibility Awareness: If you have projects that specifically address accessibility standards, be prepared to discuss them.
• Digital Examples: Include examples of web graphics, social media assets, or email campaign elements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Brock's Brand: Familiarize yourself with Brock University's visual identity, brand guidelines, and recent marketing campaigns.
• Practice Design Software: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, on a Mac platform.
• Prepare for Production Questions: Be ready to discuss common print production issues, file formats, color spaces (CMYK vs. RGB), and vendor interactions.
• Think About Accessibility: Consider how you would ensure designs meet WCAG or similar accessibility standards.
• Communicate Your Process: Be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, as you will need to explain design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are critical for design roles. The advice is tailored to emphasize the production, brand compliance, and technical skills required for this specific position at a university.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced knowledge is essential. This includes:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of brochures, reports, posters, and publications.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating logos, icons, infographics, and vector graphics.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and potentially Excel for creating presentations and reports that incorporate design elements.
• Mac Environment: The job explicitly states "in a Mac environment," indicating familiarity with macOS.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, understanding how design impacts digital advertising performance or web page engagement could be a plus. Awareness of basic analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) might be beneficial for understanding digital asset performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core responsibilities of this Graphic Designer role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite" and "in a Mac environment" is a critical technical requirement that should be highlighted for candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to upholding and consistently applying Brock University's brand standards across all communications.
• Quality and Excellence: A focus on producing high-quality, visually appealing, and effective design work that reflects positively on the institution.
• Collaboration and Partnership: An ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders, understanding their needs and translating them into design solutions.
• Efficiency and Timeliness: A dedication to managing projects efficiently, meeting deadlines, and organizing print jobs effectively.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: A commitment to designing for all audiences, ensuring compliance with accessibility legislation and standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative: Working closely with internal partners to gather requirements and ensure design meets their objectives.
• Team-Oriented: Contributing to the overall goals of the Brand and Marketing team.
• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and incorporating feedback to refine design work.
• Process-Focused: Adhering to established workflows for design production and vendor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are derived from the company description and the role's responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of brand, quality, and collaboration within an educational institution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with unique requirements and priorities.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere strictly to Brock's brand guidelines across a wide range of collateral.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Managing workload effectively in a fast-paced university environment with frequent project demands.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, digital platforms, and design techniques.
• Contract Duration: Working within a fixed 6-month contract requires immediate impact and rapid integration into projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially exploring new features or plugins.
• Higher Education Marketing Insights: Gaining exposure to the specific marketing challenges and strategies within the university sector.
• Print Production Expertise: Developing a stronger understanding of the print production lifecycle and vendor management.
• Accessibility Design: Enhancing knowledge and practical application of accessibility standards in design.
• Portfolio Building: Creating a diverse set of high-quality work samples suitable for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to be realistic for a contract role in a large organization, while the growth opportunities focus on tangible skill development and portfolio enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing design requests from multiple stakeholders. How did you prioritize and manage expectations?" (Assesses project management and communication skills.)
• "Walk me through a complex print production project you managed from concept to delivery. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluates production knowledge and problem-solving.)
• "How do you ensure your designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" (Tests understanding of brand compliance and creative execution.)
• "Can you provide an example of a design you created that specifically addressed accessibility standards? What was your approach?" (Assesses awareness and application of accessibility.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Brock University, specifically in a graphic design role within a marketing team?" (Assesses motivation and alignment with the institution.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and software advancements?" (Gauges proactivity and continuous learning.)
• "Describe your experience working in a Mac environment and with Adobe Creative Suite. What are your strengths in these areas?" (Confirms technical proficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design choices, the problem you were solving, and the impact of your work.
• Highlight Production: Clearly point out elements related to pre-press, print production, or digital asset creation and delivery.
• Showcase Brand Adherence: Demonstrate how you applied brand guidelines meticulously.
• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work efficiently, focusing on the most impactful projects and key takeaways.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to answer questions about software, file formats, and design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe the candidate's practical experience, technical skills, and understanding of brand and production processes relevant to the role at Brock University.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Brock University careers portal.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your best print and digital design work, with a focus on projects demonstrating brand compliance, pre-press preparation, and print production experience. Include brief case studies for 2-3 key projects.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Mac environment experience, and any relevant experience in higher education or marketing communications. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience managing projects from concept to completion. Practice articulating your thought process for design decisions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Brock University's mission, brand guidelines, and recent marketing initiatives to demonstrate your understanding and interest in contributing to their visual identity.

⚠️ 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.

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