Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Otipemisiwak Métis Government (MNA)

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and produce high-quality visual assets for both print and digital media, supporting government-wide initiatives and communications campaigns.

• Create compelling graphic design concepts, layouts, and graphics that align with and enhance the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's visual identity and storytelling.

• Maintain and enforce visual standards and templates across all departments to ensure brand consistency and integrity.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, writers, photographers, videographers, and digital team members to ensure cohesive messaging and integrated campaign execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for establishing and maintaining the visual presence of a significant Indigenous government. The emphasis on "storytelling" and "Métis culture" suggests a need for designers who can translate complex narratives into accessible and engaging visual content, requiring cultural sensitivity and a strong understanding of the client's mission and values.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a diverse range of print and digital materials, including reports, posters, presentations, social media graphics, signage, and campaign collateral.

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative design solutions that effectively communicate the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's branding and key messages.

• Establish, update, and manage brand guidelines and design templates to ensure consistent application of visual standards across all government communications.

• Prepare and optimize design files for various production methods, including professional printing and digital distribution across multiple platforms.

• Provide creative support and asset development for major government initiatives, events, and public awareness campaigns.

• Proactively manage a workload of multiple design projects, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring all deadlines are met without compromising quality.

• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, managing expectations regarding project scope, timelines, and deliverables.

• Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing unique visual ideas and design perspectives to enhance communication strategies.

• Foster collaborative partnerships with content creators, photographers, videographers, and digital specialists to ensure cohesive and impactful integrated campaigns.

• Liaise with external vendors, including printers and promotional suppliers, to negotiate budgets, establish production schedules, and oversee the quality of outsourced materials.

• Represent the Otipemisiwak Métis Government professionally and positively in all interactions with staff, clients, and external stakeholders.

• Undertake additional duties as assigned to support the broader communications and creative services team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage the full project lifecycle, from concept to final delivery, and interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The mention of "political and cultural sensitivity" and "handling sensitive or confidential information" indicates that discretion and an understanding of the organization's mission are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in a graphic design or visual communications role, with a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality design solutions.

• Proven experience designing for both digital platforms (web, social media, digital advertising) and print media (reports, brochures, signage). Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat, for creating and manipulating vector graphics, raster images, and preparing print-ready files.

• Strong foundational skills in typography, color theory, layout design, and visual composition, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic balance.

• Excellent written, verbal, and active listening communication skills, essential for understanding project briefs and collaborating with diverse teams.

• Demonstrated ability to produce professional and polished documents, reports, and presentations that effectively convey information.

• Strong analytical thinking, strategic planning, and project execution capabilities to manage design workflows efficiently.

• Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in diverse, fast-paced work environments and adjust design approaches for various audiences.

• Proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively, manage multiple projects concurrently, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines and pressure.

• Capacity to assess design options, consider implications, integrate different perspectives, and develop strategic visual solutions for communication challenges.

• Demonstrated political and cultural sensitivity, with the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and respect diverse backgrounds.

• High ethical standards and proven discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.

• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and project management.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and Google Workspace for general office productivity and collaboration. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Canva, Figma, or similar collaborative design and prototyping tools.

• Experience working within an Indigenous organization, non-profit setting, or government agency.

• Knowledge of Métis history, culture, and current issues affecting Métis people, with a deep understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis culture being a significant asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) is crucial. The preferred skills highlight a strong preference for candidates with experience in Indigenous or non-profit sectors and a deep understanding of Métis culture, which is a key differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital media.

• Projects should highlight the ability to translate complex information and organizational missions into clear, impactful visual narratives.

• Examples of brand identity development, campaign collateral, and report design are highly recommended to showcase versatility.

• The portfolio must clearly illustrate the candidate's design process, from concept generation to final execution, including problem-solving approaches.

• Evidence of strong typography, color application, layout composition, and overall aesthetic quality. Process Documentation:

• Ability to develop and maintain visual standards and design templates for consistent brand application across various departments and communication channels.

• Skill in preparing files for professional print production and optimizing assets for digital distribution across web, social media, and other digital platforms.

• Experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines effectively.

• Capacity to collaborate with writers, photographers, videographers, and digital teams to ensure integrated and cohesive messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is paramount. Candidates should curate their submissions to specifically address the responsibilities and preferred skills, showcasing projects that demonstrate an understanding of branding, storytelling, and multi-platform design. The ability to document and maintain design processes and standards is also a key expectation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is offering a competitive salary for this role. Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Edmonton, Alberta, the estimated salary range is CAD $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required skills, responsibilities, and the cost of living in Edmonton.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit package, likely including health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Employer contributions to a Pension Plan, offering long-term financial security.

• Generous time off policies, providing ample opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.

• Training and professional development opportunities to support career growth and skill enhancement. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment of 40 hours per week.

• Regular schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

• Flexibility required for alternative schedules, including evenings and weekends, to support campaign launches, events, and urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for graphic designers in a major Canadian city. Specific compensation will be determined by the organization based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements. The benefits package appears robust, emphasizing long-term employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Indigenous Governance / Non-Profit

Company Size: The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is described as the largest Indigenous Government in Canada, undergoing rapid growth and development. This suggests an organization with a dynamic, evolving structure, likely employing a significant number of individuals across various departments and initiatives. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to contribute to building foundational processes and systems in a growing entity.

Founded: The organization is operating under its newly ratified Constitution, indicating a recent significant structural change and a forward-looking approach. This suggests an environment that values innovation, adaptation, and the development of new governance frameworks.

Team Structure:

• Creative Services Department: The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Services Supervisor, indicating a structured creative team responsible for all visual communications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with writers, photographers, videographers, digital team members, and various internal stakeholders across different government departments and initiatives.

• Reporting and Hierarchy: A clear reporting structure to a supervisor suggests defined lines of communication and accountability within the creative function.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: The core methodology revolves around producing visual assets that support communications campaigns, events, and government-wide initiatives while upholding the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's branding and storytelling.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the expectation for "analytical thinking, planning, and execution skills" suggests that design decisions should be informed by communication objectives and audience engagement.

• Process Optimization: The need to manage multiple projects, maintain standards, and liaise with vendors points to a focus on efficient workflow management and process improvement within the creative output.

Company Website: http://albertametis.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large, growing Indigenous government undergoing constitutional ratification is significant. This implies a culture that is likely values-driven, community-focused, and in a state of active development. Operations professionals would find opportunities to shape processes in a rapidly evolving organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as a mid-level contributor within the Creative Services department. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills, 3+ years of experience, and the ability to work independently on projects while collaborating within a team. The role is instrumental in executing the visual strategy but likely works under the guidance of a supervisor for overarching direction.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Services Supervisor. This indicates a clear chain of command and a supportive reporting relationship where guidance and feedback on design projects would be provided.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is primarily on the effectiveness of communications and the strength of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's visual identity. High-quality design directly supports the organization's ability to engage with Métis citizens, stakeholders, and the public, influencing perception, understanding, and ultimately, the success of government initiatives and campaigns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., motion graphics, advanced digital design, branding strategy) through project work and professional development.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded experience, potential to move into senior designer roles, team lead positions, or even supervisory roles within creative services.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Exposure to various government initiatives and collaboration with different departments can broaden understanding of organizational operations and communication needs, leading to more strategic design contributions.

• Cultural Expertise Development: For those with existing Métis cultural knowledge, the role offers continuous opportunities to deepen this understanding and apply it creatively within the organization's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in this context would likely involve increasing project complexity, taking on more strategic design thinking, and potentially mentoring junior team members. The unique cultural context offers a specialized growth avenue for those aligned with Indigenous governance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the Graphic Designer to work from the organization's office located at 11738 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton, AB. This setting fosters in-person collaboration and direct interaction with team members and supervisors.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in Edmonton, Alberta. The role may also require occasional travel within Alberta and out-of-province for specific projects or events, with advance notice.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is expected to facilitate direct collaboration with writers, photographers, videographers, and the Creative Services Supervisor, promoting idea exchange and team synergy.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office, Google Suite) will be available.

• Team Interaction: Daily opportunities for direct communication and teamwork with colleagues in the Creative Services department and other government divisions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (40 hours/week).

• Flexibility is required to accommodate variable work hours, potentially including evenings and weekends, to meet project deadlines, support events, or respond to urgent communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and flexible hours indicate a hands-on role deeply integrated into the daily operations of the organization. Candidates should be prepared for a structured yet adaptable work schedule, with the expectation of occasional off-hours work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and applications, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates selected to move forward will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, rationale, and how their work aligns with the organization's needs.

• Video Interview: A short, one-way online video interview will be administered to candidates who progress past the initial stages. This is likely to assess communication skills, initial fit, and ability to articulate ideas.

• In-Person Interview (Potential): Depending on the candidate pool and organizational process, a final in-person interview may be conducted to assess cultural fit, deeper technical understanding, and team collaboration potential.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment based on design skills, technical proficiency, cultural sensitivity, communication abilities, and overall fit with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across print and digital media, and your ability to tell stories visually.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact of your work. Use visual aids like wireframes, sketches, or mood boards.

• Demonstrate Brand Alignment: Include examples that show your understanding of branding and how you've applied or adapted brand guidelines. If possible, showcase work with a similar community or governmental focus.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement on social graphics, successful event promotion).

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your technical skills and the software you use, especially Adobe Creative Suite.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Design Challenge: Practice creating a design concept for a hypothetical government initiative or event within a limited timeframe. Focus on translating a brief into visual ideas quickly.

• Storytelling Practice: Prepare to articulate how you would approach designing for specific Métis cultural events or initiatives, emphasizing storytelling and sensitivity.

• Stakeholder Communication: Be ready to discuss how you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders and ensure project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of a one-way video interview is a key detail. Candidates should prepare concise, impactful responses and ensure good audio/visual quality. The portfolio review is critical; candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also articulate the strategy and process behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is required in:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, digital painting, and creating raster-based graphics.
  • Acrobat: For creating, editing, and preparing print-ready PDF files, including pre-press checks.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation, presentations, and email communication.

• Google Suite: Familiarity with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative work and document management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how to prepare assets for digital platforms that may have analytics (e.g., social media graphics) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets are integrated into broader marketing or communication automation workflows could be a plus. Preferred Tools:

• Canva: Experience with this user-friendly design platform is an asset for quicker social media graphics or internal templates.

• Figma: Familiarity with this collaborative interface design tool is also considered an advantage, particularly for digital asset creation and prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in these tools. Experience with Canva or Figma is a valuable addition, indicating adaptability and a broader understanding of design tool ecosystems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Visual Communication: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful visual assets that effectively communicate the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's message and mission.

• Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: A deep regard for Métis history, culture, and the diverse perspectives of its citizens, reflected in design choices and interactions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working cooperatively with colleagues across departments to achieve shared communication goals.

• Integrity and Discretion: Upholding ethical standards, particularly when handling sensitive information and representing the government.

• Adaptability and Innovation: Embracing a dynamic work environment and being open to new design approaches and technologies to meet evolving communication needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: Designers are expected to work closely with writers, photographers, videographers, and digital specialists to ensure a unified message across all media.

• Stakeholder-Centric: A focus on understanding and responding to the needs of internal stakeholders to ensure design solutions meet their objectives.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve design outcomes and foster continuous learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, new techniques, and insights within the creative team and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on cultural sensitivity, integrity, and collaboration is paramount. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into daily work practices and design decisions, particularly when working with Indigenous communities and governance structures.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Audiences: Creating visual assets that resonate with various Métis communities, internal departments, and external stakeholders, each with potentially different needs and expectations.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive visual identity across a rapidly growing organization with numerous initiatives and a wide range of communication materials.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Managing a high volume of design requests in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional quality.

• Translating Complex Narratives: Effectively communicating the history, culture, and governmental functions of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government through visual storytelling.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design software and technologies.

• Professional Development Workshops: Participation in workshops or courses focused on branding, digital design trends, storytelling, or Indigenous visual arts.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior design professionals or supervisors to guide career progression and skill development.

• Exposure to Indigenous Governance: Gaining in-depth knowledge of Indigenous governance structures, operations, and cultural nuances, which can be invaluable for specialized design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to work within the dynamic environment of a large Indigenous government. Candidates should be prepared for the challenge of visually representing a complex and growing entity while also capitalizing on the growth opportunities related to specialized knowledge and design expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design concept that represented a complex organization or initiative. What was your process, and what were the key visual elements you focused on?" (Focus on process, strategic thinking, and execution.)

• "How do you ensure visual consistency across multiple platforms and for diverse stakeholders, especially when working with established brand guidelines?" (Prepare to discuss brand management and adaptability.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage conflicting feedback from different stakeholders. How did you navigate this to achieve a successful design outcome?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Demonstrate research into the organization and its values.)

• "How would you approach designing for an Indigenous audience, considering cultural sensitivity and historical context?" (Prepare to discuss your understanding of Métis culture and respectful representation.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment and collaborating with non-designers (e.g., writers, project managers)." (Showcase your teamwork and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story for Each Project: Don't just show the final product. Explain the problem, your thought process, the tools used, the challenges overcome, and the outcome.

• Focus on Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in print, digital, branding, and storytelling, aligning with the job description.

• Highlight Métis/Indigenous Context (If Applicable): If you have relevant experience, explicitly discuss how you approached cultural considerations in your design.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant tools.

• Showcase Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your style and approach to different project needs and audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and cultural sensitivity. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail and demonstrate a genuine interest in the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided online portal at http://albertametis.com/careers/.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your 3+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any relevant experience with print and digital media. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant design projects. Organize them clearly, and be prepared to discuss the process, rationale, and outcomes for each. Ensure it showcases both print and digital work.

• Prepare for the Video Interview: Practice articulating your responses concisely and professionally. Ensure you have a quiet space and good lighting/audio for the recording.

• Research the Otipemisiwak Métis Government: Understand their mission, values, recent initiatives, and the importance of Métis culture. This will be crucial for both your application and potential interviews.

⚠️ 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.