Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Seneca Student Federation Inc.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute on-brand design deliverables across digital and print mediums, ensuring strategic alignment with marketing and communication goals.

• Manage the full design lifecycle from ideation and conceptualization through to final production and implementation.

• Collaborate closely with design, copy, and marketing teams to support content creation and ad-hoc design requests.

• Maintain brand consistency across all assets and campaigns, acting as a guardian of the brand's visual identity.

• Present design solutions effectively to key stakeholders, articulating creative rationale and strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designed for current Seneca College students enrolled full-time in the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 semesters. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a need for on-site presence for collaboration and project engagement, balanced with potential remote flexibility. The Part-Time nature indicates a focus on project-based contributions or support roles within the marketing team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of digital creative assets, including brochures, presentations, social media posts, event materials, and other marketing collateral.

• Skillfully amend and refine designs based on constructive feedback from internal teams and stakeholders, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to quality.

• Actively participate in design sessions, contributing innovative creative concepts and valuable input to brainstormed ideas.

• Conceptualize and execute graphic applications, translating project briefs into visually compelling and effective design solutions from initial concept to final delivery.

• Ensure all created designs strictly adhere to established brand guidelines, maintaining a unified and professional brand image.

• Proactively identify and address any brand inconsistencies across various campaigns and assets, serving as a brand steward.

• Foster strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with the design and copy teams to meet diverse design needs and urgent requests.

• Articulate and present design solutions clearly and persuasively to key stakeholders, justifying creative choices and their strategic impact.

• Meticulously organize and manage project briefs, specifications, deadlines, and file archives to ensure efficient workflow and timely project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on design role with a significant focus on digital content creation and brand stewardship. The requirement to "participate in design sessions" and "present design solutions" indicates a collaborative environment where creative input and communication skills are highly valued, aligning with typical entry-level roles in marketing departments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Must be enrolled in a full-time Seneca College program for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 semesters.

Experience: Entry-level position, with preference for candidates demonstrating foundational graphic design skills through their portfolio.

Required Skills:

• A diverse and polished Portfolio showcasing a strong range of graphic design abilities and creative potential.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for professional design execution.

• Strong command of typography principles and their application in visual communication.

• Solid understanding of digital design processes and best practices, including image optimization for web and responsive design principles.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Open-mindedness and receptiveness to constructive feedback, with a demonstrated ability to incorporate critique into design revisions.

• Ability to conceptualize, create graphics, and develop a wide range of layouts suitable for online and digital applications.

• Capability to prepare rough drafts of creative materials based on agreed-upon project briefs.

• Aptitude for reviewing final layouts and proposing effective improvements. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with marketing campaign strategies and their visual representation.

• Experience with social media content creation and platform-specific design requirements.

• Basic understanding of print design processes and pre-press preparation.

• Knowledge of current design trends and emerging digital platforms.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "full-time Seneca College program" enrollment is a critical requirement, defining the candidate pool. The skills list highlights core design competencies and project management capabilities essential for a junior designer, with a strong preference for practical application demonstrated through a portfolio.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that highlight your design process, from concept to final execution.

• Include examples of digital assets such as social media graphics, web banners, or presentation slides.

• Demonstrate your ability to work with brand guidelines, including projects where you maintained or adapted existing brand elements.

• Present a clear narrative for each project, explaining the brief, your design approach, challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Ensure all portfolio pieces are high-resolution and professionally presented. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an organized approach to design projects.

• Highlight how you manage feedback and iterate on designs to achieve project objectives.

• Show evidence of understanding project specifications and deadlines through the timely delivery of polished final assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is an entry-level, student-focused role, the portfolio requirement is primarily to assess design skills and potential. The emphasis is on demonstrating a clear design process and the ability to produce professional-quality work, rather than formal process documentation typically seen in more senior operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.60 CAD per hour.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable, hands-on experience in graphic design within a student-focused organization.

• Develop strong portfolio pieces for future career opportunities in the communications and marketing industries.

• Enhance project management and time management skills in a professional setting.

• Opportunity to contribute to real-world marketing campaigns and brand initiatives.

• Develop essential employability skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

• Potential for networking within the Seneca Student Federation and broader student community.

Working Hours: Part-time, with an expected workload equivalent to approximately 40 hours per week. The exact schedule will be determined based on program enrollment and operational needs, likely requiring flexibility to accommodate academic commitments and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed at $17.60 CAD per hour, aligning with minimum wage or entry-level student wage standards in Ontario. Benefits are primarily experiential, focusing on skill development and portfolio enhancement, which is typical for student positions. The "40 hours per week" for a part-time role suggests a substantial commitment, potentially requiring careful management alongside academic studies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Support / Non-Profit Student Services. The Seneca Student Federation (SSF) operates within the post-secondary education sector, providing services and advocacy for Seneca College students. This context implies a mission-driven environment focused on student well-being and engagement.

Company Size: The provided information does not specify company size, but as a student federation, it likely operates with a dedicated team of staff and student volunteers to support a large student population.

Founded: Information on the founding date of Seneca Student Federation Inc. is not directly provided but implies a long-standing presence supporting Seneca College students.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Manager, Marketing and Communications, indicating a structured reporting line within the marketing department.

• Collaboration is expected with the broader "design and copy team," suggesting a functional team structure focused on content creation.

• This role will likely interact with other departments within the SSF to support their communication and design needs. Methodology:

• Design work is guided by brand guidelines and strategic marketing objectives, emphasizing brand consistency and on-strategy execution.

• The role involves participation in conceptualization and creative input, suggesting a collaborative and iterative design process.

• Project management is a key component, requiring detailed organization of briefs, specs, and deadlines.

Company Website: https://ssf.bamboohr.com/careers (This is a careers portal, not the primary company website, but indicates the platform used for recruitment.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely student-centric, with a focus on supporting student life and advocacy. The marketing team operates with a clear hierarchy and functional specialization, emphasizing brand integrity and collaborative content creation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as a foundational experience for individuals pursuing a career in graphic design, marketing, or communications. It offers practical application of academic learning in a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager, Marketing and Communications. This provides direct mentorship and oversight, crucial for skill development at this career stage.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual representation of the Seneca Student Federation, influencing student engagement, brand perception, and the effectiveness of marketing communications. Their contributions are vital for creating compelling materials that resonate with the student body.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, digital design best practices, and responsive design. Gain practical experience in various design applications (digital, print, event materials).

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse, real-world projects that can significantly boost future job prospects.

• Project Management: Develop strong organizational and time management skills through managing multiple projects and deadlines.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into marketing and communications strategies within a student organization context.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with the Marketing & Communications Manager and team members, as well as other SSF staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are heavily focused on practical skill acquisition and portfolio building, which are paramount for entry-level design roles. The direct reporting line to a Manager offers a structured environment for learning and development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This suggests a combination of on-site work at the Seneca Student Federation's office in Toronto and potential remote work. The on-site component is essential for team collaboration, accessing specific resources, and participating in in-person meetings or design sessions.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Postal Code M2J 2X5). This location is within the Greater Toronto Area, offering access to a vibrant urban environment.

Workspace Context:

• The collaborative nature of the role implies an open or shared workspace designed to foster interaction with the design and copy team.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other marketing tools will be provided.

• The environment is likely fast-paced, driven by the needs of a student organization and academic calendars.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The schedule will require flexibility to balance academic requirements with project deadlines and team needs. Communication regarding availability and scheduling will be crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role necessitates strong self-discipline and communication for remote work, while also emphasizing the importance of on-site presence for collaboration and team integration. The location in Toronto offers access to a major metropolitan hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening based on program enrollment, location, and submitted resume.

• Portfolio Submission/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a link to their online portfolio or a PDF version for evaluation of design skills, creativity, and adherence to briefs.

• Interview(s): Likely includes interviews with the Manager, Marketing and Communications, and potentially other team members. These will assess technical skills, creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your design process, how you handle feedback, and your career aspirations.

• Potential Design Challenge: A short, practical design exercise may be assigned to assess real-time design capabilities and problem-solving skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize diversity in style and application (digital, print, social).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the final outcome. Use concise descriptions and visuals.

• Showcase Brand Work: If you have examples of working within brand guidelines, highlight them.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-resolution images.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as digital assets and campaign materials.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly before starting.

• Prioritize clear communication of your thought process and design rationale.

• Demonstrate an ability to work efficiently and deliver a polished result within the given timeframe.

• Be prepared to explain your design choices and how they address the prompt.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily weigh the portfolio as a primary indicator of design capability. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and demonstrate practical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of digital and print assets.

• Digital Design Platforms: Familiarity with tools for creating social media graphics, presentations, and potentially basic web design elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media likes, click-through rates) would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. While analytics understanding is a plus, it's not a primary expectation for this entry-level design position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and unique design solutions to capture attention and effectively communicate messages.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and promoting the Seneca Student Federation's brand identity through consistent and high-quality design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members, valuing input, and contributing to a shared creative vision.

• Student-Centricity: Designing with the student audience in mind, ensuring clarity, relevance, and engagement.

• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in work ethic, time management, and communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active participation in design sessions and team meetings.

• Willingness to share creative concepts, provide constructive feedback, and receive critique openly.

• Cross-functional teamwork with copywriters, marketing specialists, and other SSF staff to achieve collective goals.

• A supportive environment where team members assist each other to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is likely dynamic and student-focused, emphasizing creativity and collaboration to serve the student body effectively. The emphasis on "brand integrity" and "student-centricity" reflects the mission of a student federation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Managing a part-time role (approx. 40 hours/week) alongside full-time college studies requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Meeting Diverse Design Needs: Adapting to various project briefs and stakeholder requests across different SSF departments.

• Incorporating Feedback: Skillfully integrating constructive criticism into designs without compromising creative vision or project goals.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines typical of a student organization's marketing efforts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Application: Gaining hands-on experience with real-world design projects for a reputable student organization.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong collection of professional design work for future career applications.

• Industry Skills: Developing expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, digital design best practices, and brand management.

• Professional Communication: Enhancing skills in presenting design concepts and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Learning to manage briefs, timelines, and deliverables effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges and growth opportunities revolve around the dual demands of academic study and professional work, coupled with the inherent learning curve of an entry-level design role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering a final asset. What are the key stages?" (Prepare to walk through a portfolio piece.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines and strategic objectives?" (Focus on brand consistency and strategic thinking.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate adaptability and a growth mindset.)

• "How do you prioritize your workload when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Highlight time management and organizational skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Seneca Student Federation?" (Research SSF's mission and values.)

• "How do you envision contributing to our team's creative output?" (Connect your skills to their needs.)

• "What are your career aspirations in graphic design?" (Show ambition and a clear path.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to the role (digital, brand consistency, conceptualization).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges, solutions, and final results.

• Highlight Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and concise text. Ensure easy navigation.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, tools used, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, demonstrate their understanding of branding, and showcase their portfolio effectively. Questions will likely assess both technical aptitude and soft skills like collaboration and problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio or submitted PDF is up-to-date and highlights projects relevant to digital design, brand consistency, and creative conceptualization. Tailor your project descriptions to emphasize your process and results.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly state your current Seneca College program enrollment (Fall 2026/Winter 2027) and highlight any relevant design coursework, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and transferable skills like time management and organization.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, answering behavioral questions related to feedback and collaboration, and preparing to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Seneca Student Federation's mission, services, and recent marketing initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their context.

⚠️ 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.