Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer - Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Project
Company: The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC)
Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Job Type: Grant contract Full Time
Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations
Date Posted: May 25, 2026
Experience Level: Entry-Level / Junior
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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This role is a Contract position focused on graphic design for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) initiative, requiring the creation of visual content for digital and print platforms.
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The Graphic Designer will support organizational campaigns, events, and communications by developing engaging materials that align with MAC's branding.
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Collaboration with the Communications department is essential for supporting various initiatives and projects.
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The position emphasizes a willingness to learn and develop skills in visual storytelling and digital content creation within a dynamic environment.
π Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting "organizational campaigns, events, and communications initiatives" and collaborating with the "Communications department" strongly suggests a role within or closely aligned with Marketing Operations, focusing on the visual execution of GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies and internal communications. The "Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Project" designation indicates a temporary, possibly entry-level, role specifically for students or youth.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Design a variety of promotional materials, including posters, flyers, social media graphics, banners, and presentations, for MAC events and programs.
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Develop visually compelling content that strictly adheres to MAC's established branding guidelines and communication standards.
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Actively collaborate with the Communications department to provide visual assets and support for ongoing campaigns and broader organizational objectives.
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Create and adapt graphics for digital platforms such as websites, newsletters, and social media channels, alongside various other communication projects.
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Edit, format, and update existing visual assets to ensure consistency and relevance across all platforms.
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Systematically organize and maintain all design files, digital assets, and branding resources for easy access and retrieval.
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Proactively identify opportunities to enhance visual communication effectiveness and propose innovative design solutions.
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Provide on-site media and communications support during events and community activities as needed.
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Ensure all design projects are completed accurately and delivered within agreed-upon project timelines and deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a junior graphic designer role, with a strong emphasis on supporting broader organizational communications. For a role that might touch upon operations, the "organization and maintain design files and branding assets" responsibility could be seen as a foundational element of brand operations and asset management. The collaboration with the Communications department also implies a need to understand and execute on defined campaign objectives, which is a key aspect of marketing operations.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong interest and background in graphic design are required. This could be demonstrated through formal education or self-taught experience.
Experience: Prior background and experience in graphic design are necessary. Specific experience with digital and print promotional material creation is a significant advantage.
Required Skills:
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Demonstrated interest and aptitude in graphic design, branding, and visual communications.
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Previous experience in graphic design, with a portfolio showcasing relevant work.
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A strong willingness to learn and undergo training to enhance design skills and adapt to MAC's specific needs.
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Proficiency in using graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or similar creative tools.
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Good computer skills, with a keen attention to detail in all design outputs.
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Excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking abilities to manage multiple design requests.
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A creative mindset coupled with a proactive attitude and a demonstrated willingness to take initiative.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with video editing or motion graphics software.
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Familiarity with WordPress for content integration.
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Knowledge of social media platforms and their design requirements.
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Familiarity with local MAC events and a good understanding of the organizationβs mission and values.
π Enhancement Note: The "Canada Summer Jobs" eligibility is a critical, non-negotiable requirement for this role, implying the candidate must meet specific age and student status criteria set by the program. The preference for familiarity with MAC's mission suggests a desire for cultural alignment and a candidate who can quickly grasp the organization's context for design work.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a range of graphic design projects, including digital assets (social media graphics, web banners) and print materials (posters, flyers).
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Demonstrate the ability to create visually engaging content that aligns with established branding guidelines and communication objectives.
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Include examples that highlight creativity, attention to detail, and effective visual storytelling.
Process Documentation:
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Candidates are expected to be able to discuss their design process, from initial brief to final delivery, including concept development and revision stages.
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While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, an understanding of workflow management for design projects is beneficial.
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Ability to explain how design decisions support broader communication goals and organizational messaging.
π Enhancement Note: For a junior or contract role like this, a formal "process documentation" requirement is less common. The emphasis is more on demonstrating the ability to follow a design process and execute on briefs effectively, as evidenced by the portfolio. The "organization and maintain design files" responsibility hints at a need for organized digital asset management, which is a component of brand operations.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: This role is advertised with an hourly wage of $0 - $20 CAD. Given the "Entry-Level / Junior" experience level and the "Canada Summer Jobs" eligibility, the upper end of this range ($20/hour) is likely the target for more experienced candidates within the eligible pool, while newer or less experienced individuals might start at the lower end.
Benefits:
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As a Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) position, it typically includes standard employment benefits applicable to contract roles.
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Opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build a design portfolio.
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Exposure to working within a non-profit organization and supporting community initiatives.
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Potential for networking and skill development within the design and communications field.
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, indicating a full-time commitment during the contract period.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range of $0-$20 CAD per hour is quite broad. Given the "Canada Summer Jobs" eligibility, which often targets minimum wage compensation or slightly above, and the stated maximum of $20/hour, it's reasonable to infer that the actual offered rate will fall within this spectrum. A candidate should be prepared to discuss their expectations and demonstrate their value proposition within this range. The $0 minimum is unusual and might indicate a placeholder or a highly variable structure depending on candidate eligibility and experience. For a CSJ role, it's common to be at or slightly above provincial minimum wage for the age group.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Non-profit / Community Services / Religious Organization. The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) is a national, religious, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Muslim community.
Company Size: The specific size is not provided, but as a national organization with a head office, it likely ranges from small to medium-sized, with a dedicated team for communications and operations.
Founded: The founding date is not specified, but MAC has been active for many years, establishing itself as a significant entity within the Canadian Muslim community.
Team Structure:
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The Graphic Designer will likely be part of or closely collaborate with the Communications department.
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This department may work with other MAC departments (e.g., Programs, Events, Outreach) to understand their visual needs.
Methodology:
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Emphasis on creating visual content that aligns with Islamic values and community representation.
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Focus on clear, impactful communication to engage the Muslim community and the broader public.
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A collaborative approach to design, ensuring that visual outputs meet the strategic objectives of various campaigns and events.
Company Website: macnet.ca
π Enhancement Note: Understanding MAC's mission and values is crucial for this role. The organization serves a diverse Muslim community across Canada, and design work should be sensitive to this context while also being modern and engaging. The "Canada Summer Jobs" aspect means the team will likely be a mix of permanent staff and temporary, student hires.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level / Junior Contract role, ideal for individuals seeking foundational experience in graphic design and marketing communications within a non-profit setting.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Communications Manager or a designated lead within the Communications department. This individual will provide direction, feedback, and oversight on design projects.
Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the organization's ability to communicate effectively through visual mediums. Strong design contributes to brand perception, event engagement, campaign success, and overall outreach efforts for MAC.
Growth Opportunities:
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Develop a professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of design projects for a reputable organization.
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Gain practical experience in a professional creative environment, learning about client briefs and project timelines.
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Acquire skills in specific design software and potentially new areas like video editing or web content management.
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Build professional networks within the non-profit sector and the communications field.
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Opportunity to learn about the operational and strategic use of design in a community-focused organization.
π Enhancement Note: For a Canada Summer Jobs position, "growth" is often measured by the skills acquired and portfolio enhancement rather than traditional career progression within the organization. However, successful completion could lead to recommendations or future opportunities if the candidate demonstrates exceptional talent and fits the organizational culture.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based at the MAC Head Office in Mississauga, indicating a professional office environment.
Office Location(s): MAC Head Office, Mississauga, ON. Specific address details would be provided upon request or during the interview process.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace will likely involve a desk with access to a computer and design software.
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Opportunities for collaboration with the Communications team and potentially other departments.
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A professional setting that values creativity and community engagement.
Work Schedule: 35 hours per week, full-time during the contract period, with specific daily hours to be confirmed. Flexibility may be limited due to the structured nature of project deadlines and event support.
π Enhancement Note: Given it's an on-site role, candidates should consider commute times to Mississauga. The office environment is expected to be professional and conducive to creative work, with necessary tools and support provided.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: Review of resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.
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Interview 1 (Phone/Video): Discussion of experience, skills, interest in MAC, and understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program. A brief portfolio walk-through may be requested.
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Interview 2 (In-person/Video): More in-depth discussion about design process, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. May involve a small design exercise or a more detailed portfolio review.
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Final Selection: Assessment based on overall fit, design talent, and eligibility for the CSJ program.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant design projects. Prioritize work that showcases versatility (digital, print) and alignment with MAC's mission if possible.
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Showcase Process: Briefly explain the brief, your thought process, design challenges, and how you arrived at the final solution for each project.
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Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in required software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva) and your ability to create engaging visuals.
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Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a physical book.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be prepared to discuss your design process and how you handle feedback and revisions.
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Think about how you would approach designing for a non-profit organization with specific community needs.
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Practice articulating your design choices and how they align with communication goals.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Canada Summer Jobs role is typically streamlined. The portfolio is a critical component, as it directly demonstrates the required design skills. Candidates should be ready to speak to their work and their understanding of MAC's mission.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Graphic Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva (required). Candidates should be proficient in at least one, with experience in multiple being a strong asset.
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Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress (preferred). Familiarity with uploading and managing content via a CMS is beneficial.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly relevant to this role, but an understanding of how marketing campaigns are managed might provide context.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on core design tools. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva is paramount. Any additional skills in web content management (like WordPress) or digital asset management are considered assets that can help the candidate stand out.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Community Focus: A strong commitment to serving and engaging the Muslim community.
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Excellence in Communication: Striving for clear, impactful, and visually appealing communication.
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Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and creative solutions in design.
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Learning & Development: Supporting team members in acquiring new skills and growing professionally.
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Collaboration: Working effectively within a team and across departments to achieve common goals.
Collaboration Style:
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Open communication and teamwork are expected, especially when working with the Communications department and other stakeholders.
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A willingness to receive and incorporate feedback on designs is crucial.
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The team likely values individuals who are proactive, helpful, and contribute positively to the work environment.
π Enhancement Note: The culture at MAC, as a religious and community-focused organization, will likely emphasize respect, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to its mission. Candidates should reflect these values in their interactions and work.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Guidelines: Effectively translating creative ideas within the strict parameters of MAC's branding and mission.
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Meeting Diverse Communication Needs: Designing for a variety of campaigns, events, and audience segments within the Muslim community and beyond.
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Time Management: Juggling multiple design requests and deadlines effectively in a potentially fast-paced environment.
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Adapting to New Tools/Techniques: Quickly learning and applying new software or design trends relevant to the role.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Skill Enhancement: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and potentially explore motion graphics or video editing.
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Portfolio Building: Create a robust portfolio with diverse projects suitable for future career applications.
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Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the non-profit sector and understand the role of design in community outreach and organizational communication.
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Professional Networking: Connect with professionals in communications and design within MAC and its affiliated networks.
π Enhancement Note: For a Canada Summer Jobs role, the primary challenge is often the limited duration of employment and the need to make a significant impact quickly. The growth opportunities are primarily focused on skill acquisition and portfolio development.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering the final artwork. How do you incorporate feedback?" (Focus on structured workflow and adaptability.)
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"How would you approach designing a social media graphic for a MAC community event, considering our organization's mission and audience?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand context and audience.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about working with The Muslim Association of Canada, and what do you know about our mission?" (Show genuine interest and research.)
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"How do you stay updated with current design trends and software?" (Indicate a proactive approach to learning.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a brief story: the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.
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Visual Clarity: Ensure your designs are presented clearly and professionally.
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Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques used for each piece.
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Relevance: Connect your portfolio pieces back to the requirements of this specific role and MAC's needs.
π Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their passion for design and their alignment with MAC's community-focused mission. Emphasizing reliability, creativity, and a strong work ethic will be key.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the ADP portal link provided.
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Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight graphic design skills, software proficiency (Adobe Suite, Canva), any experience with digital/print materials, and relevant coursework or projects. Emphasize your eligibility for the Canada Summer Jobs program.
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Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a link to an online portfolio) and showcases your best, most relevant design work, demonstrating creativity and technical skill.
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Research MAC: Familiarize yourself with The Muslim Association of Canada's mission, values, and recent activities to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural understanding during the interview.
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Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to briefly and confidently discuss your design experience, your interest in the role, and how your skills can benefit MAC.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must be eligible for the Canada Summer Jobs program and possess experience with design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. A creative mindset, attention to detail, and a strong interest in visual communications are required.