Graphic Designer - Marketing and Communications - FT Support

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Marketing and Communications - FT Support

Company: Humber College

Location: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead visual communications strategy and execution for institution-wide graphic design initiatives.

• Develop high-impact, accessible visual communications, including photography and event visuals, to advance institutional priorities.

• Provide strategic art direction and visual planning for print, digital, and photographic materials.

• Act as a steward of Humber’s visual identity, enforcing brand standards and managing digital assets.

• Research and integrate emerging design tools and AI technologies to enhance design quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical within Humber College's Marketing & Communications department, focusing on the strategic application of visual design to support institutional goals, student recruitment, and public reputation. The emphasis on accessibility (AODA) and the integration of AI technologies highlights a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive graphic design strategies for a wide range of institutional materials, including reports, presentations, marketing collateral, and digital content.

• Ensure all visual communications adhere to legislative accessibility obligations (AODA) and institutional brand guidelines, providing expert consultation on complex design and accessibility challenges.

• Plan and deliver professional photography services, including executive portraits, event coverage, and capturing institutional initiatives, to support storytelling and brand reinforcement.

• Manage and govern the centralized Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, organizing and maintaining design assets for accuracy, accessibility, consistency, and long-term institutional use.

• Research, evaluate, and responsibly integrate emerging graphic design tools and AI-assisted technologies into workflows to improve design quality, efficiency, and overall institutional outcomes.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across faculties and departments to understand their visual communication needs and provide strategic design solutions.

• Oversee the visual design and accessibility compliance of high-profile reports, executive-level materials, and special institutional initiatives.

• Develop and maintain visual systems and atmospheric designs for events to enhance audience experience and reinforce institutional identity.

• Interpret, apply, and enforce Humber’s visual identity and brand standards across all institutional communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution, strategic thinking, technical proficiency, and operational management within the context of a large educational institution. The inclusion of photography and event support indicates a broad scope of visual communication responsibilities beyond traditional graphic design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A 4-year degree or equivalent in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in graphic design, preferably within a large, complex organization with institution-wide or multi-departmental project scope and accountability.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing visual communication strategies that align with institutional priorities and brand identity. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) for independent development, review, and approval of complex visual communication materials across web, digital, presentation, and print platforms.

• In-depth knowledge and practical application of AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) and broader accessibility compliance requirements, including integrating accessibility standards into design strategy and final deliverables.

• Extensive experience designing and delivering visual communications for digital and interactive environments (e.g., websites, social media, email campaigns, digital advertising).

• Proven ability to design for print-based and electronic-based materials (e.g., publications, white papers, annual reports, government reports, impact reports), advertising, brochures, posters, and marketing collateral.

• Strong understanding of visual storytelling and the ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging visual formats.

• Experience in managing and organizing digital assets within a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system.

• Excellent understanding of brand management principles and the ability to interpret, apply, and enforce brand standards.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated professional experience with photography and video production.

• Experience in developing event-related visual communications, including atmospherics and visual systems.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools and technologies and their application in graphic design workflows.

• Experience in higher education or a large polytechnic institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AODA compliance is a critical requirement, reflecting Humber College's commitment to inclusivity. The preference for photography and video experience suggests a desire for a versatile designer capable of handling diverse visual content needs. Proficiency in a DAM system is also a key operational requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of five years of progressively responsible graphic design work, demonstrating a strong command of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to develop visual communication strategies for complex projects, detailing the problem, your design approach, and the outcomes.

• Showcase examples of accessible design, specifically illustrating how you have incorporated AODA or similar accessibility standards into your work for digital and print materials.

• Present a range of work across different mediums, including digital (web, social media, email), print (reports, brochures, publications), and potentially event-related visuals.

• Demonstrate experience with visual storytelling, including examples of how you have used design to convey institutional messages, support recruitment, or enhance brand reputation. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed design projects from concept to completion, including client consultation, concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• Documentation or explanation of your workflow for ensuring accessibility compliance in design deliverables.

• Description of your experience with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, including how you organize, tag, and maintain design assets for institutional use.

• Evidence of your ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines consistently across various design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not only showcase creative talent but also demonstrate operational efficiency, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of accessibility and brand stewardship. Highlighting experience with DAM systems and process management is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $41.20 - $47.57 CAD per hour.

• Starting salary is $41.20 per hour, with progression through the payband based on actual service in accordance with the Full-Time Support Staff Collective Agreement increments. Benefits:

• An opportunity to be part of building Humber's future.

• Membership in a diverse, hard-working, and supportive team environment.

• Access to the tools and technology necessary to succeed in the role.

• Employee perks are available.

• Health and dental benefits, pension plan, and paid time off as per the Full-Time Support Staff Collective Agreement. Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and event support requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific to the "I" payband for Full-Time Support Staff at Humber College. Benefits are governed by the collective agreement, which typically includes comprehensive health, retirement, and paid time off provisions common in public sector institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Polytechnic Institution)

Company Size: Large (Humber College is one of Canada's largest polytechnic institutions, with tens of thousands of students and employees across multiple campuses). This size implies a complex organizational structure, diverse stakeholder groups, and significant operational scale.

Founded: Humber College was founded in 1967, establishing a long history of providing polytechnic education and contributing to Ontario's workforce development.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing & Communications department is comprised of Creative Services, Communications, and Marketing.

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Creative Services and Special Projects team, working alongside photographers, videographers, and content creators.

• This team supports various faculties and departments, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration and an understanding of diverse institutional needs.

• Reporting structure is under Marketing and Communications leadership, indicating a strategic oversight role. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and evidence-based approaches to marketing and communications strategies.

• Emphasis on storytelling and creative execution to engage students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community.

• Commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in all communications.

• Continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies, including AI, to enhance effectiveness.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and project execution.

Company Website: https://humber.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: Humber College's "Builders of Brilliance" vision suggests a culture focused on innovation, student success, and polytechnic education leadership. The Marketing & Communications department plays a pivotal role in shaping this vision externally and internally.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level specialist role within the Marketing & Communications operations. It requires a significant level of independent judgment, strategic input, and technical expertise. The title "Graphic Designer" combined with "lead visual communications specialist" and "strategic art direction" indicates a position of influence and responsibility beyond a junior or mid-level designer.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to Marketing and Communications leadership, placing it within a strategic function of the institution. This allows for direct impact on institutional branding, recruitment efforts, and public relations.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Humber's public perception, brand consistency, student recruitment success, and the effectiveness of internal and external communications. By ensuring high-quality, accessible, and on-brand visual assets, this role contributes to the institution's reputation, operational efficiency in communications, and its ability to meet legislative requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility design, photography, or digital asset management.

• Leadership: Opportunity to mentor junior designers or take on lead roles on major institutional design projects.

• Technology Integration: Become a go-to expert for implementing new design technologies and AI tools within the department.

• Cross-functional Projects: Engage in high-profile projects that span across different departments and initiatives, increasing visibility and experience.

• Advancement: Potential to move into roles with broader strategic oversight in design management or creative direction within the institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional development in a large, stable educational institution. The emphasis on emerging technologies and accessibility positions the candidate for growth in specialized and in-demand areas of design operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Humber College's North Campus in Etobicoke. This is a large, urban campus environment typical of a post-secondary institution, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, dedicated design studios, and access to institutional resources.

Office Location(s): North Campus, 205 Humber College Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7. This location is accessible via public transit and major roadways in the Greater Toronto Area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is within the Marketing & Communications department, fostering collaboration with writers, communicators, marketers, photographers, and videographers.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), photography equipment, and likely a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system. The institution is also exploring AI-assisted technologies.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues within the department, as well as with stakeholders from various faculties and administrative departments across the college.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• While a standard work week is expected, the nature of event support and critical project deadlines may occasionally require flexibility in hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role at a major campus provides a professional and resource-rich environment. The emphasis on collaboration within the Marketing & Communications department is key to successful project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio against stated qualifications.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and experience with accessibility and brand standards. This may be a separate session or part of the main interview.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to assess proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, problem-solving, and adherence to brand/accessibility guidelines.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will assess collaboration style, communication skills, ability to manage stakeholders, and alignment with Humber's values (equity, diversity, inclusion).

• Final Interview: With senior leadership within Marketing & Communications to discuss strategic fit and overall candidacy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in graphic design, digital and print media, accessibility, and brand stewardship.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, the challenges faced, how you addressed them (especially accessibility and brand compliance), and the final outcome. Use visual aids effectively.

• Emphasize Accessibility: Dedicate specific examples or sections to demonstrating your understanding and application of AODA and accessibility standards in your design work.

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of both digital and print design, as well as any photography or event-related visual work if applicable.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or descriptive outcomes to show the impact of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, successful event visuals, positive stakeholder feedback).

• Tailor to Humber: Research Humber's brand guidelines and recent marketing campaigns to tailor your presentation and highlight how your skills align with their institutional goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve creating a visual asset (e.g., a social media graphic, a flyer, a section of a report) based on a prompt that requires applying brand guidelines and accessibility considerations.

• Practice time management for design challenges. Focus on delivering a polished, on-brand, and accessible solution within the allotted time.

• Be ready to articulate your design choices, rationale, and how your solution meets the prompt's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, portfolio presentation, and cultural fit, particularly regarding accessibility and inclusivity. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful responses to design challenges will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in applications such as:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and publication design (reports, brochures, posters).
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: For creating and editing accessible PDFs, ensuring compliance with standards.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Experience managing and organizing assets within a centralized system is essential. While the specific DAM isn't named, understanding principles of metadata, tagging, and asset retrieval is key.

• Photography Equipment: While not explicitly stated as a requirement for owning equipment, familiarity with professional photography workflows and potentially operating cameras for event coverage or institutional photos.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how visual assets perform in digital channels (e.g., website analytics, social media engagement metrics) can be beneficial for informing design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, though understanding how visual assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or on websites might be relevant. Emerging Technologies:

• Research and evaluation of AI-assisted design tools and technologies are part of the role's responsibilities, suggesting an openness to integrating new software into the workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong emphasis on producing accessible PDFs. Experience with DAM systems is also a critical operational tool. An awareness of AI in design is a forward-looking expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Visual Communication: A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful, and aesthetically strong visual designs that elevate Humber's brand.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: A fundamental value, ensuring all designs are accessible to individuals with disabilities, in line with AODA standards and Humber's EDI commitments.

• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a guardian of Humber's visual identity, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines across all institutional communications.

• Efficiency and Innovation: Continuously seeking ways to improve design workflows, leverage technology (including AI), and deliver results effectively.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Working effectively with colleagues within Marketing & Communications and with stakeholders across the college to achieve shared objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborating with marketing strategists, content writers, communications specialists, photographers, and videographers to create cohesive campaigns and initiatives.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong working relationships with faculty and department representatives to understand their needs and provide tailored design solutions.

• Feedback and Iteration: Openness to constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine deliverables and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices, new techniques, and insights on design and accessibility are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a strong commitment to both creative excellence and operational rigor, particularly concerning accessibility and brand integrity. Collaboration is key to navigating the diverse needs of a large educational institution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Institutional Needs: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder requirements and institutional priorities into compelling visual designs that adhere to strict brand and accessibility guidelines.

• Managing High Volume and Diverse Projects: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously with varying deadlines and creative demands from different departments and faculties.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying current with rapid advancements in graphic design software, AI tools, and digital media trends, and integrating them effectively into established workflows.

• Ensuring Consistent Accessibility Compliance: Diligently applying accessibility standards across all design outputs, which can be complex and time-consuming, especially for large-scale projects.

• Navigating Large Organizational Structures: Effectively communicating and collaborating across a large institution with numerous departments and stakeholders, each with unique needs and perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud or explore new professional software.

• Accessibility Certifications/Workshops: Pursuing specialized training or certifications in accessibility design and compliance.

• Photography and Videography Skills: Developing or enhancing skills in visual content creation.

• AI in Design Workshops: Learning about and experimenting with AI tools for graphic design, workflow automation, and content generation.

• Project Management and Leadership Skills: Opportunities to lead design projects and potentially mentor junior team members.

• Industry Trends and Conferences: Attending relevant design conferences or webinars to stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges while also offering significant avenues for skill development in cutting-edge areas like AI and specialized accessibility design within a stable, supportive academic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project where you had to balance multiple stakeholder requirements, brand guidelines, and accessibility standards. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you ensure that your design work is accessible according to AODA standards? Can you give an example of a specific design decision you made to improve accessibility?" (Demonstrates understanding of critical requirements.)

• "How do you stay current with graphic design trends, new software, and emerging technologies like AI? How have you integrated new tools into your workflow in the past?" (Assesses proactivity and adaptability.)

• "How do you interpret and apply an institution's brand guidelines to ensure consistency across diverse marketing materials?" (Tests brand stewardship and attention to detail.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Humber College specifically, and how do you see your skills contributing to our 'Builders of Brilliance' vision?" (Shows research and alignment.)

• "Humber is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. How do you incorporate these values into your design process and your interactions with colleagues and stakeholders?" (Assesses cultural fit and awareness.)

• "Describe your experience working within a large, complex organization. How do you manage communication and collaboration across different departments?" (Evaluates organizational navigation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem, your creative solution, the process (including accessibility considerations), and the results.

• Highlight Accessibility: Explicitly call out how you addressed AODA and accessibility requirements. Show before/after examples if possible, or explain specific design choices made for accessibility.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used and how they facilitated your design process.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Present examples where you have successfully applied and maintained brand identity.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and experience with similar projects or challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, technical skills, and understanding of institutional needs, particularly around accessibility and brand. Your portfolio presentation is a critical component of demonstrating your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Humber Taleo career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your 5+ years of graphic design experience, advanced Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, and specific experience with AODA compliance and digital asset management.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible, focusing on projects with institutional or multi-departmental scope. Include keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "AODA," "Accessibility," "Brand Management," and "Digital Asset Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you ensure accessibility and brand consistency. Prepare to discuss your experience in a large organizational setting and your understanding of Humber College's mission.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Humber College's "Builders of Brilliance" vision, their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and recent marketing campaigns to better understand their communication objectives and cultural values.

⚠️ 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.