Graphic Designer, Marketing Office

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Marketing Office

Company: Alma Mater Society of Queen's University Inc.

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing visually compelling assets that support the Alma Mater Society's (AMS) marketing campaigns, services, and events, ensuring consistent brand messaging across all platforms.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of digital and print materials, from social media graphics to merchandise mockups and event posters, directly impacting the AMS's outreach and student engagement efforts.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a student-focused organization, contributing to meaningful out-of-classroom learning and skill acquisition.

• The role requires a dynamic individual adept at managing multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, balancing creative output with strict deadlines and collaborative feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Graphic Designer, Marketing Office," this role clearly falls under the broader umbrella of Marketing Operations and Creative Services within an organizational context. The focus on producing visual content for campaigns, services, and events, and the need for brand consistency, are hallmarks of operations-focused creative roles. The emphasis on student employment and skill acquisition suggests a role within a university-affiliated student association, which often requires operational efficiency in managing resources and deliverables.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality visual content for a variety of platforms including social media (posts, stories), digital signage, website banners, and print materials (posters, flyers).

• Develop visual assets for AMS merchandise, including mockups and print-ready files, ensuring brand alignment and aesthetic appeal.

• Ensure all created materials strictly adhere to the AMS brand guidelines and maintain a cohesive visual identity across all communications.

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Marketing and Social Media Supervisor to conceptualize and execute visual strategies for marketing campaigns and events.

• Adapt and revise existing designs based on constructive feedback from team members, stakeholders, and the Director of Marketing.

• Prepare and export print-ready files for external vendors (e.g., for signage, merchandise printing), ensuring correct specifications and formats.

• Support other AMS departments with approved design requests, acting as a central creative resource.

• Assist in the organization and maintenance of a digital asset library, including templates and previous design work for future reference.

• Maintain an organized and efficient design workflow, utilizing cloud storage solutions and project tracking tools for seamless collaboration.

• Perform other design-related duties as assigned by the Director of Marketing to support departmental and organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific types of visual content creation and the operational aspects of preparing files for print and managing digital assets. The emphasis on collaboration and adherence to brand guidelines highlights the operational role of ensuring consistency and supporting broader marketing objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a background in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field (e.g., through a college diploma or university degree) is highly recommended.

• Proficiency in design software often correlates with formal training or dedicated self-study in design principles. Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional or significant project-based experience in graphic design.

• Previous experience within student groups, freelance projects, or internships in a design capacity will be considered a strong asset, demonstrating practical application of design skills. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign are essential for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Canva Pro Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to effectively use Canva Pro for quick design tasks and template-based creation.

• Strong Visual Design Fundamentals: Deep understanding of typography, layout design principles, color theory, and composition.

• Digital & Print Media Adaptation: Proven ability to create assets optimized for various digital platforms (social media, web) and print formats.

• Organizational & Time Management: Excellent skills in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Constructive Feedback Integration: Ability to receive, interpret, and effectively apply feedback from team members and stakeholders to refine designs.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including the capacity to articulate design decisions and rationale.

• Familiarity with MS Office Suite: Competence in using MS Teams for collaboration, MS Excel for basic data tracking, and MS Word for documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or basic video editing software.

• Familiarity with UX/UI principles for digital asset design.

• Knowledge of pre-press processes for print production.

• Experience with project management or task tracking software beyond basic cloud storage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Job Requirements" section has been re-categorized into "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" for clarity. The AI-identified key skills have been integrated and expanded upon, with specific emphasis on the operational aspects of tool proficiency and project management. The educational background is inferred based on the nature of the role and typical industry expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects (digital and print) that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva Pro.

• Examples that highlight strong typography, layout, and color theory application in real-world scenarios.

• Projects demonstrating the ability to adapt designs for different platforms and formats (e.g., social media campaigns, event posters, merchandise).

• Case studies or project descriptions that explain the design process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness.

• Visual evidence of adherence to brand guidelines and maintaining visual consistency across multiple assets. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, including how they manage project briefs, gather feedback, and iterate on designs.

• Ability to explain how they maintain organization of design files and assets using cloud storage and project trackers.

• Understanding of the process for preparing print-ready files, including knowledge of bleed, trim, and resolution requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations roles and has been developed to reflect typical expectations for creative positions requiring systematic output. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just creative output but also the process, organization, and efficiency behind it.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided information of 15 hours/week and an AI-identified hourly rate of $17.60 CAD, the estimated weekly gross pay would be approximately $264.00 CAD.

• The annual gross pay, assuming consistent 15-hour weeks, would be around $13,728.00 CAD.

• This rate is competitive for a part-time, entry-level graphic design role in Kingston, Ontario, considering the student-focused nature of the organization and the typical pay scales for student positions. Benefits:

• Opportunity for meaningful out-of-classroom learning and skill acquisition, directly relevant to a career in graphic design and marketing.

• Hands-on experience working with a recognized student association, enhancing resume and future job prospects.

• Potential for flexible work arrangements (hybrid/remote) to accommodate academic schedules.

• Exposure to a dynamic, collaborative work environment within a university setting.

• Networking opportunities with AMS staff, student leaders, and potentially external vendors. Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position requiring approximately 15 hours per week.

• The schedule is flexible to accommodate academic commitments, with the possibility of hybrid or remote work arrangements, though some on-site presence may be required for collaboration and specific tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been calculated and contextualized based on the provided AI data and location. Benefits are tailored to the unique context of a student association role, focusing on developmental aspects rather than traditional corporate benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Student Services & Advocacy / Non-Profit Organization

Company Size: The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is a significant student association with a substantial operational footprint, likely employing numerous student staff and potentially some full-time administrators. While specific employee counts for the organization aren't provided, its role as a governing and service body suggests a complex operational structure.

Founded: 1858. The AMS has a long-standing history at Queen's University, indicating a stable organizational framework and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the AMS Marketing Office, specifically working under the direction of the Director of Marketing.

• Close collaboration is expected with the Social Media Supervisor and potentially other members of the marketing team.

• The role may also involve interaction and design support for other AMS departments, requiring cross-functional communication and understanding of diverse needs. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Support: While not a data analysis role, the design work will support data-informed marketing campaigns and service promotions.

• Workflow Optimization: The role emphasizes efficient workflow management, organized asset libraries, and timely delivery of creative assets.

• Collaborative Process: Design projects are developed through collaboration, feedback integration, and adherence to established brand guidelines and organizational objectives.

Company Website: https://myams.org/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched by leveraging the provided description and inferring operational implications. The history and mission of the AMS are framed within an operational perspective, highlighting its role in student development and service provision.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer. This role is designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design, offering foundational experience in a professional marketing environment.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Marketing, providing a clear line of communication and mentorship. This structure allows for focused guidance and skill development.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the AMS's ability to effectively communicate its offerings, promote student engagement, and maintain a professional brand image. High-quality visuals are critical for successful marketing campaigns, event attendance, and service uptake, all of which are operational outcomes for the AMS.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe Suite, Canva) and design disciplines (digital marketing, print design, branding).

• Portfolio Development: Significant opportunity to build a robust professional portfolio with diverse project examples that can be leveraged for future career advancement.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience within the non-profit and student services sector, understanding operational challenges and marketing strategies in this unique environment.

• Cross-functional Experience: Exposure to various AMS departments can broaden understanding of organizational operations and diverse stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on how this entry-level operational role contributes to the candidate's professional development and future career trajectory within design and marketing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within an office environment, with the explicit mention of potential remote/hybrid arrangements, suggesting a flexible workspace policy.

Office Location(s): Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Specific office details for the AMS are not provided, but it is understood to be affiliated with Queen's University.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves significant interaction with the marketing team and other AMS departments, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Technology-Rich: Access to standard office technology, including desktop/laptop computers, design peripherals, and digital collaboration tools (cloud storage, task management).

• Student-Focused Atmosphere: The work environment is intrinsically linked to the university campus and student life, offering a unique dynamic.

Work Schedule: Approximately 15 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. This part-time nature requires effective time management to balance design responsibilities with other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described with an emphasis on the operational aspects of collaboration, technology utilization, and schedule flexibility, crucial for student employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess design skills, software proficiency, and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, and their process. Expect questions about how you approach design challenges and incorporate feedback.

• Skills Assessment: A potential practical design exercise or a discussion about hypothetical design scenarios to evaluate problem-solving skills and creative thinking under pressure.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion about motivation for the role, understanding of the AMS mission, and ability to work collaboratively within a student-focused organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include a diverse range of projects demonstrating proficiency across different mediums (social media, print, merchandise) and styles.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges, and how you arrived at the final solution. Quantifiable results are a bonus if available.

• Brand Consistency Examples: If possible, include examples where you successfully maintained or developed brand guidelines.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure work clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and Canva Pro.

• Clarity and Organization: Present your portfolio in a clean, easy-to-navigate format (e.g., PDF, personal website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing assets for a specific AMS event or campaign, considering target audience and objectives.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, justifying your choices based on design principles and potential impact.

• Familiarize yourself with the AMS's current branding and marketing efforts to demonstrate interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is detailed with a focus on operations-relevant aspects like portfolio demonstration, process discussion, and practical skills assessment, crucial for evaluating a candidate's operational readiness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Primarily Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. Proficiency is mandatory.

• Canva Pro: Essential for efficient design creation and template utilization.

• Cloud Storage: Experience with cloud-based file management systems (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) for asset organization and sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytical role, understanding how designs perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with basic reporting on design asset usage across different AMS departments. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing materials integrate with broader CRM or marketing automation strategies could be an advantage. Collaboration & Productivity:

• MS Teams: For internal communication and team collaboration.

• MS Excel: For basic tracking of tasks or design requests.

• MS Word: For documentation and brief handling.

• Project Trackers: Experience with any digital task management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) is a plus for workflow organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is specifically detailed to reflect the tools an operations-focused graphic designer would utilize, emphasizing both creative software and collaborative/organizational tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency and Timeliness: Delivering high-quality design assets promptly to meet campaign and event deadlines.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with the marketing team and other departments, sharing ideas and feedback constructively.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and consistently applying the AMS brand guidelines to maintain a professional and unified organizational image.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to adjust to shifting priorities and evolving project requirements in a dynamic student environment.

• Student Focus: Understanding and contributing to the AMS mission of serving and advocating for Queen's students.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with various AMS departments to understand their design needs and provide tailored visual solutions.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Participating in design reviews, offering and receiving constructive criticism to enhance the quality and effectiveness of visual content.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the team's design asset library and potentially sharing design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are framed through an operational lens, emphasizing how these values translate into daily work practices for a designer supporting the AMS's operational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines and varying creative demands.

• Adapting to Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied requests from different AMS departments into cohesive and effective design solutions.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere strictly to AMS brand guidelines while still allowing for creative expression.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Operating efficiently within a dynamic university student association setting where priorities can shift rapidly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and Canva Pro through practical application.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a professional portfolio with diverse projects that showcase a range of design capabilities, crucial for future career opportunities.

• Industry Insight: Gain valuable experience in marketing and operations within the student services sector.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced marketing professionals within the AMS, such as the Director of Marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are presented from an operational perspective, highlighting how overcoming these challenges contributes to skill development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic for a student event. What factors do you consider?" (Focus on brief interpretation, audience, platform specifics, and brand adherence.)

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on a design you've worked hard on?" (Demonstrate resilience, openness to feedback, and collaborative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, and the outcome?" (Prepare a concise case study highlighting process, skills, and impact.)

• "How would you ensure all design assets for the AMS maintain a consistent brand identity?" (Discuss understanding of brand guidelines and systematic application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Alma Mater Society of Queen's University?" (Show genuine interest in the organization's mission and student focus.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the AMS's objectives?" (Connect your abilities to their operational goals, e.g., student engagement, service promotion.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you collaborate with others?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and feedback exchange.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini case studies: problem, solution, execution, and outcome.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best align with the responsibilities of this role (social media, print, merchandise design).

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your design thinking and workflow for selected pieces.

• Technical Proficiency: Clearly articulate the tools and techniques used for each project.

• Conciseness: Present efficiently, allowing time for questions and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is tailored to the operations-focused aspects of the role, emphasizing process, problem-solving, and the ability to translate creative skills into tangible organizational outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Dayforce link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to social media graphics, event promotion, and merchandise design. Tailor your presentation to highlight your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva Pro.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your experience with design software, any relevant project work (student groups, freelance), and highlight your time management and communication skills. Use keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Canva Pro," "Typography," and "Brand Guidelines."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Alma Mater Society of Queen's University, its mission, services, and current marketing efforts to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of their operational 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.

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