Graphic Designer - Summer Job

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Summer Job

Company: Nisa Foundation

Location: Surrey, BC, CA (Remote)

Job Type: Intern / Contract

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating impactful visual assets for marketing and communications campaigns, essential for enhancing the Nisa Foundation's outreach and storytelling.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in maintaining and evolving the organization's visual identity across diverse digital and print platforms.

• Key responsibilities include the production of social media graphics, website visuals, and campaign collateral, directly supporting marketing strategy execution.

• Collaboration with the Marketing Manager and team is crucial for ensuring cohesive messaging and visual consistency in all creative outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," its integration within a Marketing & Communications team and focus on campaign assets positions it within the broader scope of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations, specifically concerning the visual execution of marketing strategies. The "Summer Job" designation indicates a short-term contract ideal for students or recent graduates seeking practical experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials, including social media graphics (Meta, TikTok, YouTube), print collateral, website visuals, and other campaign-specific assets.

• Conceptualize and develop creative branding visuals and cohesive visual narratives for Nisa Foundation's campaigns and digital initiatives, ensuring alignment with the mission.

• Adapt and optimize designs for various platforms and formats, ensuring maximum visual impact and brand consistency across all channels.

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing Manager and Communications team to understand campaign objectives and translate them into compelling visual content.

• Maintain and organize a digital asset management system for design files, ensuring efficient retrieval and reuse of creative assets for current and future projects.

• Iterate on designs based on feedback from the Marketing Team and insights derived from campaign performance data to optimize visual effectiveness.

• Support the development and implementation of design templates and reusable graphic elements to streamline internal and external communication efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic visual alignment, crucial for effective marketing operations. Emphasis on "adapting designs for use across multiple platforms" and "refining designs based on campaign performance insights" points to a data-informed creative process, a key aspect of modern marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Entry-level position, ideal for candidates with 0-2 years of experience, including academic projects and internships.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and/or Canva, for creating high-quality visual assets.

• Strong creative thinking and visual storytelling abilities, with a keen eye for aesthetics and brand coherence.

• Demonstrated ability to design for diverse platforms and formats (digital and print).

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and polish in all design outputs.

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines in a remote setting.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with video editing software or motion graphics for social media content.

• Experience in developing design templates and style guides.

• Understanding of user experience (UX) principles as they apply to web and digital design.

• Ability to interpret and apply feedback from performance analytics to design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on proficiency with specific design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and the ability to handle diverse platforms aligns with the technical requirements of marketing operations roles. The preference for nonprofit experience suggests the need for candidates who can convey sensitive messages effectively and empathetically through design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating versatility across digital and print mediums.

• Specific examples of social media graphics, campaign visuals, and branding work that highlight creative concept development and execution.

• Case studies or project descriptions that explain the design process, challenges faced, and the impact of the visual solutions provided.

• Visuals that reflect an understanding of brand consistency and the ability to adapt designs to specific campaign goals.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for this intern-level role, candidates are expected to articulate their design workflow:

  • From initial concept and brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

  • How feedback is incorporated and revisions are managed.

  • How design assets are organized and stored for future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio is the primary mechanism for demonstrating process and system understanding. The focus is on the candidate's ability to execute design processes effectively and manage their workflow, rather than formal documentation. Highlighting projects that show adaptability and problem-solving in design will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Gain valuable hands-on experience in graphic design within a nonprofit sector context.

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful social impact initiatives and enhance a community-focused brand's visual presence.

• Develop practical skills in digital and print design, branding, and visual storytelling.

• Exposure to campaign strategy and execution within a Marketing & Communications team.

• Flexible remote work arrangement, allowing for a balanced work-life schedule.

Working Hours:

• Contract duration: 8 weeks.

• Standard working hours: 35 hours per week.

• This structure provides a focused, intensive experience suitable for a summer job.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is set at $18.25 CAD/hour, which is a competitive rate for an intern position in Vancouver, BC, especially considering the required skills and the typical compensation for summer job programs. The benefits are framed around professional development and impact, befitting an intern role in a mission-driven organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Services / Non-profit Charity. Nisa Foundation operates within the vital sector of community support, focusing on safety, security, and mental wellness for racialized women across Canada. This context means that visual communications must be sensitive, empowering, and reflective of the organization's mission.

Company Size: Nisa Foundation is a community-based charity, suggesting a smaller to medium-sized organization where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This often translates to a collaborative and close-knit team environment.

Founded: Established in 2014, Nisa Foundation has a decade of experience serving its community, indicating a stable and established presence with a clear mission and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Marketing Manager, indicating a direct line of supervision within the Marketing & Communications department.

• This role will likely collaborate closely with other members of the Marketing & Communications team, potentially including content creators, social media specialists, and program coordinators.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly responsible for analytics, the Graphic Designer will be expected to incorporate feedback and performance insights into design refinements, suggesting a data-informed approach to creative work.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing design projects from conception to completion, requiring efficient workflow management and the creation of reusable assets to optimize future design efforts.

• Automation & Efficiency: Creating templates and reusable design elements contributes to operational efficiency within the marketing team, allowing for quicker deployment of visual content.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a3ee5cf-98da-42fb-9b50-e66b86e6ecce&ccId=9201628222152_3 (Note: This is a recruitment portal link, not the primary company website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the nonprofit context is crucial for a candidate. The visual identity must resonate with the target audience (racialized women, children, donors, community partners) and convey trust, support, and empowerment. The "remote OK" status for Surrey implies that while the role is remote, there might be a connection to the Surrey area, or it's an administrative designation for remote work within BC.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, intern position designed for students or recent graduates. It provides foundational experience in applying graphic design skills within a professional marketing and communications framework.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing Manager. This provides a clear reporting line and an opportunity to learn from an experienced marketing professional.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the Nisa Foundation's ability to communicate its mission, programs, and impact effectively. High-quality visuals enhance brand perception, engage stakeholders, and support fundraising and outreach efforts, contributing indirectly to the organization's operational success and reach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools and application in real-world marketing campaigns. Skill enhancement in visual storytelling and adapting designs for diverse platforms.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the operations of a nonprofit organization, specifically within its Marketing & Communications department. Understanding how design supports mission-driven work.

• Networking: Opportunity to build professional relationships with the Marketing Manager and other team members, potentially leading to future references or opportunities.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Completing an 8-week contract with tangible design assets for a recognized charity significantly strengthens a candidate's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, growth is primarily measured by skill acquisition and portfolio development. The direct reporting to a Marketing Manager offers mentorship, and the "remote OK" status for Surrey highlights flexibility, which is a valuable aspect of modern work environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is designated as "Surrey - Remote," indicating that the role is fully remote. While the organization may have physical offices, this specific position does not require on-site presence.

Office Location(s): While the job is remote, the mention of "Surrey" might suggest a connection to the general operational area of the Nisa Foundation in British Columbia.

Workspace Context:

• Candidates will work from their own remote workspace, requiring reliable internet access and a suitable setup for design work.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital communication tools (e.g., email, video conferencing, project management software).

Work Schedule:

• The role is a contract for 8 weeks.

• A standard 35-hour work week is expected, which can typically be distributed flexibly across weekdays, subject to team coordination and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Surrey - Remote" designation is a bit ambiguous. It could mean remote work for someone based in Surrey, or it could mean the role is remote but administratively linked to their Surrey operations. Given it's a summer job program role, it's likely focused on Canadian eligibility and potentially has regional program guidelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, focusing on resume and portfolio relevance.

• Interview: Likely a video call with the Marketing Manager to discuss design experience, creative approach, and fit with the Nisa Foundation's mission. Expect questions about the candidate's portfolio projects and understanding of nonprofit communication.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated segment of the interview will likely focus on presenting and discussing selected portfolio pieces.

• Eligibility Confirmation: Verification of eligibility for the Canadian government's summer job program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (social media graphics, campaign visuals, branding).

• Tell the Story: For each project, be prepared to explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the intended or actual impact of your design.

• Highlight Adaptability: Showcase examples where you adapted designs for different platforms or incorporated feedback.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Include work that shows your ability to maintain brand consistency or develop new brand elements.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal design challenge might not be typical for an 8-week intern role, be prepared for scenario-based questions. For example: "How would you design a social media graphic to promote our upcoming fundraising event?" or "How would you ensure a consistent visual message across our website and social media?"

• Practice articulating your design thinking and problem-solving process concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on assessing creative potential and understanding of visual communication for a nonprofit. For this role, the portfolio is paramount, and candidates should be ready to walk through their projects with clarity and enthusiasm.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are explicitly mentioned as required. Candidates should be comfortable with these for creating professional graphic assets.

• Canva: Also listed as a tool for which proficiency is required, indicating its use for potentially faster or more accessible design tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role. However, understanding how design assets are deployed within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., email campaigns) could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva is non-negotiable. The ability to create assets for various digital platforms (Meta, TikTok, YouTube) implies an understanding of their specific design requirements and best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the Nisa Foundation's mission of promoting safety, security, and mental wellness for racialized women and children.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team to achieve shared goals, with an emphasis on open communication and feedback.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to visual storytelling that can enhance the organization's reach and impact.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Reflecting the values of inclusivity and respect for all individuals, particularly within the context of serving racialized communities.

• Efficiency: Utilizing design skills and tools to create impactful assets efficiently, supporting the organization's resourcefulness.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with the Marketing Manager and other marketing team members, necessitating clear communication and responsiveness.

• An open-door policy (even remotely) for feedback and constructive criticism is likely encouraged to refine designs and ensure alignment with campaign objectives.

• Sharing of design assets and inspiration within the team is expected to foster a cohesive visual strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with the values of a community-focused nonprofit. Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for the mission are as important as design skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Mission-Specific Storytelling: Translating the sensitive and impactful work of Nisa Foundation into compelling visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

• Brand Consistency Across Platforms: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual style across very different platforms like print, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating on design projects in a fully remote setting, managing feedback and revisions efficiently.

• Time Management: Balancing multiple design requests and meeting deadlines within an 8-week intensive contract.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Application: Hands-on experience applying design principles and software skills to real-world marketing campaigns.

• Nonprofit Marketing Insights: Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of marketing for a social impact organization.

• Cross-Platform Design: Developing expertise in designing for various digital and print channels.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a tangible body of work that demonstrates professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is aligning creative output with the organization's sensitive mission. The growth opportunities are focused on practical skill development and real-world application within a structured, short-term contract.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a social media graphic series for a campaign. How do you ensure consistency?"

• "How would you approach creating a visual identity for a new program aimed at supporting women experiencing homelessness?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with a nonprofit organization like Nisa Foundation?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how might you apply them to our work?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each project, clearly state the client (or Nisa Foundation, if hypothetical), the objective, your role, and the outcome.

• Showcase Process: Briefly walk through your design thinking – from initial concept sketches or mood boards to final execution.

• Highlight Adaptability: If you have examples of adapting a design for different formats or platforms, make sure to point them out.

• Emphasize Brand Alignment: For any branding work, explain how you ensured brand consistency and how it serves the organization's goals.

• Be Enthusiastic: Show passion for design and for the Nisa Foundation's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their portfolio projects in detail, focusing on their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to align visuals with a mission. Understanding the Nisa Foundation's work and values will be crucial for answering culture-related questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the ADP recruitment portal provided.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant design skills (Adobe Suite, Canva), any experience with social media graphics, print design, or previous work in nonprofit/community settings. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X graphics that contributed to Y campaign engagement").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant design samples. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a link to a website or a well-organized PDF). Prepare a brief narrative for each piece.

• Prepare for the Interview: Practice articulating your design process and how your skills align with Nisa Foundation's mission. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and answer scenario-based questions about design challenges.

• Research Nisa Foundation: Understand their mission, services, and target audience. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.