Graphic Designer | Temporary Full Time - #2179

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer | Temporary Full Time - #2179

Company: Developmental Disabilities Association

Location: Richmond, BC, CA

Job Type: Union Full Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide crucial graphic design and communications support to the Administration/Communications department, enhancing organizational outreach and brand consistency.

• Contribute to the development and execution of communication strategies, including social media content, email campaigns, and digital form creation to bolster engagement and information dissemination.

• Manage and maintain essential administrative records, such as membership lists, mailing records, and marketing material inventories, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility for operational efficiency.

• Support the creation and distribution of marketing collateral, including business cards and updated design materials, to meet the ongoing needs of various programs and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a temporary full-time position funded by Canada Summer Jobs, specifically targeting individuals aged 18-30. The focus is on providing foundational support within the Communications department, emphasizing hands-on experience with design tools and administrative tasks relevant to a non-profit social services organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually appealing graphics for various platforms, including social media, email newsletters, internal communications, and marketing materials, ensuring brand alignment and message clarity.

• Develop and maintain digital assets, including templates for email campaigns, digital forms, and website graphics, optimizing for user experience and accessibility.

• Assist in the execution of communication strategies by creating content, scheduling posts, and monitoring social media channels to enhance community engagement and brand visibility.

• Manage and update membership and mailing list records with accuracy and efficiency, supporting targeted communication efforts and relationship management.

• Coordinate the production and distribution of print materials such as business cards and marketing collateral, managing inventory levels and fulfilling requests as needed.

• Maintain a comprehensive photo inventory, organizing and tagging images for easy retrieval and use in various communication and marketing initiatives.

• Support the Communications department with ad-hoc administrative tasks, including data entry, record-keeping, and general office support to ensure smooth departmental operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are a blend of direct design tasks and supporting administrative functions, typical for entry-level roles within a communications team. The emphasis on "as needed" suggests a flexible approach to task assignment based on departmental priorities and the specific needs of the Canada Summer Jobs program.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary education or training in a related field such as Communications, Marketing, or Graphic Design.

Experience: While formal experience is not explicitly required, demonstrated proficiency in graphic design principles and software is essential. The role is structured for individuals seeking foundational experience in a professional communications environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and editing visual content.

• Strong command of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for administrative tasks, document creation, and data management.

• Demonstrated competency in English, both written and verbal, for clear communication and content creation.

• Basic computer literacy and ability to learn new software and systems quickly.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, contributing to departmental goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with social media management tools and best practices for content creation and engagement.

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms for designing and deploying email campaigns.

• Basic understanding of communication strategies and marketing principles.

• Experience in a non-profit or social services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The age restriction (18-30) and Canada Summer Jobs funding are critical eligibility criteria that function as primary qualifications for this role. The requirement for a criminal record check, medical clearance, and legal entitlement to work in Canada are standard for positions in the social services sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of graphic design projects, including examples of social media graphics, email layouts, and marketing collateral.

• Demonstrations of proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools through diverse project types.

• Examples of organized digital asset management, such as photo libraries or template collections.

Process Documentation:

• While not a formal requirement for this temporary role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any experience with process documentation in their application or portfolio, particularly related to design workflows or content management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level, temporary role, a formal portfolio may be less about complex process documentation and more about demonstrating foundational design skills and software proficiency. The "portfolio" might be informally assessed through submitted work samples or discussions during the interview.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.66 CAD per hour. This rate is set by the collective agreement and is specific to this temporary, unionized position. It aligns with entry-level hourly wages for specialized roles in the Vancouver, BC area, considering the non-profit sector and the Canada Summer Jobs funding parameters.

Benefits:

• On-the-job Training: Opportunity to gain practical skills and experience in graphic design and communications.

• Educational and training opportunities: Access to learning resources and potential for skill development relevant to the field.

• Professional development: Support for enhancing professional skills and career readiness.

• Community involvement: Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause within the social services sector.

• Union Membership: Entitlement to benefits and protections as per the collective agreement.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 AM to 4:30 PM, totaling 37.5 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed by the collective agreement and Canada Summer Jobs guidelines. Benefits are typical for temporary roles, focusing on skill development and on-the-job learning rather than extensive employer-sponsored benefits like health insurance, which are often not included in short-term, funded positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Services / Developmental Disabilities Support. The Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) is a prominent organization in British Columbia's social services sector, dedicated to providing comprehensive programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Company Size: The organization operates over 50 community-based programs, suggesting a substantial workforce and a decentralized operational structure across Vancouver and Richmond. This implies a dynamic environment with diverse needs for communication and support.

Founded: Information not publicly available, but its extensive program network points to a well-established presence in the community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Administration or Communications department, likely working closely with communications specialists and administrative staff.

• Reporting structure will be to a Communications Manager or Department Head, who oversees departmental strategy and operations.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding DDA's target audience and program outcomes can inform design choices.

• Workflow planning and optimization: Efficiently managing design requests, production timelines, and inventory will be key to departmental success.

• Automation and efficiency practices: Utilizing design software effectively and streamlining administrative processes will enhance productivity.

Company Website: www.develop.bc.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: DDA's mission-driven culture likely emphasizes compassion, community support, and professional dedication. The role's placement within a leading social services employer offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a positive social impact while gaining practical experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Junior Graphic Designer. This temporary role is designed to provide foundational experience in graphic design, communications support, and administrative functions within a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a supervisor within the Communications or Administration department, receiving guidance and task assignments.

Operations Impact: Through effective visual communication and administrative support, the Graphic Designer contributes to enhancing the organization's public image, program outreach, and operational efficiency, indirectly supporting the DDA's mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations skill advancement: Develop practical skills in graphic design software, digital content creation, and administrative management.

• Industry exposure: Gain experience within the social services sector, understanding its communication needs and operational nuances.

• Networking: Build professional connections within the DDA and potentially the broader social services community.

• Portfolio enhancement: Create tangible work samples to add to a professional portfolio for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a temporary, Canada Summer Jobs-funded position, the primary growth opportunity is hands-on experience and skill acquisition. While direct career advancement within DDA might be limited due to the temporary nature, the skills and experience gained are highly transferable to future roles in design, marketing, or communications.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the Graphic Designer to work from the DDA's Richmond, BC office location. This facilitates direct collaboration with the Communications department and other staff.

Office Location(s): Richmond, BC, Canada (specific postal codes V6X 2W2 and V6X 3X8 indicate potential office locations within Richmond).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment: The designer will work within the Administration/Communications department, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing among colleagues.

• Operations tools and technology: Access to standard office equipment, MS Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite will be provided to facilitate design and administrative tasks.

• Team interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with team members for task coordination, feedback, and project collaboration.

Work Schedule: A consistent Monday-Friday schedule from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM provides a structured work environment, allowing for integration into the team's daily operations and consistent focus on design and communication tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role emphasizes direct supervision, team integration, and hands-on training, which are beneficial for entry-level positions. The Richmond location places the role within a vibrant community with access to resources and public transportation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial screening: Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility criteria (age, legal status) and qualifications (education, software proficiency).

• Interview: Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview, likely with a supervisor from the Communications/Administration department. This may include a discussion about their design background, software skills, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Skills assessment (potential): Candidates might be asked to complete a small design task or present a brief portfolio showcasing relevant work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Organize work samples logically, highlighting projects that best demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and for relevant applications (social media, email, print).

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative choices, and how you approach problem-solving in design challenges.

• For this role, emphasize any projects that show clear communication of a message or brand identity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand DDA's mission and the services they provide. This will help tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with the required software and how you've used it to achieve specific design outcomes.

• Consider how your design skills can support a non-profit organization's communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the temporary nature and funding source, the interview process is likely to be streamlined. The focus will be on verifying eligibility, assessing core design skills, and gauging the candidate's enthusiasm and ability to contribute to the team quickly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design tasks. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is expected for creating and editing visual content. Adobe Acrobat is also listed for document management.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard office productivity tools including Word for document creation, Excel for data management (e.g., lists, inventory), and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Email Design Production: May involve using specific email marketing platforms or templates, requiring an understanding of responsive design principles.

• Digital Form Creation: Likely involves using web-based form builders or features within existing software suites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for a graphic design and administrative support role. The emphasis is on the Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office, indicating a need for practical, hands-on skills with these widely used industry tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Compassion and Support: DDA's core mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities, so a compassionate and empathetic approach is fundamental.

• Community Focus: Emphasis on serving and engaging with the local community through programs and outreach.

• Professionalism and Dedication: Upholding high standards in service delivery, communication, and administrative functions.

• Efficiency and Resourcefulness: Operating effectively within the non-profit sector often requires making the most of available resources.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: Working with various program staff to understand their needs and tailor communications and design solutions.

• Team-oriented: Contributing to the shared goals of the Communications department, offering support and sharing knowledge.

• Feedback exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve design work and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at DDA is likely to be supportive and mission-driven. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with the values of a social services organization, emphasizing collaboration and a commitment to making a positive impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Temporary Nature: The short duration of the contract (June 1 to July 27, 2026) means quickly adapting to the role and maximizing learning within a limited timeframe.

• Diverse Needs: Supporting multiple programs and departments may require juggling various design styles and communication objectives simultaneously.

• On-site Requirement: For individuals seeking remote work, the on-site nature of the role presents a challenge, requiring adherence to a fixed schedule and location.

• Canada Summer Jobs Restrictions: Navigating the eligibility and reporting requirements associated with this funding program.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Application: Gaining hands-on experience in a professional environment, applying design principles to real-world projects.

• Software Proficiency: Enhancing skills in Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office through daily use.

• Communication Strategy Exposure: Learning about how design and communication support organizational goals in the social services sector.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong set of work samples to showcase skills and experience for future employment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career to gain practical experience and build a portfolio. The key challenge is to maximize the learning and contribution within the defined temporary period.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign to solve a design problem or achieve a specific communication goal."

• "How would you approach creating a social media graphic for an event aimed at raising awareness for developmental disabilities?"

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Developmental Disabilities Association and in the social services sector?"

• "How do you handle feedback on your design work?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to briefly walk through 2-3 of your strongest design pieces that are relevant to the role (e.g., social media graphics, flyers, digital assets).

• For each piece, explain the objective, your creative process, the tools you used, and the outcome or intended impact.

• If you have administrative experience, be ready to discuss how you've managed data or organized information.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., online link, PDF) and clearly organized.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on demonstrating not only your technical design skills but also your understanding of effective communication, your organizational abilities, and your alignment with DDA's mission. Be ready to discuss your eligibility for the Canada Summer Jobs program.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on workforcenow.adp.com.

• Customize your resume: Highlight your educational background in design/communications, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office, and any relevant administrative experience. Tailor it to the specific responsibilities listed in the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather 3-5 strong design samples that showcase your skills in graphic design, social media visuals, and marketing collateral. Ensure it's easy to access and presentable for a virtual or in-person interview.

• Research DDA: Familiarize yourself with the Developmental Disabilities Association's mission, programs, and recent activities. Understand their target audience and communication style.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to design skills, software proficiency, administrative capabilities, and your interest in DDA's work. Be ready to discuss your eligibility for the Canada Summer Jobs program.

⚠️ 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.