Graphic Designer, VPI (Value Partners Investments)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, VPI (Value Partners Investments)

Company: The Canada Life Assurance Company

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce visually compelling marketing collateral for Value Partners Investments (VPI) to enhance advisor and client engagement.

• Develop engaging digital content for social media channels and email marketing campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and clarity.

• Maintain and update company websites, optimizing for user experience and digital accessibility standards.

• Translate complex financial concepts into easily digestible graphics and visuals to support clear communication strategies.

• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager and internal teams to ensure all design outputs align with VPI's mission and branding.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the visual communication and brand integrity of Value Partners Investments (VPI), a subsidiary of The Canada Life Assurance Company. While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, it directly supports GTM efforts by creating materials that inform and engage advisors and clients, impacting the perception and effectiveness of VPI's investment products and services. The emphasis on simplifying complex financial topics and ensuring digital accessibility highlights the operational aspect of delivering clear, compliant, and user-friendly communications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute professional marketing materials including newsletters, presentation slides, brochures, and investment reports.

• Create event-specific collateral such as invitations, agendas, and landing pages to support VPI's outreach initiatives.

• Develop and deploy email marketing campaigns using Constant Contact, ensuring visually appealing and effective communication.

• Design graphics, write copy, and manage content posting across various social media platforms to increase brand visibility and engagement.

• Monitor and update company websites, assessing their effectiveness and implementing improvements for user experience and information delivery.

• Contribute to a wide range of miscellaneous graphic design projects as required by the marketing team.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the professionalism, consistency, and visual appeal of all VPI marketing assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for a designer who can handle both print and digital design, with a specific focus on financial services marketing. The mention of Constant Contact and social media management points towards execution-level tasks in digital marketing operations. The requirement to "turn complex topics into simple, easy to understand graphics and visuals" is a key operational responsibility for clarity and advisor/client comprehension in a regulated industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary education in Graphic Design.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a focus on creating marketing and communication materials.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, for creating integrated marketing assets.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for collaborating with stakeholders and crafting clear messaging.

• Exceptional attention to detail, crucial for accuracy in financial communications and brand consistency.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment, contributing to collaborative projects.

• Proven ability to translate complex financial or technical information into simple, understandable graphics and visuals.

• Experience meeting digital accessibility standards for various formats including PDF, PowerPoint, Video, and Web. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with email marketing software like Constant Contact.

• Familiarity with social media content creation and management tools.

• Basic understanding of website content management systems (CMS) or web design principles.

• Experience within the financial services or investment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, is standard for graphic design roles. The specific mention of Microsoft Office Suite, especially PowerPoint, is critical for a role supporting a financial firm where presentations are a primary communication tool. The requirement for digital accessibility experience is increasingly important for compliance and broader audience reach, indicating a sophisticated approach to design operations. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level designer capable of independent work but also open to guidance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of marketing collateral design, including newsletters, brochures, and presentations, demonstrating an ability to adapt to different formats and communication goals.

• Feature examples of digital assets such as social media graphics, email banners, and landing page designs, highlighting proficiency in digital design principles and responsive layouts.

• Include case studies or examples that illustrate the ability to simplify complex information into clear, impactful visuals, ideally with a financial or technical context.

• Demonstrate experience in maintaining brand consistency across various mediums and adhering to style guides.

• Highlight projects that required adherence to digital accessibility standards (e.g., accessible PDFs, alt text for images). Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how design projects were managed from brief to final delivery, showcasing understanding of project workflows and timelines.

• Illustrate methods used for incorporating feedback from stakeholders and iterating on designs to meet objectives.

• Showcase any personal processes or templates developed to ensure efficiency and quality in design production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, particularly in a corporate environment, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just creative skill but also an understanding of effective communication, brand management, and technical requirements like digital accessibility, which are operational necessities. Showing how a candidate approaches project management and feedback integration is also key for operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,800 - $94,200 CAD annually. This range represents base salary only.

Benefits:

• Flexible health and dental benefits.

• $5,000 mental health benefit.

• Company-matching pension plan.

• Share ownership program.

• Up to $2,000 annually for education reimbursement.

• Volunteer day for community involvement.

• Employee discounts.

• Mentorship programs.

• Rewards and recognition programs.

• Service milestone celebrations.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role is described as Hybrid, suggesting a balance between in-office and remote work, allowing for flexibility in managing work hours and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and falls within typical market rates for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in a major Canadian city like Winnipeg. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting the offerings of a large financial institution like Canada Life, with strong emphasis on career development, health, and financial security. The "Hybrid" work arrangement, while not explicitly detailing days in office, implies a structured flexibility beneficial for operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Investment Management). Value Partners Investments (VPI) operates within the investment management sector, focusing on building client wealth through strategic investments and clear communication. This industry demands high levels of accuracy, compliance, and trust.

Company Size: Part of The Canada Life Assurance Company, a large, established financial services organization. VPI itself was founded in 2005 and manages over $6.9 billion in assets, indicating a significant operational scale within its niche.

Founded: Value Partners Investments (VPI) was founded in 2005. Canada Life, its parent company, has a much longer history, providing a foundation of stability and established corporate practices.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Marketing Manager, indicating a direct line of reporting within the marketing department.

• VPI's mission to "build client wealth by investing wisely and communicating clearly" suggests a team-oriented approach where clear communication is a shared responsibility.

• Collaboration with advisors, clients, and staff is a stated goal, implying the design function is integral to broader stakeholder engagement. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's success in generating investment gains suggests a data-informed approach to business strategy, which designers should be mindful of when creating materials that reflect performance.

• Clear Communication: VPI's mission emphasizes clear communication, making the designer's role in simplifying complex financial topics a core operational methodology.

• Professionalism and Consistency: The goal to "continuously improve the professionalism, consistency and visual appeal of all VPI marketing materials" points to a commitment to high operational standards in branding and design output.

Company Website: https://www.canadalife.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding VPI's position as an investment firm within the larger Canada Life entity is crucial. The culture likely blends the innovation and agility of a dedicated investment management group with the stability and compliance rigor of a major financial institution. The emphasis on communication and client wealth building provides context for the design role's strategic importance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an individual contributor position at a mid-career level for a Graphic Designer. It offers the opportunity to specialize in financial services marketing and gain experience in a regulated industry. The responsibilities involve both creative execution and operational tasks related to content management and digital asset creation.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing Manager. This provides a clear reporting line and a direct avenue for feedback and guidance on design projects and career development within the marketing function.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts VPI's ability to communicate its value proposition effectively to advisors and clients. High-quality, clear, and accessible marketing materials are essential for building trust, attracting new clients, retaining existing ones, and supporting the sales efforts of advisors. This role contributes to the operational efficiency of marketing by ensuring consistent and professional brand representation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial services marketing design, digital accessibility standards, and email marketing platforms.

• Career Advancement: Potential progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing Specialist, or even Marketing Manager roles within VPI or Canada Life, depending on performance and further development.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with various departments, including sales, client relations, and investment teams, broadening understanding of the business.

• Learning & Development: Access to Canada Life's extensive learning programs and up to $2,000 annually for education reimbursement can support formal training in advanced design techniques, digital marketing, or financial industry specifics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role provides a solid foundation in corporate graphic design within the financial sector. Growth opportunities are tied to demonstrating impact, acquiring specialized knowledge, and potentially moving into more strategic or managerial roles within marketing or broader GTM functions. The connection to Canada Life's larger learning resources is a significant advantage for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This indicates a blend of on-site work in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and remote work. The specific breakdown of days in office vs. remote would typically be determined by team needs and company policy.

Office Location(s): Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Postal Code R3C 3R8). This location is central to VPI's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: As part of VPI and Canada Life, the environment likely fosters collaboration, especially within the marketing team. The need to "work effectively in a team environment" and "elevate our communication" suggests a culture of shared effort.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite) is expected. The mention of Constant Contact also points to specific marketing technology in use.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will occur during in-office days, team meetings, and project-specific collaborations. The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions in the office.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is specified, with the hybrid arrangement offering some flexibility in managing workdays and personal commitments. This structure is typical for corporate roles and supports operational continuity while allowing for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility that is increasingly valued by design professionals. The Winnipeg location is specific, and candidates should consider commuting and in-office expectations as part of their application. The blend of creative work and operational tasks within a regulated industry will define the daily workspace experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio for technical skills, relevant experience, and alignment with basic qualifications.

• First Interview: May involve the Marketing Manager or HR, focusing on background, motivation, and initial assessment of communication and team fit. Portfolio presentation might be requested here.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical assessment, potentially involving a small design task or a detailed walkthrough of the candidate's portfolio. This stage will evaluate the ability to translate complex topics into visuals and meet accessibility standards.

• Final Interview: Could involve other marketing team members or stakeholders, assessing cultural fit, problem-solving skills, and understanding of VPI's business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills, especially those involving financial services, complex data visualization, or digital accessibility.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your design (e.g., improved engagement, clarity).

• Highlight Accessibility: Specifically point out projects where you implemented digital accessibility standards and explain your approach.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital work, as well as social media graphics and email designs.

• Prepare for VPI Context: Be ready to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with VPI's mission of "building client wealth by investing wisely and communicating clearly."

Challenge Preparation:

• Research VPI: Understand their current marketing materials, brand guidelines, and target audience (advisors, high-net-worth families).

• Practice Simplifying: Work on examples of taking complex financial terms or data points and creating simple, compelling visuals.

• Accessibility Check: Familiarize yourself with current digital accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and how they apply to common design deliverables.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific software and potentially demonstrate skills if a live design exercise is part of the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their creative output but also articulate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of VPI's specific needs within the financial services industry, including compliance and accessibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential, with specific emphasis on Photoshop (raster graphics, image manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout design for print and digital publications like newsletters, brochures, reports).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Critical for integration with business workflows. Proficiency in PowerPoint (presentation design), Excel (data visualization for reports), and Outlook (email correspondence and calendar management) is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics for monitoring website performance and user engagement, which can inform design updates.

• Email Marketing Analytics: Understanding of metrics from platforms like Constant Contact (e.g., open rates, click-through rates) to assess the effectiveness of email campaigns.

• Social Media Analytics: Ability to interpret engagement metrics from various social media platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Constant Contact: Explicitly mentioned for email marketing, requiring the ability to design and deploy campaigns within this platform.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): While not specified, familiarity with common CMS platforms for website updates would be beneficial.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience with systems for organizing and retrieving design assets is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on core design tools and specific marketing platforms. A candidate's ability to leverage these tools efficiently and effectively, especially in translating complex data into understandable visuals and ensuring digital accessibility, is key. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Do the Right Thing: This value, central to Canada Life, implies ethical considerations in design, particularly concerning accuracy, transparency, and avoiding misleading visuals in financial communications.

• Deliver with Impact: The design work must contribute tangibly to VPI's goals of building client wealth and communicating clearly. This means designs should be effective, engaging, and professional.

• Step Up: Taking initiative in identifying design improvements, proactively addressing challenges, and contributing positively to team projects.

• Professionalism & Consistency: A commitment to maintaining high standards in all visual outputs, ensuring brand integrity and a polished corporate image.

• Clarity in Communication: A core operational value for VPI, directly impacting the designer's role in simplifying complex financial information.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will collaborate with the Marketing Manager, potentially sales teams, and other departments to understand project requirements and ensure designs meet business objectives.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and achieve optimal results, as indicated by the need to "continuously improve" materials.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in team discussions to share best practices in design, digital marketing, and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values provide a framework for how the Graphic Designer is expected to operate. Emphasizing "doing the right thing" and "delivering with impact" is particularly relevant in the financial services industry, where trust and performance are paramount. The designer's role is to support these values through their visual communication efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: The primary challenge will be translating intricate financial concepts, investment data, and market analysis into clear, visually appealing graphics that are easily understood by both financial advisors and clients.

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Adhering to financial industry regulations and corporate branding guidelines while maintaining creative integrity and visual appeal can be demanding.

• Digital Accessibility Demands: Ensuring all digital and print materials meet stringent accessibility standards requires ongoing learning and meticulous execution.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity in a hybrid work environment, ensuring seamless communication and project flow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in data visualization, infographic design, and interactive design for financial reporting and marketing.

• Financial Industry Acumen: Gain a better understanding of investment products, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements within the financial services sector.

• Digital Marketing Tools: Enhance skills in email marketing platforms (Constant Contact), social media content strategy, and web content management.

• Accessibility Best Practices: Become an expert in digital accessibility standards and their application in design workflows.

• Career Pathing: Leverage Canada Life's extensive learning resources to explore potential growth into senior design, marketing, or related operational roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique demands of designing within the financial services sector, particularly the need for clarity and compliance. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on specialized skills and industry knowledge that can lead to significant career advancement within a large, stable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex technical or financial topic into a visual graphic. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, clarity, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency and adherence to style guides across various design projects?" (Highlight your organizational skills and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that demonstrates your understanding of digital accessibility standards. What specific measures did you take?" (Crucial for this role; prepare a clear, detailed example.)

• "How do you manage feedback and revisions from multiple stakeholders on a design project?" (Demonstrate your collaborative and client-focused approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Value Partners Investments and Canada Life, and why are you interested in designing for the financial services industry?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you see your design work contributing to VPI's mission of building client wealth through clear communication?" (Connect your skills to the company's core purpose.)

• "Our values include 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Deliver with Impact.' How do you embody these values in your design work?" (Relate your work ethic and design philosophy to company values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., data visualization, digital accessibility, branding).

• Storytelling: For each selected project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the results or impact. Use metrics if available.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your showcased projects demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, digital accessibility, and translating complex information.

• Engage the Audience: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices and process. Make it interactive and conversational where appropriate.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most relevant and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on showcasing a strong portfolio, demonstrating an understanding of financial services marketing, and highlighting proficiency in digital accessibility. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and how it aligns with VPI's business objectives and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Canada Life jobs portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 5-7 of your most relevant design projects, emphasizing those that showcase your ability to simplify complex information, adhere to brand guidelines, and meet digital accessibility standards. Prepare to discuss your process for each.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, email marketing (Constant Contact), and any experience in the financial services sector. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Value Partners Investments and Canada Life thoroughly. Practice articulating your design process, your understanding of financial communications, and how you embody the company's values. Be ready to discuss your approach to hybrid work.

• Demonstrate Accessibility Expertise: Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of digital accessibility standards and provide specific examples of how you've implemented them in your work.

⚠️ 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.