HUB-NU26-22 Illustrator and Graphic Designer- Canada Summer Jobs

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: HUB-NU26-22 Illustrator and Graphic Designer - Canada Summer Jobs

Company: Springboard

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Graphic Design / Digital Art / E-learning Design

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote with some in-person requirements)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an entry-level digital artist and graphic designer role focused on creating visual assets for Springboard's Community Learning HUB (HUB).

• The position involves developing digital illustrations, animations, and prototypes to enhance e-learning modules and program communications.

• Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard digital design tools and production workflows.

• The role emphasizes collaboration within a remote creative team and direct mentorship from a Senior Designer and HUB Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designed as a Canada Summer Jobs position, indicating a focus on providing work experience and skill development opportunities for youth and young adults during the summer period. The "entry-level" designation and emphasis on skill-building further support this. The hybrid nature requires some in-person presence at the Toronto Head Office, balancing remote flexibility with team integration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the sketching, drawing, and design of art concepts for HUB program content, ensuring visual appeal and educational effectiveness.

• Assist in creating wireframes and interactive prototypes for HUB program content, translating concepts into user-friendly digital experiences.

• Design essential web graphics, including online banners, images for landing pages, and other visual assets to support HUB communications and marketing efforts.

• Collaborate with a remote creative digital artist team to develop digital illustrations and animations, contributing to the visual narrative of e-learning modules.

• Adapt illustrations and graphics to various artistic styles as required by different project specifications and brand guidelines.

• Learn to provide accurate design timelines for projects, contributing to efficient project management within the HUB team.

• Gain practical experience in understanding and navigating the digital production workflow by working alongside Designers, Developers, and Curriculum Writers.

• Develop technical skills in illustration and graphic design, focusing on layout, composition, and basic branding principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight learning and contribution, typical for an entry-level summer position. The emphasis on "support" and "assist" indicates that the role is designed for skill development under guidance, rather than independent ownership of complex projects. The mention of adapting to different artistic styles suggests a need for creative flexibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-Secondary Diploma, Certificate, or Degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Digital Art, Illustration, Multimedia Design, Fine Arts).

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, illustration, or a related digital art field.

Required Skills:

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team, contribute to shared goals, and support team members in group creative projects.

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas, share feedback, and actively listen to supervisors and peers.

• Creativity & Innovation: Enthusiasm for exploring new ideas and approaches to visual storytelling, illustration, and design, with an openness to experimenting with diverse creative styles.

• Digital Skills: Familiarity with or a strong interest in using digital tools for visual content creation, editing, and sharing (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms).

• Problem-Solving: Willingness to think creatively to overcome design challenges, respond constructively to feedback, and adapt work to meet project requirements.

• Technical Skills (Developing): Foundational understanding and developing hands-on skills in illustration and graphic design, including principles of layout, composition, basic branding, and the use of design software.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with specific digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma.

• Basic understanding of e-learning module design principles.

• Experience with wireframing and prototyping tools.

• Portfolio showcasing digital illustrations, graphic designs, or web graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section is intentionally framed around developing competencies ("You will have the opportunity to build and apply...") rather than demanding existing mastery, aligning with the entry-level and summer job nature of the role. The "Technical Skills" section explicitly mentions developing hands-on abilities, reinforcing the learning aspect.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a range of digital design and illustration work, even if from academic projects or personal endeavors.

• Examples should demonstrate creativity, technical proficiency in relevant software, and an understanding of visual communication principles.

• Work samples should ideally include digital illustrations, graphic designs (e.g., banners, social media graphics), and potentially examples of wireframes or basic prototypes.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation isn't expected at this entry level, candidates will gain experience in understanding digital production workflows.

• The role involves contributing to project-based processes under guidance, including design concept development, asset creation, and adaptation based on feedback.

• Successful applicants will observe and learn about task management through working on multiple simultaneous projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level summer role, a formal "portfolio" is less about extensive professional experience and more about demonstrating potential and foundational skills. The emphasis is on showcasing creative ability and a willingness to learn the digital production process. The "Process Documentation" aspect focuses on the candidate's learning journey within the established workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.60 CAD per hour.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Available for full-time, permanent staff (note: this is a contract position, so full benefits may not apply, but specific contract benefits should be clarified).

• Savings Plan: Available for all permanent positions, supporting employees financially.

• Pension Plan: Offered to permanent staff.

• Training: Access to training opportunities to develop skills relevant to the role and career.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from the HUB Manager and Senior Designer provides guidance and professional development.

• Career Development Opportunities: Exposure to a professional work environment and diverse project types fosters career growth.

• Rewards and Recognition Program: Part of the agency's focus on appreciating employee contributions.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Schedules may be subject to change based on operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as $17.60/hour CAD, consistent with Canada Summer Jobs program guidelines. Benefits listed as "Comprehensive Benefits Package," "Savings Plan," and "Pension Plan" are noted as being for "full time, permanent staff" and "all permanent positions." This contract role's specific benefit eligibility should be clarified, but the mention indicates the company's overall benefit philosophy. The working hours are standard full-time for this type of contract.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Services, Youth Development, Employment Services, Community Justice, and Developmental Services. Springboard operates within the non-profit sector, focusing on community impact and skill development.

Company Size: Springboard is a significant non-profit organization with a substantial reach and multiple program areas, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization within its sector. The "Employee Engagement Committee" and "Town Halls" indicate an established organizational structure and a focus on internal communication and culture.

Founded: The Community Learning HUB was launched in 2009, indicating a long-standing digital platform. Springboard itself has a history of delivering innovative programming, suggesting a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• Community Learning HUB (HUB) Team: This role is part of the HUB department, which manages a digital learning platform serving over 250 schools and organizations.

• Reporting Structure: The Illustrator and Graphic Designer reports directly to the HUB Manager.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role involves working with a remote creative digital artist team, Senior Designer, Developers, and Curriculum Writers, highlighting a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment within the HUB.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the company's mission to "build stronger communities" and "help youth reach their full potential" implies a focus on measurable outcomes and program effectiveness.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The digital production workflow within the HUB is a key aspect, involving collaboration between designers, developers, and writers to create e-learning content.

• Automation & Efficiency: As a digital platform, the HUB likely leverages technology to scale its services and reach a wide audience efficiently.

Company Website: springboard.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is emphasized as people-centric, focusing on skills development, personal growth, and work-life balance. The "Employee Engagement Committee" and various communication channels suggest an organization that values employee input and connection. The hybrid work model reflects a modern approach to workplace flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, contract position specifically designed as a "Canada Summer Jobs" opportunity. It is ideal for individuals early in their career or students looking to gain practical experience in digital design and e-learning development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the HUB Manager, providing direct supervision and guidance. The Senior Designer also offers mentorship, ensuring structured learning and support.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, this position contributes to the operational success of Springboard's Community Learning HUB by creating engaging digital content. This content directly supports youth education and skill development, aligning with the organization's core mission and impact. The visual assets produced will influence user engagement and program effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Direct experience with industry-standard design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma) and e-learning design processes.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding of digital production workflows, project management, and cross-functional team collaboration in a non-profit technology environment.

• Portfolio Building: Opportunity to create tangible work samples for a professional portfolio, demonstrating practical application of design skills.

• Networking: Interaction with a diverse team of designers, developers, and curriculum writers, offering potential for future connections.

• Career Exploration: A chance to explore a career path in digital art, graphic design, or e-learning development within the social impact sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition and practical experience, fitting for a summer contract role. The "Operations Impact" is redefined within the context of a non-profit to focus on program effectiveness and mission fulfillment through digital content creation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This means a combination of remote work from a personal location and in-person attendance at Springboard's Head Office in Toronto.

Office Location(s): Springboard Head Office, 2 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON. This central Toronto location is likely accessible via public transit.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The ability to work remotely offers flexibility in daily routine and reduces commute time for non-office days.

• Collaborative Environment: In-person days at the Head Office are expected to foster team integration, direct collaboration with colleagues, and access to company resources.

• Tools and Technology: Access to digital design software (likely provided or requiring use of personal licenses depending on company policy for contract roles) and collaboration tools essential for a remote/hybrid team.

Work Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While core hours are established, flexibility may exist within the remote component, subject to operational needs and team coordination. The hybrid model implies scheduled in-office days for specific collaborative activities or meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both remote autonomy and in-office collaboration. The specific balance between remote and in-office days is subject to change based on operational needs, suggesting adaptability is important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: AI-assisted screening will organize applications, followed by a personal review by the hiring manager.

• Cover Letter & Resume Submission: Applicants must submit both documents in a single file.

• Potential Interview(s): Likely includes discussions about design skills, creative process, collaboration style, and alignment with Springboard's mission. For an entry-level role, this might involve a skills-based assessment or a review of portfolio work.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio, explaining their creative process, design choices, and how they approached specific projects.

• Final Evaluation: Based on skills, experience, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include examples that demonstrate your range of skills, from detailed illustrations to clean graphic design and any wireframing/prototyping experience.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly describe the brief, your thought process, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight problem-solving steps for any design challenges.

• Focus on Relevance: If possible, tailor your portfolio to include pieces that align with e-learning or educational content design.

• Clarity and Organization: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and clearly labeled. A PDF format is often preferred for submissions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to design challenges, such as adapting to feedback, working within constraints, or brainstorming creative solutions for specific content needs.

• For a hybrid role, consider how you would manage communication and collaboration effectively across remote and in-office settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of AI in the hiring process is highlighted. The application instructions are clear: cover letter and resume in one document. The portfolio review will likely focus on demonstrating potential and foundational skills rather than extensive professional experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Design Software: Proficiency or developing skills in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) is expected. Familiarity with Figma for wireframing and prototyping is also mentioned.

• Graphic Design Tools: Canva or similar user-friendly design platforms may be utilized for certain tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design position, but the role supports the operational goals of the digital platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are directly aligned with the core responsibilities of digital illustration and graphic design. The emphasis is on familiarity and willingness to use these tools, rather than expert-level mastery, given the entry-level nature.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Springboard's mission of building stronger communities and helping youth reach their full potential.

• People-Centric: Valuing individuals, fostering opportunities for skills development, personal growth, and social interaction.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment, with accommodations available throughout the recruitment process.

• Learning Organization: Encouraging feedback and continuous improvement across all areas of the organization.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working well with others, supporting team members, and participating in group creative projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires collaboration with designers, developers, and curriculum writers to produce cohesive e-learning content.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where ideas are shared, and constructive feedback is given and received among team members and supervisors.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals across different disciplines within the HUB team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Springboard's values are centered around social impact, personal development, and a supportive, inclusive workplace. The culture encourages learning and collaboration, which is crucial for a hybrid, multidisciplinary team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to New Tools/Workflows: For individuals new to professional design environments, mastering specific software and production workflows can be a challenge.

• Balancing Remote and In-Office Work: Effectively managing time and communication in a hybrid setting requires strong organizational skills.

• Meeting Project Deadlines: Contributing to multiple projects simultaneously necessitates good time management and prioritization.

• Incorporating Feedback: Learning to effectively receive and implement constructive criticism from supervisors and peers is a key developmental area.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• E-learning Design Processes: Gaining practical insight into the creation of digital learning content.

• Industry Software Proficiency: Deepening skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma through practical application.

• Cross-Disciplinary Understanding: Learning how design integrates with development and curriculum writing for successful project outcomes.

• Professional Communication: Enhancing verbal and written communication skills in a professional context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as learning opportunities, common for entry-level roles. The growth opportunities focus on gaining tangible skills and experience relevant to a career in digital design and e-learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience with digital illustration and graphic design. What tools are you most comfortable with?" (Prepare to discuss your comfort level with specific software like Adobe Suite, Figma, Canva, and any relevant projects.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design based on feedback. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your ability to take constructive criticism and iterate on your work.)

• "How do you approach balancing creative tasks with project timelines?" (Highlight your organizational skills and any time management techniques you use.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid setting?" (Be ready to discuss your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "What does it mean to you to be part of a mission-driven organization?" (Show your understanding of and alignment with Springboard's social impact goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or skill.

• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the objective, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Point out examples that showcase your illustration, graphic design, wireframing, and problem-solving abilities.

• Be Concise: Focus on the most impactful pieces and articulate your contributions clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the entry-level nature of the role, emphasizing foundational skills, learning attitude, and alignment with the company's mission. The portfolio presentation strategy focuses on demonstrating process and potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Resume & Cover Letter: Ensure your resume and cover letter are submitted as a single document, as per instructions. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your passion for design, interest in Springboard's mission, and relevant skills for this entry-level role.

• Portfolio Preparation: Have your portfolio ready. Even if it's academic or personal work, ensure it showcases your digital illustration, graphic design, and any wireframing/prototyping skills. Be prepared to discuss your creative process for each piece.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Springboard's mission, values, and the Community Learning HUB. Understand the impact they aim to achieve in youth education and community development.

• Skill Articulation: Be ready to speak about your developing technical skills, collaboration abilities, and enthusiasm for learning within a hybrid team environment.

⚠️ 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.