Communications Specialist/ Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Communications Specialist / Graphic Designer

Company: BGIS

Location: Markham, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: April 02, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Spearhead regional communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with national strategies and fostering improved client relationships through engaging content and targeted outreach. This role requires a strategic approach to brand management and stakeholder engagement within the facility management sector.

• Creative Content Development: Design, develop, and execute a wide range of communication materials, from digital posts and newsletters to presentations and print collateral, all while maintaining brand consistency and creative appeal. This involves leveraging graphic design skills to translate complex information into easily digestible and impactful visual assets.

• Tenant and Occupant Engagement: Implement and manage robust tenant and occupant communication programs, focusing on digital and print formats to enhance engagement, support building certification programs (LEED, BOMA, WELL), and drive customer loyalty. This aspect of the role is crucial for maintaining positive relationships within managed properties.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal BGIS departments and external stakeholders, including vendors and translation services, to develop and implement account-specific communication plans, ensuring seamless execution and broad reach. Effective collaboration is key to success in this multifaceted role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title includes "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities emphasize broader communications strategy and execution within the facility management context. The graphic design aspect is a supporting skill for creating communication materials, rather than a primary focus on pure design work. The role operates in a hybrid capacity, requiring a balance of on-site presence for collaboration and potential in-person events, and remote flexibility for content creation and planning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement tenant communication programs: Based on national and regional initiatives, create engaging content for tenants and occupants across digital and print platforms.

• Oversee regional communications: Ensure all tenant and occupant communications are consistent with national messaging, informative, and engaging, supporting brand consistency and client satisfaction.

• Design and create branded tools and collateral: Produce presentations, posters, notices, social media posts, newsletters, and other communication materials in line with established communication plans and brand guidelines.

• Collaborate with internal departments and external parties: Work with various BGIS departments, translation services, and vendors to develop and execute client-specific communication strategies and initiatives.

• Lead internal communications initiatives: Refresh communication materials to ensure team members are aware of client programs and remain engaged, fostering a connected internal environment.

• Support building certification communications: Contribute communication strategies for programs such as LEED, BOMA, and WELL, highlighting sustainability and occupant well-being initiatives.

• Research and gather information: Conduct research to support communication initiatives, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and conciseness of all published content.

• Manage social media requirements: Support social media efforts by creating content and engaging with online communities, aligning with broader communication strategies.

• Assist with industry events: Support the planning and execution of industry events, including registration, booth setup, and material coordination, enhancing BGIS's visibility.

• Translate communication materials: Coordinate with translation services to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate translation of materials into French.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on both strategic planning and tactical execution of communications within the facility management sector. The role requires an individual who can manage multiple communication streams simultaneously, from high-level strategy to detailed content creation and distribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Public Relations, or a related field is typically expected for a role of this nature.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in a communications role, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies. Experience within facility management or a related service industry is considered an asset.

Required Skills:

• Communications Strategy Development: Proven ability to create and implement comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals and target audience needs.

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Strong skills in designing visually appealing and effective communication materials using industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

• Exceptional Writing, Editing, and Proofreading: Masterful command of the English language, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive content for various formats and audiences.

• Digital Communications & Social Media Management: Solid understanding of current digital communication trends, including social media platforms, email marketing, and content management systems.

• Brand Management: Ability to maintain brand consistency across all communication channels and materials, ensuring a cohesive brand identity.

• Project Management: Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to effectively present communication concepts, plans, and results to internal and external stakeholders.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to all tasks, ensuring accuracy and quality in all communications and design work.

Preferred Skills:

• Facility Management Experience: Familiarity with the facility management industry, including common terminology, client needs, and operational considerations.

• Experience with Certification Programs: Knowledge of communication requirements for programs like LEED, BOMA, and WELL.

• French Language Proficiency: Ability to support French translation efforts, either directly or through coordination with external services.

• Layout and Design Skills: Advanced capabilities in creating professional layouts for print and digital media.

• Creativity: A high degree of creativity to develop innovative communication approaches and engaging content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of strategic communication planning, creative content development, and project management. The "Communications Specialist" title suggests a broader scope than a pure graphic designer, requiring a candidate who can think strategically about messaging and audience engagement, in addition to producing visually appealing materials.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Communication Strategy Case Studies: Showcase examples of communication plans developed and executed, detailing objectives, target audiences, strategies, and measurable outcomes.

• Graphic Design Samples: Present a diverse portfolio of design work, including but not limited to newsletters, social media graphics, presentations, brochures, and event materials, demonstrating versatility and adherence to branding.

• Written Communication Samples: Provide examples of various written content, such as press releases, internal memos, website copy, or social media posts, highlighting writing style, clarity, and effectiveness.

• Project Management Examples: Illustrate instances where you managed complex communication projects from inception to completion, detailing project scope, timelines, stakeholder management, and successful delivery.

• Tenant/Occupant Engagement Initiatives: If possible, include examples of programs or campaigns designed to engage tenants or occupants, demonstrating an understanding of audience needs and effective outreach methods.

Process Documentation:

• Communication Plan Development: Demonstrate experience in outlining communication objectives, identifying target audiences, selecting appropriate channels, and defining key messages.

• Content Creation Workflow: Detail your process for developing, reviewing, approving, and distributing communication content, including collaboration with stakeholders and quality assurance steps.

• Design Briefing and Execution: Explain how you interpret design briefs, translate requirements into visual concepts, and manage the design process from concept to final asset delivery.

• Performance Measurement and Reporting: Show how you track the effectiveness of communication initiatives (e.g., engagement rates, website traffic, feedback) and report on key metrics to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, demonstrating not only design capabilities but also strategic thinking in communications and project management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for developing and executing communication plans, and how they measure their impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,397 - $79,246 CAD per annum. The starting salary will be determined based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including experience, education, and performance related to this role.

Benefits: While specific benefits are not detailed, typical offerings for full-time positions at organizations like BGIS often include:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., RRSP matching).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and statutory holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP).

Working Hours: This is a regular, full-time position. Based on industry standards and the derived AI attribute, working hours are likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement suggests flexibility, with a balance between in-office and remote workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the Canadian market, specifically Ontario. The exact starting salary will be competitive and dependent on the candidate's qualifications. The hybrid nature of the role implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills to maintain productivity and collaboration across different work settings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Facility Management and Real Estate Services. BGIS operates within a sector focused on maintaining and optimizing commercial and institutional properties, offering a wide range of services from maintenance to strategic real estate consulting. This context means communications often need to be clear, efficient, and focused on service delivery and client satisfaction.

Company Size: BGIS is a large, established organization with a significant global presence. Being part of a larger corporation means access to a broad range of resources, established processes, and potentially more structured career paths, but also a need to navigate corporate policies and larger team dynamics.

Founded: 1992. With decades of experience, BGIS has a mature understanding of the facility management market and a well-defined operational framework. This history suggests stability and a deep knowledge base within the company.

Team Structure:

• Regional Focus: The role is embedded within a specific region, suggesting a team structure that supports local client accounts and operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Communications Specialist will likely work closely with operations managers, client account teams, marketing departments, and potentially HR and IT to execute communication initiatives.

• Reporting Line: Likely reports to a Communications Manager, Marketing Lead, or a Regional Operations Director, depending on the specific departmental structure within the region.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Communication: While not explicitly stated, modern communications roles increasingly rely on data to inform strategy and measure impact. Expect a focus on analytics for digital content and campaign effectiveness.

• Process Optimization: As a facility management company, there's an inherent focus on efficiency and process improvement, which should extend to communication workflows.

• Client-Centric Approach: All communications will be geared towards serving BGIS clients and their tenants, emphasizing customer satisfaction and service excellence.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding BGIS's position as a large facility management provider is key. Communications must be professional, reliable, and aligned with service delivery. The company's established nature suggests a professional, results-oriented culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a blend of hands-on execution (graphic design, writing) and strategic input (communication planning). It’s a stepping stone for those looking to specialize further in corporate communications, marketing, or client relations within the B2B service sector.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a manager overseeing communications or marketing for the region. This provides opportunities for mentorship and learning from experienced professionals in communications and potentially facility management leadership.

Operations Impact: The Communications Specialist directly impacts client satisfaction and retention by ensuring clear, consistent, and engaging communication. Effective tenant engagement programs can lead to better property management outcomes, positive tenant experiences, and stronger client relationships for BGIS. The role also contributes to brand awareness and loyalty, indirectly supporting business development efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Advance into senior Communications Specialist roles, focusing on digital marketing, content strategy, or public relations.

• Management: Progress to a Communications Manager or Marketing Manager position, leading a team and overseeing larger communication strategies.

• Client Relations: Transition into roles focused more directly on client account management or business development, leveraging communication expertise to build and maintain client relationships.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep expertise in facility management communications, becoming a sought-after professional in this niche.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to further develop graphic design skills, explore advanced digital marketing tools, or gain certifications in project management or communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in corporate communications within a stable, large organization. Growth potential lies in specialization within communications or leveraging communication skills for broader business development and client management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of working remotely and from a BGIS office location in Markham, ON. It suggests a need for strong organizational skills to manage work across different environments and a capacity for both independent work and collaborative sessions.

Office Location(s): Markham, Ontario, Canada. This location is part of the Greater Toronto Area, offering access to a vibrant business hub. Specific office details would need to be confirmed with BGIS, but typically include modern office spaces designed for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model implies that in-office days will be focused on team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative project work, requiring effective communication and teamwork.

• Technology Access: Expect access to standard office technology, including computers, software for design and communication, and potentially shared meeting spaces equipped for hybrid interactions.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse team of professionals in operations, management, and client services, fostering a rich learning and networking environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement suggests some flexibility in scheduling, but core hours for team collaboration and client availability will likely be expected. The ability to manage one's schedule effectively is crucial for success in a hybrid setup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, requiring candidates to be self-disciplined and adept at virtual and in-person collaboration. The role is situated within a professional office setting when on-site, facilitating team interaction and access to necessary resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss specific responsibilities, past experiences, and communication/design skills. This is where your portfolio will be a key discussion point.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session (or integrated into interviews) where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, discuss your design process, communication strategies, and the results achieved.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Potentially an interview with key team members or stakeholders you would collaborate with, to assess teamwork and communication style.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with a senior leader, leading to a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase both graphic design and strategic communication capabilities. Tailor your selection to BGIS's industry.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the challenges, your approach (strategy and design process), the tools used, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight ROI and Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. For communication initiatives, discuss engagement metrics, reach, or client feedback. For design, discuss how it supported the overall communication goal.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your creative process, how you approach design briefs, and how you collaborate with stakeholders.

• Emphasize BGIS Relevance: If possible, include a speculative piece or tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills would benefit BGIS and its clients.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be asked to complete a short design task (e.g., create a social media graphic, mock up a newsletter section) within a time limit.

• Communication Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a specific communication scenario, such as addressing tenant concerns or launching a new program.

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component of this hiring process. Candidates should prepare a compelling presentation that highlights both their creative and strategic communication abilities, with a focus on impact and relevance to the facility management industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for creating visual assets.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with platforms for website content updates or internal communication portals.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar for creating and distributing newsletters and email campaigns.

• Social Media Management Tools: Platforms such as Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social for scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing performance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: For tracking website traffic and user behavior related to online communications.

• Social Media Analytics: Built-in analytics within social media platforms or third-party tools to measure reach, engagement, and audience demographics.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Potentially BGIS's own internal systems for tracking communication campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): While not the primary focus, familiarity with CRM systems is beneficial for understanding client data and segmentation for targeted communications.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing communication projects, tasks, and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is paramount for the graphic design aspect. Familiarity with digital marketing tools and project management software will significantly enhance a candidate's suitability. Understanding how these tools integrate into broader communication strategies is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Service Delivery: A commitment to high-quality service, which extends to all internal and external communications.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of BGIS clients and their tenants in all communication efforts.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: An openness to new ideas and methods for enhancing communication effectiveness and efficiency.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing collective effort and cross-functional partnerships to achieve common goals.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with various departments, necessitating clear communication, active listening, and a willingness to understand different perspectives.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement in both communication strategies and design execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and lessons learned within the communications team and across departments to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: BGIS, as a large service provider, likely emphasizes professionalism, client satisfaction, and teamwork. The Communications Specialist should demonstrate an ability to work effectively within a structured corporate environment while embracing a collaborative and client-centric approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholders: Managing communication needs and expectations from various internal departments, clients, and tenants, each with unique priorities.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a wide range of communication channels and materials, especially with a hybrid work model.

• Measuring Communication Impact: Demonstrating the tangible value and ROI of communication initiatives in a sector that is not always directly tied to revenue generation.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with the rapid pace of change in digital marketing, social media, and communication technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Opportunities to hone graphic design skills with specialized software or techniques.

• Digital Marketing Certifications: Pursuing certifications in areas like social media marketing, content strategy, or SEO.

• Project Management Training: Developing formal project management skills to enhance efficiency and leadership capabilities.

• Facility Management Industry Knowledge: Gaining a deeper understanding of the facility management sector to better tailor communications.

• Leadership Development Programs: For high performers, pathways to management roles may include leadership training and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to grow in a dynamic field. The challenges are typical for a communications role in a large organization, and the growth opportunities are geared towards specialization and advancement within the corporate communications or marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a comprehensive communication plan for a new client program in the facility management sector." (Focus on audience analysis, objectives, channel selection, messaging, and measurement.)

• "How would you approach creating a communication strategy to support a building certification like LEED or WELL?" (Highlight understanding of program goals, stakeholder engagement, and benefits communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about BGIS and the facility management industry?" (Show research into BGIS's services, values, and market position.)

• "How do you ensure your communication style and design output align with a company's brand and culture?" (Discuss your process for understanding and embodying brand guidelines.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini-case studies, telling the story of the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics related to engagement, reach, or campaign success. For design, discuss how it contributed to the communication objective.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to explain your design thinking and communication strategy development process in detail.

• Tailor to BGIS: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to BGIS's industry (facility management, B2B services) and its communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss both their creative process and strategic thinking. The interview will likely assess not only technical skills but also problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit within BGIS.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your strongest graphic design and strategic communication examples, especially those relevant to B2B services or facility management. Quantify results where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Communications Strategy," "Graphic Design," "Tenant Engagement," "Project Management," and "Digital Communications." Emphasize achievements and quantifiable results.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and preparing answers to common interview questions related to strategy, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Be ready to discuss your approach to hybrid work.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research BGIS, its services, its clients, and its recent initiatives. Understand its position in the facility management market to better tailor your responses 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.

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