Graphic Designer - Appendix D/Temporary Assignment (April 2026 - April 2027)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Appendix D/Temporary Assignment

Company: Mohawk College

Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary Assignment

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 8th, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting Mohawk College's Marketing department by creating high-quality visual assets across various media.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing concepts, mock-ups, and final designs for campaigns, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

• A key aspect involves incorporating online and web-based content techniques, including HTML and responsive design, utilizing a Content Management System (Drupal).

• The position also requires expertise in animation and motion graphics for special projects and effective communication through a ticketing system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title specifies "Appendix D/Temporary Assignment," indicating a fixed-term contract from April 2026 to April 2027. This requires candidates to be available for this specific duration. The role is situated within the educational sector, specifically higher education, which often involves a focus on student recruitment, institutional branding, and clear communication of academic programs and services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials, including graphics, print brochures, print and online ads, Microsoft Office documents, posters, billboards, eBlasts, and online content, adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Create unique mock-ups and concepts for new ideas or campaigns, ensuring they align with the college's overall strategic goals and visual identity.

• Incorporate content and graphics onto the public website using the Drupal Content Management System (CMS), including understanding and implementing HTML and responsive design principles.

• Develop and manage animation and motion graphic projects, working with stakeholders to understand objectives, develop storyboards, and execute creative concepts using specialized software.

• Refine, optimize, and manage digital assets, including photos, for both print and web use, and organize them within the Digital Asset Manager.

• Apply accessibility principles and techniques (WCAG 2.0 AA) to all media types, ensuring files are consumable by end-users and can be repurposed for online consumption.

• Maintain quality control by performing spell checks, pre-flighting documents before print, ensuring work is proofed and approved, and reviewing press-proofs for accuracy.

• Respond to requests efficiently through the department's online ticketing system (Zendesk), prioritizing workload in collaboration with management to meet department and college goals.

• Communicate project updates, changes, and requirements with coworkers, clients, and managers via the ticketing system or in person.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional graphic design and digital execution. Experience with CMS platforms like Drupal and a strong understanding of web content integration are critical. The emphasis on accessibility (WCAG 2.0 AA) is a significant responsibility, requiring specialized knowledge in document remediation and file creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A minimum of three years of post-secondary education in Graphic Design or an equivalent combination of relevant educational and practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of professional graphic design and production experience.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Professional for print and digital applications.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, and other Office programs for document production.

• Strong understanding and practical application of accessible document principles, including building accessible files and PDF remediation techniques.

• Experience with web content management systems (CMS) and HTML-based applications (e.g., Dreamweaver) for online content integration.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.0 AA.

• Excellent spelling and grammar skills for clear communication and error-free content.

• Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse student, employee, and community populations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation and motion graphics software: Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

• Experience with 3D animation software such as Cinema 4D.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Experience using online ticketing systems like Zendesk for workflow management.

• Copywriting experience.

• Familiarity with web analytics and optimization tools (e.g., Siteimprove).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of "5-10 years" aligns with the stated "minimum five years" of professional experience. The emphasis on both print and digital design, coupled with accessibility compliance, indicates a need for a versatile designer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency across print, digital, and web media.

• Include examples of campaign materials, brochures, advertisements, and online content that highlight creative concept development and execution.

• Present case studies or examples of projects that required adaptation to brand guidelines and strategic marketing objectives.

• Demonstrate experience in creating accessible documents and explain the process of ensuring WCAG 2.0 AA compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design workflow from concept to final delivery, including client brief interpretation, concept development, revisions, and quality assurance.

• Explain your process for incorporating feedback from stakeholders and managing project timelines.

• Detail your approach to ensuring brand consistency across all design outputs.

• Describe your methodology for creating accessible digital assets and your understanding of relevant tools and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio submission isn't explicitly stated, the nature of a Graphic Designer role necessitates a strong visual portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to present work that exemplifies the skills and responsibilities outlined. The emphasis on process and accessibility suggests a need for candidates who can articulate their creative and technical workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Start Rate: $34.60 per hour.

Benefits:

• 8% in lieu of vacation and benefits, paid bi-weekly.

• Option to enroll in a Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT) with contributions matched by Mohawk College.

• Access to professional development opportunities.

• Discounted rates for full-service athletic facilities and instructor-led classes.

Working Hours:

• Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The job mentions "hybrid work arrangements available," implying a flexible schedule combining on-site and remote work, though specific days or percentages are not detailed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8% in lieu of vacation and benefits" is a common practice for temporary assignments, providing a lump sum payment that covers vacation pay and benefits not otherwise provided. The CAAT pension plan is a significant benefit for eligible employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Post-secondary Institution)

Company Size: Large (Mohawk College has multiple campuses and a substantial student and employee population, typically categorized as 1,000+ employees based on similar institutions).

Founded: 1966

Company Description: Mohawk College is a public college of applied arts and technology located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs, from apprenticeships to diplomas and degrees, serving a diverse student body and contributing to the local economy and community.

Company Specialties: Applied arts, technology, skilled trades, health sciences, business, community services.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing department's creative team.

• This team likely includes other designers, copywriters, marketing strategists, and potentially digital specialists.

• The role reports to a manager and collaborates closely with a Traffic Coordinator for workload prioritization.

Methodology:

• The department and college operate with a strong emphasis on brand consistency and strategic alignment.

• Design decisions are guided by the overall strategic goals of the Marketing & Recruitment department and the college.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the use of analytics tools and the need to demonstrate impact.

• Workflow management relies on a ticketing system (Zendesk) for efficient request handling and prioritization.

Company Website: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mohawk College's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation is strongly highlighted, indicating a workplace culture that values these principles. This is a critical aspect for candidates to understand and align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer (requires 5+ years of experience and specialized skills).

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Manager within the Marketing department. Works closely with a Traffic Coordinator.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the college's brand perception, recruitment efforts, and internal communications. High-quality, consistent, and accessible design materials are essential for student engagement, institutional reputation, and effective outreach.

Growth Opportunities:

• For this temporary assignment, direct career progression within Mohawk College might be limited to further contract roles or permanent positions if they become available.

• Opportunity to gain significant experience in higher education marketing and design, enhancing skills in accessibility compliance and CMS integration.

• Exposure to a wide range of design projects, from recruitment campaigns to executive communications, broadening the designer's portfolio.

• Potential for professional development courses or workshops offered by the college.

• Building a professional network within a large educational institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a temporary role, the experience gained in a complex educational environment, particularly with accessibility and CMS requirements, can be valuable for future career opportunities in design, marketing, or operations roles within educational institutions or other large organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangements are available. This suggests a blend of on-site work at the Fennell campus and remote work.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at the Fennell campus (135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, Ontario, L9C0E5).

Workspace Context:

• The role requires access to design software and hardware (likely Mac-based).

• Collaboration will occur with team members, managers, and requestors from across the college.

• Use of a ticketing system (Zendesk) for task management and communication.

Work Schedule:

• Standard hours are Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility in how these hours are managed between on-site and remote locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key feature, offering flexibility. Candidates should confirm the specific expectations regarding on-site presence with the hiring manager during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with job requirements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio or present their work, showcasing relevant design projects, especially those demonstrating brand adherence, accessibility compliance, and digital/print versatility.

• Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the marketing team. These interviews will assess technical skills, creative approach, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design test or case study may be administered to evaluate specific design skills, software proficiency, and ability to interpret briefs under time constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent the requirements of this specific role, emphasizing print and digital design, web content integration, and accessibility.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain the design brief, your conceptual approach, challenges faced, and how you ensured brand consistency and accessibility standards.

• Highlight Accessibility: Include specific examples of accessible documents you've created or remediated, explaining the techniques used.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work – from brochures and ads to web graphics and potentially motion graphics if available.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on quality over quantity. Present your strongest, most relevant work clearly and professionally.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a college campaign, updating an existing piece to meet accessibility standards, or designing a web graphic based on a brief.

• Practice translating a brief into design concepts quickly and articulating your rationale.

• Ensure you can demonstrate proficiency in core Adobe Creative Suite applications during any practical assessment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on accessibility and CMS work, be ready to discuss your experience with these specific areas. A strong understanding of the higher education sector's communication needs would also be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Professional (essential for print and digital design).

• Motion Graphics/Video: Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects (for animation and motion graphics projects).

• Web Content Management System (CMS): Drupal (for incorporating graphics and content online).

• Web Design/Development Tools: HTML, Dreamweaver (or similar for web editing).

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) for document production.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Accessibility Checkers: Built-in tools in Word, Adobe Acrobat, and potentially Siteimprove for evaluating accessibility compliance.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): For organizing, editing, tagging, and uploading images.

• Ticketing System: Zendesk (for managing requests, tracking issues, and documenting task completion).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with Drupal and a demonstrable understanding of web content integration and accessibility tools are also critical requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI): Mohawk College actively promotes these principles, expecting employees to contribute to an inclusive environment.

• Quality and Consistency: High standards for design output, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

• Accessibility: A commitment to creating materials that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients across the college.

• Efficiency and Responsiveness: Managing workload effectively through the ticketing system and meeting deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• The role involves close collaboration with the marketing team, including other designers and traffic coordinators.

• Interaction with various college departments and requestors is expected, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate needs into design solutions.

• A team-oriented approach, supporting departmental and college-wide goals, is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and embracing the college's commitment to REDI principles will be key for cultural fit. Demonstrating an ability to work inclusively and respectfully with diverse individuals is important.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Juggling requests from various departments with differing needs and priorities, while maintaining brand consistency.

• Meeting Accessibility Standards: Continuously applying and updating knowledge of WCAG 2.0 AA and other accessibility requirements for all design outputs.

• Rapid Content Evolution: Keeping pace with digital trends and the evolving needs of web content management systems like Drupal.

• Project Management in a Temporary Role: Adapting quickly to new projects and stakeholders within a fixed-term assignment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Accessibility Expertise: Deepening knowledge and practical application of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 AA) and remediation techniques.

• CMS Proficiency: Gaining hands-on experience with Drupal and its integration with design workflows.

• Higher Education Marketing: Understanding the unique design and communication challenges within the post-secondary education sector.

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Developing or refining skills in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

• Professional Development: Access to college-offered training sessions or workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in gaining specialized experience in higher education marketing and, critically, in accessibility compliance, which is increasingly in demand across all industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to graphic design, particularly when working within established brand guidelines and for an educational institution."

• Accessibility: "How do you ensure your designs are accessible, and what specific steps do you take to meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards?"

• CMS Experience: "Can you walk us through your experience using a Content Management System like Drupal to publish web content and graphics?"

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder feedback or project requirements. How did you resolve it?"

• Software Proficiency: "Which Adobe Creative Suite applications are you most proficient in, and how have you used them for complex projects?"

• Motion Graphics: "Tell us about a project where you incorporated animation or motion graphics. What was your process?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Mohawk College specifically, and how do your values align with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, especially in digital media and accessibility?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Select projects that directly showcase your ability to design for print, digital, web, and mobile, with a strong emphasis on accessibility.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly outline the brief, your creative solution, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Accessibility: Be prepared to show specific examples of accessible documents and explain the techniques you employed.

• Demonstrate CMS Integration: If possible, show examples of web content you've managed or integrated.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Discuss your workflow, software usage, and understanding of file preparation for print and web.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the higher education sector's communication needs and your commitment to inclusive design practices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mohawk College careers site.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of graphic design experience, specifically mentioning proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, CMS platforms (Drupal), and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 AA). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your strongest, most relevant work, with a clear section on accessibility projects. Be ready to share the link or present specific examples.

• Interview Preparation: Research Mohawk College's mission, values, and recent marketing initiatives. Prepare to discuss your experience with higher education communication, your design process, and your approach to accessibility. Practice articulating your answers to common interview questions.

• Review Job Details: Pay close attention to the temporary assignment duration (April 2026 - April 2027) and the hybrid work arrangement details.

⚠️ Important Notice: This role is a temporary assignment with a fixed term. Ensure you are available for the entire duration. The "8% in lieu of vacation and benefits" is a standard compensation structure for temporary positions of this nature. Verify any specific hybrid work expectations with the hiring manager.