Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Social Services
Date Posted: January 05, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in supporting the communications team and other departments by serving as an in-house creative resource for CMHA Ontario.
• The Graphic Designer is responsible for the conceptualization and execution of visually compelling communication materials, encompassing both digital and print media, with a strong emphasis on branding and annual report design.
• This position requires a blend of artistic talent and technical proficiency to translate complex information, particularly related to mental health and addiction, into accessible and engaging visual formats.
• The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketing and content strategists, to ensure brand consistency and effective storytelling across all designed assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities heavily lean into areas like "Communications Design," "Brand Design," and "Report Design," often found within GTM or marketing operations support functions. Given the non-profit sector and focus on translating information, this role requires strong visual communication skills in addition to core design competencies. The emphasis on translating "mental health and addiction information" suggests a need for designers who can handle sensitive content with clarity and empathy. The mention of "workflow processes" and "efficiency of design services" also hints at operations-minded contributions within the creative function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute a wide range of CMHA Ontario communication materials, including digital assets, print collateral (brochures, posters, signage), and branding elements, ensuring adherence to established brand guidelines.
• Lead the visual development and creative conceptualization of annual and impact reports, focusing on layout design, data visualization (infographics, charts), and narrative storytelling to effectively communicate CMHA Ontario's mission and achievements.
• Translate complex mental health and addiction-related information into high-quality, accessible, and engaging visual design concepts that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Collaborate effectively with marketing, content, and strategy teams to ensure cohesive and impactful delivery of all communication materials, aligning visual elements with strategic objectives.
• Develop creative concepts, layouts, and visual storytelling strategies for multi-page documents and complex projects, ensuring clarity and aesthetic appeal.
• Work closely with content writers, data analysts, and leadership to transform raw information into compelling visual formats such as infographics, charts, and data visualizations.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external collaborators and stakeholders, managing feedback and revisions efficiently to meet project timelines.
• Uphold and enhance the organization's corporate image by strictly adhering to corporate style guidelines, procedures, and supporting materials, ensuring all produced documents meet the highest design standards.
• Proactively review and recommend improvements to workflow processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of design services between the communications department, CMHA Ontario programs, and affiliated branches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "review and recommend improvement to workflow processes to ensure ongoing efficiency of design services" is a direct indicator of operations-focused thinking within a creative role. This suggests the candidate should be prepared to discuss process optimization and efficiency gains in their application and interviews, aligning with GTM or Marketing Operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Web Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Proven work experience as a Graphic Designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing the production of diverse communication collateral, including print advertisements, graphics, newsletters, fact sheets, email blasts, social media posts, and website elements.
• Demonstrated experience in designing for non-profit organizations or in sectors dealing with sensitive information is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in graphic design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for document creation and collaboration.
• Expertise in emerging online graphic design platforms and visual suites such as Canva, Figma, or Adobe Express.
• Solid understanding of current visual design trends and the ability to stay informed about emerging design methodologies and technologies.
• Demonstrated artistic and conceptual abilities to create engaging and dynamic user experiences through design.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and deliver quick turnarounds without compromising quality.
• Strong conceptualization and creative thinking skills for developing unique visual solutions.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear and concise visual narratives.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in creating visual assets for web and digital platforms, including social media graphics, web banners, and email templates.
• Experience in video production and editing.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques beyond basic infographics.
• Experience working within a hybrid work environment and managing remote collaboration tools.
• Understanding of accessibility standards in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in tools like Canva, Figma, and Adobe Express, alongside the Adobe Creative Suite, indicates a need for versatility and a modern approach to design, often associated with rapid content creation and GTM support. The mention of "user experiences" and "dynamic user experiences" suggests a focus on how design impacts engagement, a key metric in GTM and marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, with a significant emphasis on print collateral (e.g., brochures, annual reports, posters) and branding initiatives.
• Include examples demonstrating the ability to translate complex data and information into clear, engaging infographics and visual reports.
• Provide case studies or project examples that highlight your creative process, from initial concept to final execution, and showcase problem-solving in design challenges.
• Projects demonstrating brand consistency across various mediums, including both print and digital, are highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow and design process, detailing how you manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve design objectives efficiently.
• Highlight any experience you have in recommending or implementing improvements to design workflows or processes to enhance team efficiency and output quality.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader communication and marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that touches on process improvement, candidates should be ready to present portfolio pieces that not only showcase design quality but also the strategic thinking behind them. This includes how the design supported a specific objective, how feedback was incorporated, and how the final product achieved its intended impact. A focus on efficiency and workflow within the portfolio's narrative will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Hiring Rate: $62,048.49 - $63,891.40 CAD per annum (based on a 35-hour work week).
• Salary Grid: $62,048.49 (Step 1) to $69,758.53 CAD (Step 5) per annum.
• Initial salary is anticipated to be between Step 1 and Step 2 of the grid.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Pension plan through HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan).
  • Life Insurance.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Dental Insurance.
  • Exclusive paid time-off.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, permanent position.
• Standard office hours: 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid work model: Minimum 3 days in the office, up to 2 days remote per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within a mid-level designer compensation bracket for Toronto, Ontario. When discussing salary expectations, candidates should reference this range and consider their experience relative to the Step 1-2 initial offer. The inclusion of HOOPP is a significant benefit, common in the public sector and non-profit organizations in Ontario, indicating a stable and well-supported employment environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Services / Healthcare / Non-Profit. CMHA Ontario is a provincial association dedicated to improving mental health services and support across Ontario. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, CMHA Ontario functions as a provincial association with a network of branches, suggesting a medium-to-large organizational structure with a significant reach. Founded: Information on the founding date of CMHA Ontario is not provided, but CMHA has a long history of service in Canada. This implies a stable, established organization with a mission-driven culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Communications team, working closely with marketing, content, and strategy departments.
• This role will also collaborate with various CMHA Ontario programs and affiliated branches, indicating a matrixed or networked reporting structure for project-based work.
• The role requires interaction with leadership and data analysts to ensure accurate and impactful visual representation of information.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on translating complex information (mental health, addiction, data) into accessible visual formats.
• Commitment to high design standards and brand consistency across all communication materials.
• A collaborative approach to content creation, involving cross-functional teams.
• A focus on improving workflow processes for enhanced design service efficiency.

Company Website: ontario.cmha.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in mental health advocacy and support suggests a culture that values empathy, community impact, and dedication. For operations professionals, this means understanding that efficiency and effectiveness are crucial for maximizing reach and resources to support their cause. The hybrid model reflects a modern workplace adapting to employee needs while maintaining in-person collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as a mid-level specialist within the creative function, likely requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves significant autonomy in design execution and creative conceptualization, with some responsibility for process improvement recommendations.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a manager or director within the Communications department. While the primary reporting line is within Communications, the role requires extensive collaboration and project-based interaction with other departments and external stakeholders (CMHA branches), akin to an internal agency model.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily on the effectiveness of CMHA Ontario's communication efforts. High-quality design directly influences:

• Brand perception and recognition.
• Clarity and accessibility of information regarding mental health services.
• Engagement with stakeholders, donors, and the public through reports and campaigns.
• Efficiency of the communications team by providing ready-to-use visual assets.
• The organization's ability to tell its story compellingly through annual and impact reports.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas such as data visualization, brand systems, or digital asset creation.
• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on more responsibility for optimizing design workflows, potentially leading to a Senior Designer or Design Operations role.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of marketing, content strategy, and program management within the non-profit sector.
• Mentorship: Potentially mentor junior designers or interns as the team grows.
• Professional Development: Utilize provided opportunities for training, workshops, or conferences to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "workflow processes" and "efficiency of design services" is a key differentiator. Candidates who can frame their experience in terms of improving operational efficiency within creative production will stand out. This role offers a unique blend of creative contribution and operational thinking, which can be a stepping stone to roles that bridge creative teams with operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Toronto, Ontario, and operates on a hybrid model, meaning a mix of in-office and remote work. This suggests a structured office environment with dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas. Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario (specific address not provided, but likely accessible via public transit given the hybrid model).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates strong communication and collaboration tools for seamless interaction between in-office and remote team members. Expect active participation in team meetings and cross-departmental projects.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma) and potentially project management tools for task tracking and workflow management.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues in Communications, Marketing, and other departments, fostering a shared understanding of organizational goals and communication strategies.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 35-hour work week, typically within typical business hours.
• The hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility, allowing for remote work up to two days a week, which can aid in managing focus time for design tasks and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a traditional office setup for the in-office days, with a focus on collaboration. For operations professionals, understanding the hybrid model's implications on communication, task management, and team cohesion is important. The candidate should be prepared to discuss how they maintain productivity and collaboration in such a setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design experience.
• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager and potentially a member of the communications team. Focus on design philosophy, experience with relevant software, and understanding of CMHA's mission.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study might be presented, requiring the candidate to design a sample asset (e.g., an infographic for a report, a social media graphic) based on provided information. This assesses their ability to translate information and apply design principles under timed conditions.
• Second Interview: May involve meeting with broader team members or leadership to assess cultural fit and collaboration style. Portfolio review will be a key component, discussing past projects, design rationale, and impact.
• Final Decision: Based on overall fit, skills, and portfolio presentation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, emphasizing print design, annual reports, infographics, and branding.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the brief, your creative process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.
• Highlight Data Visualization: If you have strong infographic or data presentation examples, make them prominent. Explain how you simplified complex data.
• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines.
• Tailor to CMHA: If possible, include a speculative piece or explain how your skills would benefit CMHA's specific mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that requires you to interpret and visualize information. Practice creating infographics or report layouts quickly.
• Focus on clear communication of your design choices and how they serve the project's objectives.
• Understand CMHA Ontario's mission, current campaigns, and past reports to inform your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on annual reports and data presentation suggests that candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with creating visually appealing and informative reports. The "operations" aspect comes into play when discussing how they manage the design process efficiently and collaborate effectively to meet deadlines for these critical organizational documents.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (essential for print layout, annual reports), Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, infographics).
• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (document integration), PowerPoint (presentations, basic graphics), Excel (data integration for charts/graphs).
• Online Design Platforms: Canva, Figma, Adobe Express (for rapid creation, digital assets, and potentially collaborative design).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, proficiency in creating charts and graphs for reports using data provided by analysts is key. Understanding how visual reporting impacts stakeholder perception is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design assets are used in marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of both professional-grade software (Adobe Creative Suite) and more accessible online platforms (Canva, Figma) indicates a need for versatility. This is common in GTM functions where content needs to be produced quickly and efficiently across various channels, often requiring designers to be adaptable to different toolsets and workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to CMHA's mission of promoting mental health and supporting individuals with mental illness and addiction.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and working effectively across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Excellence: Dedication to producing high-quality work that reflects positively on the organization and its brand.
• Efficiency: A drive to optimize processes and workflows to maximize impact and resource utilization, especially important in the non-profit sector.
• Empathy & Inclusivity: A culture that values understanding and compassion, reflected in both internal interactions and external communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing, communications, and program teams, requiring clear communication and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet project objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design expertise and learn from colleagues in other disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on efficiency and process optimization, even within a creative role, suggests that CMHA Ontario values a results-oriented culture. Candidates who can demonstrate how their design work contributes to broader organizational goals and operational effectiveness will align well with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Sensitive Information: Effectively communicating complex and potentially sensitive mental health and addiction information in a clear, empathetic, and non-stigmatizing manner.
• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Maintaining creative integrity while strictly adhering to corporate style guides and brand standards.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling design requests from various departments and branches, each with potentially different priorities and feedback.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Continuously learning and integrating new design tools and techniques while ensuring they align with the organization's mission and brand.
• Optimizing Design Workflows: Identifying and implementing efficiencies in the design process to meet tight deadlines and maximize output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design tools.
• Data Visualization Workshops: Developing skills in creating more sophisticated infographics and data-driven reports.
• Brand Management: Gaining deeper understanding of brand strategy and its application across diverse communication channels.
• Non-Profit Sector Insights: Learning about the unique communication challenges and strategies within the social services and healthcare sectors.
• Process Improvement Training: Developing skills in workflow analysis and optimization, potentially leading to roles with operational oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of "optimizing design workflows" directly aligns with operations and GTM principles. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach this challenge, framing it as an opportunity for continuous improvement and operational efficiency within the creative function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data or abstract information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data visualization and storytelling)
• "How do you approach balancing creative exploration with strict brand guidelines, especially for an organization like CMHA?" (Focus on brand adherence and creative problem-solving)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a multi-page report, from initial brief to final delivery. How do you ensure efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction?" (Focus on process, workflow, and collaboration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for CMHA Ontario specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Focus on mission alignment and impact)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback on your designs?" (Focus on collaboration and adaptability)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. What strategies do you use to stay productive and collaborative?" (Focus on remote work and hybrid operations)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a concise story: the challenge, your solution, and the results.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any metrics related to engagement or effectiveness of your designs.
• Highlight Process: Show wireframes, sketches, or early concepts to demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving.
• Emphasize Relevance: Clearly connect your portfolio pieces to the requirements of the Graphic Designer role at CMHA Ontario, particularly the report design and infographic aspects.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for strategy questions, frame your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), emphasizing your operational approach to design challenges, such as efficiency, stakeholder management, and process optimization. This will demonstrate your value beyond just creative output.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, resume, and a link to your online portfolio through the provided BambooHR link.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with print design, annual reports, infographics, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and collaborative design tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "visual storytelling," "data presentation," and "workflow processes."
• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features projects relevant to the role's core responsibilities, especially complex documents and data visualization. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects during an interview.
• Research CMHA Ontario: Understand their mission, recent campaigns, and the impact of their work. This will help you tailor your application and responses to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.
• Prepare for a potential design challenge: Practice creating quick visual assets or infographics based on sample data or briefs, focusing on clarity, creativity, and adherence to design principles.

⚠️ 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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