Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Government of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Job Type: Part-Time (0.5 FTE)
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector
Date Posted: December 10, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in conceptualizing, designing, and producing a wide array of graphic materials to support the Royal Alberta Museum's communication and marketing objectives, educational programs, and wayfinding systems.
• The Graphic Designer will leverage advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software and practices to translate key messages into captivating visual solutions for diverse target audiences.
• A core aspect of this position involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary creative team, marketing colleagues, and other stakeholders to ensure design outputs align with strategic communication goals and institutional mandates.
• The role demands strong creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage projects from initial concept through to final production, potentially including procurement and quality control of graphic products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job posting indicates a Part-Time role at 0.5 FTE, equating to approximately 14.5 to 21.75 hours per week, averaging 36.25 hours per pay period. This is a key detail for candidates seeking flexible or supplementary employment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design graphic materials that effectively communicate key messages for marketing, communications, educational programs, and museum exhibits.
• Develop production-ready artwork that adheres to defined communications objectives, project scope, and captivates target audiences.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including marketing and communications teams, to define project parameters, gather feedback, and integrate input into final design solutions.
• Apply industry-standard software, typography, and design practices to create visually compelling and informative materials.
• Manage the production of graphic products, which may involve coordinating with external vendors, obtaining quotations, managing contracts, and ensuring quality control.
• Contribute to the development and achievement of the Visitor Experience Unit's plans and priorities by providing expert design perspective.
• Consult with colleagues on visual communication strategies and production methods, offering informed advice to enhance project outcomes.
• Ensure all design work adheres to accessibility standards and museum-specific guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for understanding museum-specific contexts, including exhibition development, visitor experience, and informal learning theory, which is crucial for candidates to address in their applications and portfolios.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University graduation in a related field (e.g., Arts, Visual Communications, Graphic Design). Equivalency considered: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience, or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
Experience: A minimum of three years of related graphic design experience, with a preference for experience within the museum sector or a cultural institution.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency with the Mac computer platform.
• Advanced proficiency with design software packages, specifically the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 office applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of materials and processes used in print media, exhibit graphics, digital media, and indoor/outdoor signage.
• Strong content analysis and problem-solving skills to integrate diverse graphic products into a cohesive whole.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of visual communications principles across various media.
• Understanding of accessibility standards in design.
• Effective project management skills and the ability to work independently.
• A Class 5 driver's license.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the museum sector or cultural institutions.
• Experience in developing and delivering innovative interpretive methods for museum exhibits (passive, active, immersive, interactive).
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings.
• 3D design skills and experience.
• Motion graphics skills.
• Illustration and photography skills.
• Experience laying out graphic products in French.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Class 5 driver's license and the preference for experience with museum-specific interpretive methods and accessibility standards are critical details that candidates should highlight if they possess them.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of three to five diverse graphic design projects that demonstrate conceptualization, execution, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Include examples of work relevant to marketing collateral, communication materials, exhibition graphics, and potentially digital or environmental signage.
• Highlight projects that illustrate an understanding of target audience engagement and clear communication objectives.
• Present projects that reflect an ability to work within established brand guidelines or institutional mandates.
• For museum-specific roles, include examples that demonstrate an understanding of interpretive design principles or educational content delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of a systematic approach to design projects, from initial brief to final delivery.
• Outline the process for client consultation, feedback integration, and revisions.
• Detail how project scope, timelines, and deliverables were managed for at least one significant project.
• Demonstrate an understanding of production workflows for print, digital, and/or environmental graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job posting explicitly requires candidates to attach a "portfolio of related work, showcasing relevant graphic projects." This is a non-negotiable requirement and should be a primary focus for applicants.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,760 - $83,285 CAD annually (based on $2,442.94 to $3,199.46 bi-weekly).

Benefits:

• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP).
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information (e.g., health, dental, vision coverage, life insurance).
• Professional learning and development support.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance initiatives.

Working Hours: Part-time, averaging 36.25 hours per pay period (approximately 14.5 to 21.75 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is a bi-weekly range, which translates to an annual range of CAD $63,760 to $83,285 based on the provided figures. The part-time nature of the role is a significant factor for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Arts & Culture. The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women supports cultural development, historical preservation, and gender equality across Alberta. The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is Alberta's provincial museum, focused on collecting, research, conservation, and showcasing the province's history and its peoples.
Company Size: Part of the Government of Alberta, a large public service organization.
Founded: The Government of Alberta has a long history, with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women operating to fulfill its mandate. The Royal Alberta Museum has a significant history as Alberta's provincial museum.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Manager of Design, Production and Operations.
• The role is part of a multidisciplinary creative team within the Royal Alberta Museum's Visitor Experience Unit.
• This team collaborates closely with Marketing & Communications colleagues and other museum departments.

Methodology:

• Design solutions are developed using industry-standard software and best practices.
• A collaborative approach is emphasized, involving stakeholder consultation and feedback integration.
• Continuous improvement and a culture of excellence and accountability are promoted.
• Focus on data-driven insights to inform design decisions and measure impact, particularly concerning visitor engagement and learning.

Company Website: https://www.alberta.ca/arts-culture-and-status-of-women

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working for a government entity and a provincial museum is crucial. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of public service values, institutional mandates, and the unique communication needs of a cultural institution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer role, requiring specialized experience and the ability to work independently while collaborating within a team structure. It is not a junior or entry-level position.
Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Manager of Design, Production and Operations, indicating a clear hierarchy and oversight for design projects.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the museum's ability to communicate its mandate, engage visitors, and support its educational and conservation efforts through effective visual storytelling and information design. Success in this role contributes to the museum's public image and visitor experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for increased hours or full-time roles within the Government of Alberta, depending on future needs and performance.
• Opportunity to specialize further in museum exhibit design, interpretive methods, or digital media within a cultural context.
• Access to professional development programs offered by the Alberta Public Service, including leadership and mentorship opportunities.
• Gaining experience in public sector procurement and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a part-time role, it offers a gateway into public sector employment with opportunities for growth and professional development within a large government organization, particularly within the arts and culture sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position within the Government of Alberta facilities in Edmonton, likely including office space and potentially studio/production areas.
Office Location(s): Edmonton, Alberta. Specific office address details are typically provided closer to the interview stage.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment with a multidisciplinary creative team and access to marketing and communications professionals.
• Likely equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware (Mac platform, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Opportunities for interaction with various museum departments and stakeholders to understand project requirements.
• A professional setting that values creativity, efficiency, and adherence to public service standards.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with flexibility in hours (14.5-21.75 weekly) to be negotiated, but requiring on-site presence. This offers a degree of work-life balance while contributing to core museum functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement means candidates must be able to commute to Edmonton. The part-time nature suggests it may suit individuals seeking flexible work arrangements or those looking to supplement existing commitments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a resume, cover letter explaining suitability for the role, and a portfolio of graphic design work.
• Initial Screening: Applications and portfolios will be reviewed against the stated qualifications and experience.
• Competency-Based Interview: Candidates selected for interviews will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate APS Competencies (e.g., Build Collaborative Environments, Drive for Results, Agility, Creative Problem Solving, Develop Self and Others, Systems Thinking).
• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Expect to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining your design process, conceptual approach, and the impact of your work.
• Final Selection: May involve further interviews or assessments.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best align with the responsibilities listed, especially those involving marketing, communications, exhibits, or educational content.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your conceptual approach, design challenges, solutions, and the final outcome. Include mockups and explanations of rationale.
• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize any experience with museum, cultural, or government projects, as well as work demonstrating accessibility, interpretive design, or multi-platform communication.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs achieved their objectives (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether presented digitally or in print.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge related to museum communication or exhibit content.
• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making for various scenarios.
• Review the APS Competencies and prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate each one.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a cover letter and portfolio means these are critical components of the application. Candidates should tailor both precisely to the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is mandatory. Proficiency with other design tools may be beneficial.
• Operating System: Mac computer platform is a primary requirement.
• Productivity Suite: Microsoft 365 office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as design tools, understanding how to interpret basic analytics or user feedback related to digital content or marketing campaigns could be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but familiarity with project management tools or systems used for tracking creative requests and approvals within a large organization would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform is a fundamental technical requirement. Candidates should be able to speak confidently about their experience with these tools and their applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes and contributing to a culture of excellence.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning and refining design processes and outputs.
• Service Orientation: Serving Albertans through effective communication and supporting the mandate of the Ministry and the Museum.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging innovative visual solutions to communicate complex information and engage audiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive engagement with colleagues and stakeholders to define needs and integrate feedback.
• Openness to constructive criticism and a willingness to adapt designs based on strategic input.
• Contributing design perspectives in team meetings and cross-functional projects.
• Fostering a supportive and productive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The APS Competencies (Build Collaborative Environments, Drive for Results, Agility, Creative Problem Solving, Develop Self and Others, Systems Thinking) are explicit cultural indicators. Candidates should align their responses and portfolio with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing diverse stakeholder needs and feedback to create a cohesive design solution.
• Adapting to evolving museum priorities, exhibition themes, and communication strategies.
• Managing production timelines and budgets effectively for multiple projects.
• Ensuring designs meet accessibility standards while remaining visually engaging.
• Working within the specific operational and procurement processes of a government entity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Alberta Public Service training programs for professional skill enhancement.
• Opportunities to learn about museum operations, exhibition development, and public sector communication.
• Potential to gain experience in specialized design areas like environmental graphics or digital media for cultural institutions.
• Mentorship from senior designers or managers within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges often present opportunities for growth. Candidates who can articulate how they have successfully navigated similar challenges in past roles will be highly valued.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.)
• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate with diverse target audiences, particularly in an educational or cultural context?" (Highlight your understanding of audience analysis and communication strategies.)
• "Given our mandate at the Royal Alberta Museum, how would you approach designing interpretive graphics for an exhibit on [hypothetical topic, e.g., local Indigenous history]?" (Demonstrate your ability to apply design thinking to specific museum challenges.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the Government of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum specifically?" (Showcase your understanding of the institution's mission and your alignment with public service values.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders on your designs?" (Assess your collaboration and adaptability.)
• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies relevant to visual communication?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and development.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome for each.
• Narrative: Tell a story for each project, emphasizing the problem you solved and the impact of your design.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and visuals. Be prepared to walk through specific design choices and rationale.
• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that most closely match the job description's requirements (e.g., museum exhibits, marketing materials, accessibility).
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time during the interview. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research the Royal Alberta Museum's current exhibits, mission, and values to inform their responses and demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Government of Alberta job portal by January 6, 2026.
• Crucially, attach a comprehensive Cover Letter that clearly articulates your qualifications, experience, and suitability for this specific role, referencing the museum context and public service environment.
• Ensure your Portfolio is attached or linked and showcases your best relevant work, demonstrating proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Mac platform, and a strong grasp of visual communication principles.
• Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, project management, and any relevant work within cultural institutions or government sectors.
• Prepare to discuss your portfolio and demonstrate your understanding of APS Competencies during the interview process, drawing on specific examples from your career.

⚠️ 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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