Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Metrolinx

Location: Canada

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector / Transportation

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site (5 days per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategies for Metrolinx and its capital projects, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• Conceptualize, design, and execute original graphic layouts for diverse media, including print, digital, social media, and video.

• Act as a brand guardian, collaborating with internal clients and external stakeholders to uphold brand vision and guidelines.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept to completion, adhering to timelines and project objectives.

• Leverage industry-standard design software and best practices to create engaging and aesthetically pleasing visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for maintaining and evolving Metrolinx's visual identity across its broad range of services and capital infrastructure projects. The emphasis on being an "in-office position (5 days per week)" highlights the importance of in-person collaboration and hands-on partnership within the Communications, Strategy and Planning team. The requirement to act as a "gatekeeper for all brand-related materials" underscores a significant level of responsibility and autonomy in brand stewardship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and create original graphic layouts to support communications plans, community engagement collateral, social media campaigns, and video content.

• Collaborate closely with internal clients, team members, and stakeholders to thoroughly understand project objectives and deliver innovative creative solutions.

• Utilize industry-standard software, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, to produce high-quality graphic layouts and assets.

• Employ effective use of typography, illustrations, and other design elements to craft visually appealing and impactful graphics.

• Ensure all designed materials are visually consistent and aesthetically pleasing, strictly adhering to Metrolinx's brand guidelines.

• Review and provide constructive feedback on graphic designs, serving as the final approval point before production and release.

• Act as a brand gatekeeper, confidently pushing back on external contractors and internal collaborators proposing designs that deviate from the brand vision or guidelines.

• Engage with clients and stakeholders from various business units and capital projects, at all levels from senior executives to individual creators, to define project scope, goals, and develop actionable plans within timely parameters.

• Develop and manage project timelines, set key milestones, and schedule tasks, aligning with broader departmental prioritization goals to ensure the timely completion of numerous concurrent projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic brand management. The need to "understand project scope, goals, and objectives, and develop a plan to achieve them in a timely manner, managing expectations accordingly" points to strong project management and client-facing skills. Acting as a "gatekeeper for all brand-related materials" indicates a senior level of responsibility for brand integrity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Completion of a college diploma in graphic design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Experience: Demonstrated experience in graphic design within an advertising or in-house corporate environment. Experience designing for complex graphics, animations, and layouts across diverse media including print, social media, interactive media, smartphones, screens, and the web. Experience with various post-production design software.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Strong conceptualization and creative thinking abilities for original design concepts and animation sequences.

• Expertise in typography, illustration, and layout design principles.

• Proven ability to create visually consistent and aesthetically pleasing designs aligned with brand guidelines.

• Excellent organizational and project/time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, multitask, and meet deadlines.

• Experience in corporate brand adherence, development, and execution.

• Knowledge of UX and accessibility principles and best practices.

• Ability to work effectively in a complex environment with multiple levels of approval.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills for collaborating with diverse internal clients and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation design and creating animation sequence layouts.

• Familiarity with emerging design channels and technologies in the transportation or public sector.

• Experience in developing visual assets for capital projects or large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

• Understanding of user-centered design principles beyond basic UX/accessibility knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5 days per week" in-office work suggests a need for strong collaborative skills and the ability to contribute actively in team-based creative sessions. The "5-10 years" experience level indicates a need for a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, demonstrating versatility across different media (print, digital, social, video).

• Case studies or examples of successful brand implementation and adherence to corporate brand guidelines.

• Designs illustrating an understanding of UX and accessibility principles, with clear explanations of how these were applied.

• Examples of original creative conceptualization, including mood boards, sketches, or initial design explorations.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed multiple client requests and competing priorities simultaneously in a design workflow.

• Documentation of processes used to ensure brand consistency and quality control across design outputs before release.

• Case studies demonstrating collaboration with stakeholders to understand project objectives and develop creative solutions.

• Examples of how you have acted as a brand guardian, providing feedback and direction to internal teams or external contractors on brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role (5-10 years experience) and the emphasis on brand stewardship, the portfolio should strongly highlight projects where the candidate significantly influenced brand direction or successfully navigated complex brand compliance challenges. Evidence of managing multiple stakeholders and projects concurrently will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $93,798 - $127,484 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, personal days, and holidays.

• Pension plan contributions and retirement savings options.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Potential for flexible start and end times within core business hours.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility in start and end times while maintaining core business hours for team availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers in Canada, considering the specific responsibilities and the organization's profile as a large public sector entity. The emphasis on "flexibility in start and end times while maintaining core business hours" is a key benefit for work-life balance, particularly for an on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Transportation and Infrastructure (Public Sector). Metrolinx operates GO Transit, UP Express, and the PRESTO fare system, while also undertaking significant capital expansion projects.

Company Size: Large (typically over 10,000 employees for Metrolinx). This implies a complex organizational structure with numerous departments and stakeholders.

Founded: 2006. Metrolinx is a relatively modern agency focused on integrated transportation planning and delivery for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is part of the Communications, Strategy and Planning team.

• This team collaborates across multiple portfolios within Communications and Community Engagement.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on collaborative, in-person co-creation and relationship-building.

• Data-driven approach to communications and planning, likely supported by analytics for engagement and campaign effectiveness.

• Focus on visual expression of Metrolinx's brand and capital project initiatives through traditional (2D) graphics.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is a core organizational value.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The large company size and public sector nature suggest a structured environment with defined processes and a strong emphasis on governance and compliance. The team's focus on "in-person co-creation" is a significant cultural indicator for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as a key contributor to visual strategy and brand integrity, requiring independent work and client interaction.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Manager or Director within the Communications, Strategy and Planning department. The role involves directing and partnering with internal clients and external stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences public perception of Metrolinx, its services, and its extensive capital projects. High-quality, consistent visuals are critical for effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and brand reputation management in the public transportation sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Lead Designer role within Metrolinx or related public sector/transportation organizations.

• Opportunities to specialize in specific areas such as animation, motion graphics, or UX/UI design within the broader communications team.

• Development in project management and stakeholder leadership through managing complex design initiatives.

• Further specialization in corporate branding and visual identity development for large-scale projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on brand guardianship and managing complex stakeholder relationships suggests a pathway toward leadership roles in creative departments or specialized design functions. Continuous learning and staying current with design trends are highlighted as key for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Head Office location, requiring 5 days per week in the office.

Office Location(s): Specific Head Office location (details not provided, but assumed to be in a major hub within the Greater Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, Canada).

Workspace Context:

• Highly collaborative environment that benefits from in-person co-creation and relationship-building.

• Direct partnership with leaders across the organization.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite and potentially other collaboration software.

• Opportunities for hands-on interaction with team members and stakeholders.

Work Schedule: While the core schedule is a standard 40-hour work week, there is flexibility in start and end times, allowing for better work-life integration while ensuring team availability during core business hours. This flexibility can aid in managing design workflows and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The rigid "5 days per week" in-office requirement is a defining characteristic of this role's work environment, emphasizing the value placed on in-person collaboration, spontaneous creative ideation, and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output against job requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and technical interview with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess design skills, project management capabilities, and understanding of brand principles. Emphasis on how you've handled client briefs and managed projects.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss specific projects in detail, and potentially complete a design exercise relevant to Metrolinx's needs (e.g., developing a concept for a campaign or visual asset).

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Brand Stewardship: Include projects where you’ve effectively managed and upheld brand guidelines, especially in complex or regulated environments. Highlight instances where you’ve guided others on brand adherence.

• Demonstrate Project Management: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your process, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement increases, positive feedback).

• Highlight Collaboration: Use case studies to show how you collaborated with different stakeholders (clients, project managers, subject matter experts) to achieve project goals.

• Variety is Key: Include examples from different media (print, digital, social, video) and project types (campaigns, collateral, infographics, animations) to demonstrate versatility.

• Address UX/Accessibility: If possible, showcase projects where UX and accessibility were key considerations and explain your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Metrolinx: Research Metrolinx's current branding, recent campaigns, and major capital projects. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values.

• Prepare for Brand Questions: Be ready to discuss your philosophy on brand consistency, how you handle brand deviations, and your experience with brand development or guardianship.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your design process, and demonstrating problem-solving skills. Time yourself to ensure you stay within allocated limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "in-person co-creation" and "direct partnership with leaders" suggests that interview questions will likely probe your ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting and articulate your design rationale to non-designers. The requirement to act as a "gatekeeper" means interviewers will probe your assertiveness and strategic thinking regarding brand compliance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, print collateral, and publications.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.

• Post-production Design Software: This could encompass tools for motion graphics (e.g., Adobe After Effects), video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro), or other specialized animation software.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) or internal communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) would be expected in a corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is fundamental. The mention of "post-production design software" implies a need for versatility, potentially including motion graphics or video editing tools, beyond static design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Serving with Passion: Demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm in creating impactful visual communications that serve the public.

• Thinking Forward: Proactively seeking innovative design solutions, staying current with design trends, and anticipating future communication needs.

• Playing as a Team: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, internal clients, and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Applying these principles in design to ensure accessibility and representation for all communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on in-person co-creation and relationship-building.

• Direct partnership and hands-on interaction with leaders across the organization and various business units.

• Cross-functional integration with Communications, Strategy and Planning, and Community Engagement teams.

• Willingness to guide and educate internal clients and external contractors on brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "equity, diversity, and inclusion" as essential values suggests that candidates should be mindful of these principles in their design work, ensuring that visuals are representative and accessible. The "playing as a team" value reinforces the importance of collaborative spirit in an on-site environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while still being fresh, engaging, and relevant across diverse projects and emerging channels.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating with and managing design requests from a wide range of internal clients with varying levels of design understanding and project priorities.

• Navigating Complex Approval Processes: Working within a large organization with multiple layers of approval can be time-consuming and require strong diplomacy.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software, techniques, and digital platforms to maintain a high standard of work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to continuing education opportunities to stay current with graphic design best practices, software updates, and industry trends.

• Potential for training in advanced areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or accessibility standards.

• Mentorship opportunities within the Communications, Strategy and Planning team or broader Metrolinx organization.

• Exposure to large-scale, high-impact projects that offer significant portfolio development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of being a "gatekeeper for all brand-related materials" implies a need for strong assertiveness and conflict-resolution skills when dealing with internal or external parties who may not fully grasp brand requirements. The role offers substantial growth in strategic branding and client management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to push back on a client or stakeholder regarding a design that didn't align with brand guidelines. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses brand guardianship and stakeholder management).

• "Walk us through a complex design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, your process, and the impact of your work?" (Assesses project management, creative process, and impact measurement).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Metrolinx and its mission? How do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Assesses motivation and cultural fit).

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to a team-focused, in-person work setting?" (Assesses alignment with on-site, collaborative culture).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the final results or impact.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, positive stakeholder feedback, successful brand adherence).

• Showcase Brand Guardianship: Highlight projects where you were responsible for maintaining or evolving a brand identity, and explain your approach to ensuring consistency.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to discuss specific software techniques, design principles (typography, color theory, layout), and your approach to UX/accessibility.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you worked with clients, project managers, and other team members, especially in resolving conflicting feedback or requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance creative vision with strict adherence to brand guidelines, as this is a core responsibility. The interview will likely focus on your practical application of design skills in a corporate setting and your ability to collaborate effectively within a team structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application and resume through the Metrolinx careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating brand management, diverse media applications (print, digital, social, video), and collaboration with various stakeholders. Tailor your case studies to highlight how your designs supported communication goals and adhered to corporate brand standards.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.), and achievements related to graphic design, brand stewardship, and project management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and problem-solving skills using the STAR method. Prepare to discuss your experience in a collaborative, on-site environment and your approach to brand guardianship.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Metrolinx’s mission, current projects, brand guidelines, and recent communications. Understand their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

⚠️ 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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