Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: St. Francis Xavier University

Location: Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual strategy and execution for St. Francis Xavier University's marketing and communications initiatives, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence.

• Conceptualize and produce high-quality graphic design assets for diverse platforms, including print, digital, and event-specific materials, aligning with institutional goals and brand identity.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across departments to translate their design needs into compelling visual narratives that enhance engagement and support university objectives.

• Maintain strict adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards, ensuring all visual communications are inclusive, consistent, and professionally executed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the university's brand image across all communication channels. The emphasis on collaboration, creative direction, and technical proficiency within higher education settings suggests a need for a designer who can balance artistic vision with institutional requirements and diverse stakeholder needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop creative concepts and execute high-quality graphic design projects for university events, recruitment campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and broader marketing efforts.

• Collaborate with internal clients from various departments to understand their specific design needs, conceptualize impactful visuals, and ensure designs align with overarching institutional goals and strategies.

• Lead the creative vision for graphic design projects, upholding high standards in visual storytelling, aesthetic quality, and brand consistency across all outputs.

• Utilize advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other professional design tools, staying current with emerging industry trends, software updates, and accessibility standards for digital and print.

• Oversee production schedules for design projects, coordinate effectively with internal clients and external vendors (printers, agencies), and ensure the timely delivery of all design materials to meet campaign deadlines.

• Maintain a meticulously organized digital archive of all creative assets, ensuring easy retrieval and efficient management of university branding elements.

• Enforce and champion brand guidelines across all university communications, ensuring consistency in visual identity and messaging for St. Francis Xavier University.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer capable of managing end-to-end project lifecycles, from initial concept development through to final production and asset management. The emphasis on collaboration with "internal clients" suggests a consultative approach is expected, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Diploma or degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a graphic design role, preferably within an institutional or corporate environment.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and composition, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic consistency.

• Visual Storytelling: Proven ability to conceptualize and translate ideas into engaging and effective visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.

• Brand Management: Demonstrated experience in understanding and enforcing corporate or institutional brand identity guidelines to maintain consistency.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills to effectively liaise with diverse internal departments and external vendors.

• Digital & Print Design: Experience in both digital (web, social media, email) and print (brochures, posters, publications) design processes, including pre-production and production.

• Conceptual Thinking: Ability to generate creative ideas and solutions for design challenges that align with strategic objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with other design or multimedia software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro, Figma).

• Experience with web design principles and UI/UX considerations.

• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) for inclusive design practices.

• Experience working within a higher education or large institutional setting.

• Understanding of pre-press requirements for print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3+ years of experience, coupled with proficiency in the core Adobe Creative Suite, indicates a mid-level designer role. The emphasis on brand management and institutional context suggests that experience in a similar environment (university, large non-profit, or corporate communications department) would be highly advantageous.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing a range of capabilities, including branding, marketing collateral, digital assets, and event materials.

• Demonstrations of conceptual thinking and problem-solving through visual design, illustrating how designs addressed specific project objectives or challenges.

• Examples of work that adhere to specific brand guidelines, highlighting the ability to maintain consistency and visual integrity.

• Projects that showcase proficiency in both print and digital design mediums, demonstrating versatility across platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies or project descriptions that outline the design process from brief to final output, including client consultation, concept development, revisions, and production.

• Examples of how design solutions were developed to meet specific institutional needs or marketing campaign goals.

• Documentation of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained throughout project execution.

• Visuals or descriptions of how accessibility standards were considered and incorporated into design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "project execution" and "collaboration with internal clients" implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss their process, decision-making, and how they managed feedback and revisions. Demonstrating an understanding of institutional branding and accessibility will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $46,975.50 - $57,447 CAD per year.

Classification: NSGEU Band 5. This classification typically indicates a unionized position with standardized pay scales and benefits.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance as part of the NSGEU collective agreement.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a pension plan or employer-matched retirement savings contributions, common in university settings.

• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick leave, and statutory holidays, as per university policy and union agreement.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and courses to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends, often supported by the institution.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard employer-provided insurance benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Working Hours: 38 hours per week. This is a standard full-time work week, often with a compressed work schedule option (e.g., 9-day fortnight) depending on university policy and departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range is for CAD and is based on the provided information. The classification "NSGEU Band 5" is a critical detail, indicating this role falls under a unionized structure in Nova Scotia. This usually means a defined pay scale, set benefits, and specific working conditions outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. Candidates should research the NSGEU collective agreement for detailed benefit and leave entitlements. The 38-hour work week is slightly above the typical 35-37.5 hours for many Canadian full-time roles, suggesting potential for a slightly longer day or a specific schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: St. Francis Xavier University is a mid-sized university with approximately 5,000 students and around 1,000 employees (faculty and staff). This size fosters a close-knit community feel while maintaining the resources and reach of an established academic institution.

Founded: 1853. With a long history, StFX has a strong tradition and established institutional culture, blending academic excellence with a vibrant community experience.

Team Structure:

• Department: Marketing & Communications. This department is central to the university's external and internal messaging.

• Reporting: The Graphic Designer reports to the Advancement Project Manager. This suggests a project-driven team structure within the broader Marketing & Communications department, with a focus on initiatives related to alumni engagement and fundraising.

• Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with various university departments, including admissions, academic faculties, student services, and alumni relations, to fulfill diverse design requests.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: Design projects will be guided by established university brand guidelines and strategic communication objectives.

• Project-Based Workflows: Emphasis on managing distinct projects with defined timelines and deliverables, requiring organized planning and execution.

• Stakeholder Engagement: A consultative approach to design, involving understanding client needs, providing creative direction, and incorporating feedback.

• Quality Assurance: Rigorous attention to detail to ensure high-quality outputs that align with the university's reputation and standards.

Company Website: www.stfx.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: The university setting implies a culture that values education, community, and tradition. The reporting structure to an "Advancement Project Manager" suggests a strong connection to fundraising and alumni relations efforts, which may influence the types of projects and the overall tone of the design work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and professional experience, with a focus on execution and project management within a specific institutional context. It's not an entry-level position but also not a senior or lead creative role.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Advancement Project Manager. This indicates a direct line of communication and task assignment within a project-focused team. Opportunities for interaction with other team members within Marketing & Communications and with various university departments will be frequent.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the university's public image, recruitment efforts, and alumni engagement. High-quality visual communications are essential for attracting prospective students, engaging current students and faculty, and fostering strong relationships with alumni and donors. Effective design contributes to clear messaging, brand recognition, and overall institutional success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas relevant to higher education, such as digital marketing design, motion graphics, or event branding.

• Project Leadership: Potential to take on more complex or high-profile design projects as experience and trust are built within the department.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience collaborating with a wide array of university departments can broaden understanding of institutional operations and communication strategies.

• Professional Development: Access to training and workshops, potentially leading to certifications or advanced skill acquisition that can support career advancement within design or related fields.

• Advancement within University System: Potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, Creative Director positions (in larger institutions), or related roles in marketing, communications, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a university's operational structure. Advancement might be more structured and potentially slower than in a fast-paced tech startup, but it offers stability and the chance to make a significant, long-term impact on a reputable institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is "On-site," meaning the designer will work from the university's campus in Antigonish. This likely means a dedicated workspace within the Marketing & Communications department.

Office Location(s): Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This is a smaller, historic town with a strong community feel, offering a balance between a quiet, scenic environment and access to university life.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is likely within an open-plan or shared office setting with the Marketing & Communications team, facilitating easy communication and collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to university-provided hardware (computers, monitors) and software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite). Reliable internet and network access are expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions with colleagues and stakeholders across campus.

• Campus Resources: Potential access to university libraries, event spaces, and other campus amenities.

Work Schedule: 38 hours per week. While a standard full-time schedule, there may be flexibility in daily hours or potential for compressed work weeks, subject to departmental policy and operational needs. Occasional evening or weekend work might be required for specific events or urgent project deadlines, which would typically be managed through time-off-in-lieu or overtime compensation as per the NSGEU agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles that involve direct collaboration and use of institutional resources. The Antigonish location offers a distinct lifestyle choice, emphasizing community and outdoor activities, which may appeal to candidates seeking a different pace of life than a major metropolitan area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and references via the "Apply Now" button.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications (education, experience, required skills).

• Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a link to their online portfolio or submit digital samples of their work. This is a critical stage.

• First Interview: Typically with the Advancement Project Manager and potentially another member of the Marketing & Communications team. Focus will be on experience, design philosophy, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Practical Test: Candidates may be given a design challenge or asked to critique existing university materials and propose improvements, simulating a typical project. This assesses practical application of skills and conceptual thinking.

• Second Interview (if applicable): May involve higher-level management within the department or other key stakeholders to assess broader fit and strategic thinking.

• Reference Checks: Final candidates will have their references contacted.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility and ability to meet the requirements of this specific role (e.g., institutional branding, marketing collateral, digital assets).

• Highlight Process: For each project, be prepared to discuss your design process, the problem you were solving, your creative rationale, and the outcome.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you've successfully worked within strict brand guidelines or developed cohesive visual systems.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Ensure your portfolio includes high-quality execution, showcasing your proficiency with typography, layout, and color.

• Accessibility Awareness: If possible, include a project where accessibility was a consideration, or be prepared to discuss how you would approach it.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. A PDF or a dedicated portfolio website is ideal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the University Context: Research StFX's current branding, recent marketing campaigns, and overall mission. Familiarize yourself with their visual style.

• Practice Design Critiques: Be ready to analyze existing marketing materials (university website, brochures, social media posts) and offer constructive feedback and design solutions.

• Conceptualize for Higher Education: Think about how to design for a university audience – students, faculty, alumni, donors. Consider themes of academic excellence, community, and student life.

• Time Management: If a timed design challenge is given, practice working efficiently under pressure. Focus on delivering a clear, well-reasoned concept rather than a fully polished piece if time is limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount for a designer. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also articulate their thought process behind each piece, especially in relation to institutional goals and brand consistency. The mention of a "design challenge" is common for creative roles and requires preparation in problem-solving and rapid concept development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Adobe InDesign: For page layout and design of publications, brochures, posters, and other print materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint): For creating presentations and incorporating graphics into documents.

• File Transfer Protocols (FTP) or Cloud Storage: For sharing large design files with vendors or internal clients.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be helpful for tracking project progress within the department.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: The requirement to maintain an organized archive suggests the university may use a DAM system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined by the Adobe Creative Suite. The emphasis on an "organized digital archive" suggests the need for disciplined file management practices and potentially familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) principles or systems, even if not explicitly listed as a requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Education: A commitment to supporting the university's mission of providing outstanding academic experiences through high-quality communications.

• Community & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where teamwork and mutual respect are paramount in achieving shared goals.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and work outputs.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative problem-solving and staying abreast of design trends and technologies to enhance communication strategies.

• Brand Stewardship: A dedication to protecting and promoting the St. Francis Xavier University brand with care and consistency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Engaging proactively with various university departments to understand their needs and deliver tailored design solutions.

• Feedback Integration: A culture that values constructive feedback as a tool for improving design outcomes and strengthening collaborative relationships.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, new techniques, and insights within the Marketing & Communications department.

• Service-Oriented: A focus on providing excellent service to internal clients, ensuring their communication objectives are met effectively through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: University cultures often emphasize collaboration, tradition, and a commitment to the institution's mission. The values highlighted here reflect a blend of creative professionalism and the service-oriented nature of working within a public institution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Navigating the need for innovative design solutions while strictly adhering to institutional brand guidelines and university policies.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with unique needs, priorities, and levels of design understanding.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends & Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new software, design techniques, and digital platforms to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

• Prioritization and Time Management: Effectively managing a workload with multiple competing deadlines and urgent requests, ensuring all projects receive appropriate attention.

• Ensuring Accessibility in Design: Proactively incorporating accessibility standards into all design work to ensure inclusivity for all members of the university community.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Professional Development: St. Francis Xavier University, as an educational institution, likely offers or supports access to workshops, webinars, and courses related to graphic design, marketing, and communications.

• Industry Conferences: Potential for subsidized attendance at design or higher education marketing conferences to network and learn about industry best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior members of the Marketing & Communications team or other experienced professionals within the university.

• Skill Expansion: Developing expertise in niche areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design for university web properties, or advanced print production techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a large organization, requiring strong soft skills alongside technical abilities. The growth opportunities are framed by the university's commitment to employee development and the inherent learning potential within a dynamic academic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Assesses ability to adhere to brand while being creative).

• "Walk us through your process for a complex design project, from initial brief to final delivery. What were the key decision points?" (Evaluates project management and design methodology).

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all audiences, particularly in a university setting?" (Tests understanding of inclusivity and accessibility standards).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about St. Francis Xavier University and its brand? What excites you about potentially designing for a higher education institution?" (Tests research and genuine interest).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies?" (Assesses commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a compelling story: the client, the problem, your creative solution, the challenges faced, and the successful outcome.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "This recruitment brochure contributed to a 15% increase in applications from this region"). If not quantifiable, describe the qualitative impact.

• Demonstrate Process: Use visual aids or verbal explanations to show your design thinking, sketches, mood boards, and iterations.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Specifically point out how you applied and maintained brand guidelines, and discuss any challenges or creative solutions related to them.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used and why they were appropriate for the project.

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions about your work and engage in a dialogue rather than just a presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a graphic designer role heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to not only showcase their visual work but also articulate the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative processes behind each piece. Understanding the specific context of a university is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Click the "Apply Now" button on the job posting.

• Prepare a Tailored Cover Letter: Highlight your relevant design experience, express your enthusiasm for St. Francis Xavier University, and clearly state how your skills align with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Mention your experience with institutional branding and accessibility if applicable.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists your professional design experience, educational background, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest, most relevant design projects. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link to a website or a well-organized PDF) and showcases your best work in areas like branding, marketing collateral, and digital design. Be ready to discuss each piece in detail.

• Research St. Francis Xavier University: Familiarize yourself with the university's mission, brand guidelines, recent marketing campaigns, and overall visual identity. Understand the context of Antigonish as a location.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, your strengths and weaknesses, and your motivations for applying to this specific role and institution.

⚠️ 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.