Graphic Designer (Work Learn)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Work Learn)

Company: AMS of UBC

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Creative Services / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: October 29, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role offers a unique "Work Learn" opportunity for a current UBC student to gain practical graphic design experience within a large student union.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in developing visually compelling assets that support various AMS campaigns, programs, and brand initiatives.

• This position involves hands-on design work across both print and digital mediums, contributing directly to the organization's communication efforts.

• The role provides exposure to marketing operations by supporting the Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager and contributing to brand evolution and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities, particularly contributing to brand evolution and supporting campaigns, align it with a "Marketing Operations" function within a creative services context. The "Work Learn" aspect signifies an entry-level, student-focused role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of print and digital marketing materials, including brochures, posters, advertisements, social media graphics, website assets, and rich media graphics, ensuring alignment with AMS brand guidelines.

• Participate actively in weekly department meetings, contributing creative ideas and insights to discussions related to marketing strategies and campaign development.

• Collaborate with the Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager and Creative Services team to contribute to the evolution and ongoing management of the AMS brand identity.

• Execute still and event photography as needed, capturing compelling visuals that can be used in various promotional materials.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality creative assets within project deadlines.

• Assist in the development and implementation of visual communication strategies for AMS campaigns and programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational support, including participation in team meetings and brand management, which are common in entry-level marketing operations or creative services roles supporting broader GTM initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently registered UBC student and eligible for the Work Learn program. No formal degree requirements beyond student status.

Experience: Entry-level with demonstrated graphic design skills. Experience with photography is considered an asset.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong understanding of communication design principles and visual aesthetics relevant to a student audience.

• Ability to create engaging designs for both print (brochures, posters) and digital platforms (social media, websites).

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective collaboration and feedback.

• Proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with still and event photography.

• Familiarity with the AMS brand and its target audience.

• Basic understanding of content management systems or digital asset management.

• Experience in contributing to brand evolution or guideline adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on graphic design software, print/digital applications, and brand contribution points towards a role supporting marketing operations by producing tangible creative assets. The Work Learn eligibility is a critical, non-negotiable qualification.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing previous graphic design work is mandatory for application.

• The portfolio should demonstrate proficiency in various design applications, including print and digital formats.

• Include examples that highlight an understanding of communication design and visual storytelling.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an ability to follow design briefs and project requirements.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from concept generation to final asset delivery, during the interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio is a key indicator of how candidates will be evaluated, focusing on practical output rather than theoretical knowledge. For a "Work Learn" role, the portfolio is the primary tool for assessing practical design skills and operational readiness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21.17 per hour.

Benefits:

• Valuable "Work Learn" program experience contributing to a student's resume and future career prospects.

• Opportunity to work with a dynamic student organization and gain exposure to marketing and communications within a large university setting.

• Skill development in graphic design, photography, project management, and brand management.

• Networking opportunities within the AMS and UBC community.

• This role is part-time, up to 10 hours per week, providing flexibility for academic commitments.

Working Hours: Part-time, up to 10 hours per week. Specific daily/weekly schedule to be determined based on operational needs and student availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed at the specified hourly rate. Benefits are primarily experiential and developmental, typical for student work-study programs. The "Work Learn" designation ensures this role is designed to complement academic pursuits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Student Services / Non-profit Organization / Higher Education Support. The AMS of UBC operates as Canada's largest student union, managing various services and revenue-generating outlets to support over 56,000 UBC students.

Company Size: Large (implied by 56,000 student members and multiple operational outlets).

Founded: The Alma Mater Society (AMS) of UBC has a long history, established to serve student interests at UBC. The specific founding date isn't provided, but its longevity indicates a stable organizational structure.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager.

• Part of the Creative Services team, working alongside other marketing and communications professionals.

• No direct reports; this is an individual contributor role.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating "visually engaging and professional designs" that support campaigns and programs.

• Focus on contributing to the "evolution and management of the AMS brand."

• A pragmatic approach to design execution, supporting diverse print and digital applications.

• Encourages student aesthetics and creative input.

Company Website: [AMS of UBC Website URL - Placeholder, actual URL would typically be provided or easily found]

📝 Enhancement Note: The AMS operates as a significant entity within UBC, providing essential services and employment. Its culture likely balances student-centric initiatives with professional operational standards, aiming for impact and student welfare.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-level Student Position / Work Learn Program. This role is designed as a foundational experience for students interested in creative fields, marketing, or communications.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager, providing clear guidance and oversight.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual communication and brand perception of the AMS, influencing student engagement with campaigns, programs, and services. Their output is a tangible component of the marketing operations that drive student awareness and participation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Development of core graphic design skills through practical application and feedback.

• Experience in brand management and contribution to a well-established organizational brand.

• Exposure to project management and deadline-driven work environments.

• Networking with marketing professionals and other student leaders within AMS.

• Potential for future opportunities within AMS or other creative/marketing roles based on performance and portfolio development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a student role, the experience gained in design execution, brand support, and project management are transferable skills highly valued in marketing operations and GTM roles. The "Work Learn" aspect frames it as a learning-focused opportunity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely an office environment within the AMS operations at UBC, possibly co-located with the marketing and communications team.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Specifics regarding the office within UBC campus would be provided upon hiring.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspace shared with the marketing and communications team.

• Access to design software and potentially photography equipment.

• Environment conducive to creative work, with opportunities for interaction with various AMS departments.

• Expected to be a dynamic and student-focused atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Part-time, up to 10 hours per week. Flexibility is implied to accommodate student schedules, but requires consistent availability for weekly meetings and project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role suggests direct collaboration and access to company resources, which is beneficial for skill development in a creative and operational context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and mandatory portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily rely on the quality and relevance of the graphic design portfolio.

• Interview: Likely involves an interview with the Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager to assess skills, experience, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Discussion: Candidates may be asked to discuss their design process, how they approach creative briefs, and how they manage deadlines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select your strongest, most relevant design pieces. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to meet diverse design needs (print, digital, social media).

• Showcase Process: If possible, include brief explanations or process work for a few key projects to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach.

• Highlight Brand Understanding: Include work that shows an ability to adapt to or create within brand guidelines, as this role involves managing the AMS brand.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and professionally presented (e.g., PDF, personal website).

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be part of the initial interview, be prepared to discuss hypothetical design scenarios or how you would approach a specific AMS campaign brief.

• Practice articulating your creative choices and justifying your design decisions, demonstrating an understanding of how design supports communication objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the critical gatekeeper for this role. Candidates must present work that directly addresses the requirements, showcasing practical design application and an understanding of operational needs for marketing content.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Essential proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is expected.

• Photography Equipment: Access to and ability to use still and event photography equipment may be required.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No CRM or automation tools are explicitly listed as required for this position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered on creative production tools, typical for a graphic design role. The absence of analytics or CRM tools reinforces its focus on content creation within the marketing operations workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student-Centricity: The AMS prioritizes the needs and well-being of UBC students, reflected in its services and operations.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging visually engaging content to communicate effectively with students.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Creative Services team and across AMS departments.

• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in design output and project delivery, even within a student-focused environment.

• Inclusivity: The AMS actively promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, valuing varied experiences and backgrounds.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be team-oriented, with active participation in meetings and feedback sessions.

• Requires clear communication with the Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager and other stakeholders.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on inclusivity and student-centricity is a key cultural differentiator for the AMS, which candidates should be aware of and align with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing academic responsibilities with work commitments.

• Adapting design style to meet the diverse needs of various AMS campaigns and departments.

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a part-time capacity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on experience in a professional design setting.

• Skill enhancement in industry-standard design software and photography.

• Understanding of brand management and marketing campaign support.

• Development of crucial soft skills like communication, collaboration, and time management.

• Exposure to the operational structure of a large student union.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed around growth and learning for students, positioning challenges as opportunities for skill development within a supportive "Work Learn" framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from concept to final delivery. How do you approach a new design brief?

• How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate a specific message or call to action?

• Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in working for the AMS of UBC?

• What do you know about the AMS and its mission?

• How do you feel your design aesthetic aligns with a student audience and an organization like the AMS?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the objectives, your design choices, and the outcome.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate your versatility across different media (print/digital) and your ability to adapt to client needs.

• If you have photography examples, be prepared to discuss their relevance and your approach to event or still photography.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, an understanding of communication goals, and the ability to integrate into a student-focused organizational culture. The portfolio is central to the discussion.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer (Work Learn) position:

• Submit your resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of your previous graphic design work through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of print, digital, and social media graphics, as well as any photography samples. Tailor the selection to reflect the types of work described in the job posting.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight relevant software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), any previous design experience (even academic projects), and transferable skills such as project management, communication, and collaboration.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and justifying your creative decisions. Be ready to discuss how your portfolio pieces align with the AMS's mission and target audience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the AMS of UBC, its services, and its role within the university. Understand their commitment to student well-being and inclusivity.

⚠️ 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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