Senior Graphic Designer – Marketing & Brand

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer – Marketing & Brand
Company: Alberta Blue Cross
Location: Hybrid (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (12 months)
Category: Marketing & Brand Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: 2026-01-12
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of multi-platform visual design strategies for marketing campaigns and brand initiatives.
• Drive the development of sophisticated visual assets, including illustrations, graphics, and page layouts, ensuring high standards of craft and brand consistency.
• Translate complex ideas, messages, and data into clear, engaging, and visually compelling communications across various media.
• Provide constructive feedback, coaching, and informal mentorship to junior designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.
• Manage a portfolio of deadline-driven projects, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills, resourcefulness, and ownership of craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a temporary, 12-month position within Alberta Blue Cross's Marketing & Brand team. The focus is on strategic visual design, brand elevation, and storytelling, requiring a blend of conceptual thinking and refined execution across digital and print platforms. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, complemented by on-site amenities like a gym.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation of innovative design concepts and visual strategies for integrated marketing campaigns and organizational initiatives.
• Develop and refine high-quality visual assets, encompassing illustrations, graphics, infographics, and page layouts for diverse applications.
• Effectively interpret and visualize complex information, messages, and data to create compelling and easily understandable communications.
• Offer guidance, feedback, and mentorship to junior design staff, contributing to their professional development and the team's overall capabilities.
• Execute and manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring adherence to strict deadlines, maintaining exceptional quality, and upholding stringent brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, brand, and other cross-functional teams to ensure visual alignment and effective communication of objectives.
• Prepare and deliver final design files for print suppliers, including comprehensive preflight checks and output management.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design tools, and new technologies, incorporating them strategically to enhance creative output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize leadership in creative concept development, execution of multi-platform design, and mentorship. The role requires not only strong design execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex information into visually digestible formats. Experience with print production and preflight is a key operational requirement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 5+ years of professional design experience, with a strong preference for experience within brand, marketing, advertising agency, or in-house creative team environments.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Experience working directly with print suppliers, including file preparation and preflight processes.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Word, for integrated presentation and document design.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present work effectively.
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving and concept development.
• Deep understanding of brand consistency and the ability to maintain it across various platforms.
• Proven ability to provide constructive feedback and informal mentorship to junior team members.
• Expertise in translating complex ideas and data into clear, compelling visual narratives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software or motion graphics.
• Familiarity with digital design best practices for web and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of web design principles or UX/UI design concepts.
• Experience with project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for advanced technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, coupled with robust soft skills in organization, communication, and mentorship. The portfolio requirement is critical, emphasizing design agility across diverse media, which is a key indicator of a candidate's breadth of experience and adaptability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse and comprehensive portfolio is essential, demonstrating a passion for design and a broad range of work.
• Preference will be given to candidates whose portfolios showcase design agility across a variety of media, including print, digital, social media, and potentially motion graphics.
• The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to develop creative concepts and translate them into sophisticated visual assets.
• Examples of how complex ideas, messages, and data were translated into clear, engaging, and visually compelling communication should be evident.
• Showcase projects that required managing multiple deadlines and maintaining a high standard of quality and brand consistency.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, the ability to articulate design process, from concept ideation through to final file preparation, is implicitly required.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for managing multiple projects, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring brand adherence.
• The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of production processes, especially concerning print suppliers and preflight procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus for this role's portfolio is demonstrating breadth and depth of design execution across various media and the ability to translate complex information visually. While formal process documentation isn't a stated requirement, candidates must be able to articulate their design process and project management methodologies during interviews.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The job description mentions a "competitive base salary plus incentive, based on predetermined targets."
• For a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is typically between CAD $70,000 and $95,000. This range can vary based on specific skills, the depth of portfolio, and the exact nature of the incentive plan.

Benefits:

• Targeted yearly compensation includes a competitive base salary plus incentive.
• Flexible, impactful benefits package, described as "right from the source."
• Access to a world-class top-floor gym in the downtown Edmonton office's summit wellness centre.
• Opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives through meaningful work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the hybrid arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, considering the experience level and the competitive nature of creative roles. The benefits highlight unique perks like gym access and flexible benefits, alongside the standard competitive compensation structure with an incentive component.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health Insurance and Benefits Provider. Alberta Blue Cross operates within the financial services and healthcare sector, focusing on providing health coverage and promoting wellness. Company Size: Alberta Blue Cross is a significant organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand employees, indicated by its role as a major benefits provider in Alberta. Founded: Alberta Blue Cross has a long-standing history, established in 1941. This implies a stable, established company culture with a deep understanding of its market and community.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Marketing & Brand team, specifically focused on creative services.
• This team likely comprises various creative professionals, including other designers, copywriters, and marketing specialists.
• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Lead or Marketing Manager and will collaborate with marketing strategists, brand managers, and potentially external agencies.
• There's an explicit mention of coaching and supporting junior designers, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative team where senior members contribute to junior development.

Methodology:

• The team is focused on developing a new brand platform, suggesting an environment that values innovation, experimentation, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
• There's an emphasis on translating ideas, data, and insights into meaningful visual narratives, indicating a data-informed creative approach.
• The role requires presenting work and articulating rationale, signaling a culture that values clear communication and strategic thinking behind design decisions.
• Keeping a pulse on emerging trends and applying them appropriately suggests a forward-thinking and adaptable approach to design.

Company Website: https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: Alberta Blue Cross is a well-established organization in the health and benefits sector. The Marketing & Brand team is undergoing a significant initiative with a new brand platform, signaling an exciting period of creative development. The culture appears to value professionalism, collaboration, and the continuous application of new trends, with a clear emphasis on mentorship within the creative team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level role within the Creative Services function of the Marketing & Brand department. It signifies a level of expertise, autonomy, and responsibility for leading design initiatives and mentoring junior staff. The role is critical for shaping the visual identity and communication effectiveness of the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Art Director, or Marketing Manager. They will work collaboratively with a team of marketing professionals and potentially mentor junior designers, providing a leadership component to the role.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Alberta Blue Cross's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and overall communication clarity. Strong visual design enhances brand recognition, drives engagement with marketing materials, and ensures that complex information about health benefits and wellness is communicated accurately and accessibly to a broad audience. This role is instrumental in shaping the organization's external image and internal brand consistency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital branding, illustration, or motion graphics.
• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Designer or Art Director role, managing larger projects and teams, or taking on more strategic brand direction.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in broader marketing strategy, campaign planning, or user experience design through collaboration.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through industry trends, workshops, and potentially advanced training in new design software and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This senior role offers a clear path for impact and leadership within the creative function. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening specialized skills, taking on more strategic brand oversight, and potentially moving into formal leadership positions within the marketing and creative departments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Alberta Blue Cross operates from a professional office environment in downtown Edmonton. The description mentions a "world-class top-floor gym in our summit wellness centre," indicating modern facilities and a focus on employee well-being. Office Location(s): The primary office location is in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. The role specifically mentions a "Hybrid working arrangement," allowing for a mix of remote work and in-office days.

Workspace Context:

• The downtown Edmonton office provides a central and accessible location for employees.
• The hybrid model implies a flexible workspace arrangement, balancing remote productivity with in-office collaboration.
• Access to on-site amenities like a gym suggests a supportive workplace culture that encourages work-life balance and employee health.
• The environment is described as innovative, high-energy, and team-focused, encouraging collaboration and creative output.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement suggests some flexibility in managing daily schedules, allowing employees to balance personal needs with professional responsibilities, which is beneficial for creative workflows that may require focused blocks of time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by a hybrid model, modern office facilities in downtown Edmonton, and a focus on employee well-being. This setup is conducive to creative professionals who value flexibility, a supportive atmosphere, and access to resources that enhance their work-life balance and productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• First Interview: Likely a conversation with the hiring manager or a member of the Marketing & Brand team to discuss your experience, design philosophy, and fit with the team. Be prepared to walk through key projects in your portfolio.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to conceptualize, design, and articulate rationale for a given brief.
• Final Interview: Potentially with HR and/or senior leadership to discuss company culture, benefits, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across different media (print, digital, social) and your ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visuals.
• Highlight Brand Agility: Clearly demonstrate your understanding of brand consistency and how you've adapted designs for different platforms and audiences. Include examples of successful brand campaigns or brand refreshes if possible.
• Showcase Conceptual Thinking: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design decisions. What was the problem you were solving? What was the strategy? How did your design address it?
• Emphasize Data Visualization: If you have examples of translating data into clear infographics or visual reports, highlight these, as the role requires this skill.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate (whether digital or physical). Be ready to present it confidently and discuss your process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a creative challenge, read the brief carefully. Identify the target audience, key message, and objectives.
• Think Strategically: Before jumping into design, outline your approach. Consider the core concept, visual direction, and how you'll execute it within the given constraints.
• Focus on Communication: Be prepared to clearly articulate your design choices and rationale. Explain how your solution meets the brief's requirements and demonstrates your senior-level thinking.
• Time Management: Practice working within time constraints, simulating a real-world scenario. Prioritize elements that best showcase your skills and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on portfolio review and the ability to articulate design strategy and process. Candidates should prepare to present specific examples of their work, focusing on conceptual thinking, brand consistency, and data visualization, as these are key requirements for this Senior Graphic Designer role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency is mandatory in:
  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, reports, presentations, and other multi-page documents.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing PDF files, including preflighting.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • PowerPoint: For creating professional presentations and visual reports.
  • Word: For document formatting and integration with design elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a requirement for this design role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (web, social media) would be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics tools used by the marketing team (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) could be an advantage.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as requirements for this design role. However, understanding how marketing materials are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could provide context for design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered on Adobe Creative Cloud. Expert-level proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is non-negotiable. Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, is also critical for integrated design tasks. The emphasis is on production-level design software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality, thoughtfully crafted design work.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Marketing & Brand team and with other departments to achieve shared goals.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of professionalism, resourcefulness, and ownership in all aspects of work.
• Continuous Learning: Staying current with design trends, tools, and technologies to drive innovation and maintain relevance.
• Impact: Contributing to the organization's mission by creating compelling communications that resonate with audiences and strengthen the brand.
• Mentorship: A willingness to share knowledge and support the development of junior designers.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Focused: The description highlights a "team-focused environment" and the need to "contribute to an environment of creativity, collaboration."
• Cross-Functional: Collaboration is expected across various teams, including marketing, brand, and potentially external stakeholders.
• Feedback-Oriented: The role involves providing and receiving feedback, indicating an open and constructive communication style within the team.
• Strategic Alignment: Designs must align with broader marketing strategies and brand objectives, requiring close collaboration with strategists and brand managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values creativity, professionalism, and collaborative problem-solving. The Senior Graphic Designer is expected to be a team player who contributes positively to the creative environment, mentors others, and works effectively across different departments to achieve strategic brand and marketing goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining Alberta Blue Cross's established brand identity while also introducing fresh, innovative design concepts for new campaigns and platforms.
• Translating Complex Information: Effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate health benefit information, data, and messages into easily understandable and engaging graphics.
• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines, requiring exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Keeping pace with the rapidly changing landscape of design trends, digital media, and creative technologies to ensure output remains relevant and impactful.
• Mentoring Junior Designers: Providing effective guidance and feedback to junior team members while managing own project workload.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in specific areas of graphic design, digital illustration, or motion graphics.
• Brand Strategy Exposure: Deeper involvement in strategic brand development and campaign planning, understanding the 'why' behind design directives.
• New Software/Tools: Learning and implementing new design software or emerging creative technologies as they become relevant.
• Cross-Departmental Learning: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, customer engagement, and wellness promotion through collaboration with other departments.
• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Art Director role by demonstrating leadership qualities and project management expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges in balancing creative innovation with brand integrity and managing complex information visually. Growth opportunities are geared towards skill enhancement, strategic involvement, and potential leadership progression within the creative and marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data or a technical concept into a visually compelling design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology for simplification and clarity, and how you measured success.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple platforms and campaigns, especially when working with new brand initiatives?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, your process for maintaining consistency, and how you approach creative evolution.)
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of, explaining the brief, your creative concept, your design process, and the impact it had." (Be ready to present 2-3 key projects, articulating your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the tangible results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Alberta Blue Cross and our mission? How does your design philosophy align with our values?" (Research the company's history, mission, values, and recent campaigns. Connect your passion for design to their purpose.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing teams and other stakeholders who may have different visions or priorities?" (Discuss your communication style, how you handle feedback, and your ability to find common ground.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies, and how do you decide when to incorporate them into your work?" (Show your proactive approach to learning and your discerning judgment in applying new techniques.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your solution, and the result.
• Strategic Rationale: For each piece, explain the strategic thinking behind your design choices. Why this color palette? Why this typography? Why this layout?
• Process Demonstration: Briefly touch upon your workflow, from initial sketches or mood boards to final file preparation.
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation clearly showcases your expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, your ability to work with diverse media, and your skill in data visualization.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present your strongest points efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design process, strategic thinking, and ability to translate complex information visually. Your portfolio should be a central part of your preparation, ready to be presented with clear explanations of your rationale and impact. Understanding Alberta Blue Cross's mission and values will be crucial for demonstrating cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Alberta Blue Cross careers portal at careers.ab.bluecross.ca.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in graphic design, brand development, multi-platform design, and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud. Emphasize any experience translating complex information or working on brand platform initiatives.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your years of experience with graphic design, specifically mentioning your expertise in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Led design for X campaigns resulting in Y% increase in engagement").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, the strategic rationale behind your portfolio pieces, and your approach to mentorship and collaboration. Be ready to discuss your understanding of brand consistency and emerging design trends.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Alberta Blue Cross's mission, values, recent marketing efforts, and their commitment to community wellness. Understand their brand guidelines and visual identity.

⚠️ 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.