Junior Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Brand Designer

Company: Cohere

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Remote OK)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing / Art & Design / Creative & Media

Date Posted: 2026-05-25

Experience Level: 0-2 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Design a diverse range of digital and print marketing assets, including web pages, social media content, and event collateral, from initial concept through to final delivery.

• Integrate and leverage AI image and video generation tools as a core component of the daily creative workflow, not merely as an experimental feature.

• Actively contribute to the maintenance and expansion of the company's comprehensive brand system, ensuring consistent application across all touchpoints and platforms.

• Support event-related design needs, encompassing booth design, signage, wayfinding systems, and branded merchandise (swag).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Junior Brand Designer," the description emphasizes a high bar for quality and expects work comparable to that produced by top global studios. The role is positioned within a small, "opinionated" Brand team that has significant autonomy, suggesting that performance and impact are highly valued, even at a junior level. The core focus is on high-quality execution and the ability to grow rapidly within the team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop visually compelling web pages, social media graphics, sales decks, and campaign materials, managing the entire design lifecycle from brief to final asset.

• Proactively utilize and experiment with AI image and video tools (e.g., Midjourney, Runway) to enhance creative output and explore innovative visual solutions.

• Collaborate with senior designers to uphold and evolve the established brand guidelines, ensuring brand consistency across all marketing channels and customer touchpoints.

• Execute design work for various company events, creating impactful visual elements for booths, signage, directional aids, and promotional items.

• Articulate design decisions clearly, accept constructive feedback, and contribute actively to design critiques and team discussions.

• Propose and develop original design concepts and ideas, demonstrating initiative and a strong creative point of view.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant ownership and exposure to various creative outputs. The emphasis on using AI tools is a key differentiator, indicating that candidates are expected to be early adopters and proficient in this emerging area of design. The expectation to "bring ideas" suggests a collaborative environment where junior members are encouraged to contribute strategically.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal design training from an institution recognized for its rigor and taste, or a self-taught portfolio that demonstrates equivalent skill and understanding.

Experience: 1-2 years of professional design experience, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma for interface and visual design.

• Expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).

• Strong foundation in typography, layout design, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrated art direction capabilities, with a clear aesthetic point of view.

• Hands-on experience with AI image and video generation tools (e.g., Midjourney, Runway, Nano Banana, ComfyUI), with an understanding of their practical application in design workflows.

• Experience designing web assets, including landing pages and social media graphics.

• Proficiency in creating presentation decks and campaign materials.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography or videography skills with a portfolio showcasing work.

• Experience managing independent creative projects, such as publications, zines, or newsletters.

• Skills in motion graphics, 3D design, or creative coding.

• Excellent written communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "formal design training from a program known for taste and rigor" or an equivalent self-taught portfolio sets a high standard for design education and quality. The explicit mention of AI tools like Midjourney and Runway indicates a need for practical, rather than theoretical, experience with these technologies, integrating them into a professional design context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, emphasizing quality and breadth over quantity.

• Demonstration of strong typography and layout skills across various mediums.

• Examples of art direction and a clear, consistent point of view in design execution.

• Evidence of practical application of AI image and video tools within design projects, highlighting innovative usage and outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies or project examples that detail the design process from brief to final delivery, including problem definition, ideation, execution, and iteration.

• Examples of how brand systems were maintained or extended, demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency and scalability.

• Work samples that reflect the integration of AI tools into a design workflow, showcasing efficiency gains or novel creative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily focused on demonstrating a high level of design craft, versatility, and a forward-thinking approach to design tools. The emphasis on AI tools suggests that candidates should be prepared to showcase projects where these technologies were integral to the creative process and final output, rather than being a superficial addition.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Junior Brand Designer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 1-2 years of experience, the estimated salary range is CAD $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Toronto and the competitive nature of the tech industry for creative roles.

Benefits:

• An open and inclusive culture and work environment.

• Weekly lunch stipend, with in-office lunches and snacks provided.

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package.

• A dedicated budget for mental health support.

• 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months.

• Personal enrichment benefits contributing towards arts, culture, fitness, well-being, quality time, and workspace improvement.

• Remote-flexible work arrangements.

• A co-working stipend for remote employees.

• Generous vacation allowance of 6 weeks (30 working days) per year.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with a remote-flexible arrangement allowing for adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for junior-level design roles in a major Canadian tech hub like Toronto, considering the specified experience level and the company's likely compensation philosophy given its industry and funding. The benefits package is comprehensive and reflects a modern tech company's offerings, with a strong emphasis on well-being and personal development, which can be attractive to creative professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, focusing on developing frontier models for developers and enterprises. Cohere is at the forefront of AI development, enabling applications like content generation, semantic search, RAG, and agents.

Company Size: Cohere is a rapidly growing tech company, indicated by its presence across multiple international locations and its focus on training advanced AI models. While exact current employee numbers aren't provided, the dynamic nature of a frontier AI company suggests a significant and expanding workforce.

Founded: Cohere was founded with a mission to "scale intelligence to serve humanity," aiming to make AI capabilities accessible and impactful for businesses and individuals. This foundational purpose drives a culture of innovation, hard work, and customer focus.

Team Structure:

• The Brand team is described as small, opinionated, and craft-focused, working on a wide array of visual communication needs from digital platforms to physical events.

• This team likely operates with a high degree of autonomy, reporting to a Head of Brand or Marketing leadership, and collaborates closely with product, engineering, and sales teams.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a direct responsibility for this design role, understanding how data informs marketing strategy is beneficial for creating impactful visuals.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The team aims to optimize workflows for efficiency and quality, especially with the integration of AI tools.

• Automation & Efficiency: Proactive use of AI tools is a key aspect of this role's expected methodology, focusing on enhancing creative output and speed.

Company Website: https://cohere.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cohere operates in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving AI sector. The company culture emphasizes high performance, rapid iteration, and a deep passion for the craft. The Brand team's small size and strong opinions suggest a collaborative but direct environment where design quality is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Junior Brand Designer," typically suited for individuals with 1-2 years of experience. It's an entry-level to early-career position focused on skill development and execution under senior guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Brand Designer will report to senior members of the Brand team, likely a Senior Designer or Brand Lead, who will provide mentorship and oversee project assignments.

Operations Impact: While not directly in revenue operations, this role has a significant impact on Cohere's market perception and brand identity. High-quality design work is crucial for communicating the company's innovative mission, attracting talent, and building trust with enterprise clients in the AI space. The design team's output shapes how the world views Cohere.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital and print design, brand systems, and specifically in the application of cutting-edge AI creative tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working within a leading frontier AI company, understanding how brand strategy supports rapid technological advancement.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from experienced designers who are passionate about craft and helping junior talent grow.

• Portfolio Development: Consistent opportunity to build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects for a rapidly growing, high-profile tech company.

• Potential for Specialization: As experience grows, potential to specialize in areas like UI/UX for AI interfaces, motion graphics, or campaign creative direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Junior" title should not be misconstrued as a lack of impact. Cohere's emphasis on craft and its small team structure means even junior members can contribute significantly and grow quickly. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a unique growth path for designers in this field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Cohere offers a "remote-flexible" work environment. This means employees can choose to work from home, from one of Cohere's physical offices (Toronto, New York, San Francisco, London, Paris), or from a co-working space utilizing the provided stipend.

Office Location(s): Physical offices are located in Toronto, New York, San Francisco, London, and Paris. The role is also open to candidates in the United States and Canada more broadly, with a co-working stipend available.

Workspace Context:

• The remote-flexible model fosters autonomy and allows designers to create their most productive workspace, whether at home or in an office.

• Availability of physical offices in key global tech hubs provides opportunities for in-person collaboration, team events, and networking with colleagues.

• The Brand team's small size and "opinionated" nature suggest a collaborative yet focused environment, where direct communication and shared creative vision are key.

• Access to AI tools and standard design software (Figma, Adobe Suite) will be central to the daily workspace.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility offered through the remote-flexible work arrangement. This allows for better work-life integration, a crucial aspect for creative roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote-flexible" model is a significant benefit, appealing to designers who value autonomy and work-life balance. The global office presence offers optional in-person collaboration opportunities, catering to different working preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: The first step involves submitting your resume and a strong portfolio. The team will assess your design skills, range, and alignment with the company's aesthetic and the role's requirements, particularly your use of AI tools.

• Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in Cohere, and initial fit for the role.

• Design Exercise/Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design task or a more in-depth case study that simulates real-world projects. This will likely focus on your ability to apply brand guidelines, use AI tools creatively, and solve specific design problems.

• Interviews with Design Team: Several interviews with senior designers and potentially the Head of Brand. These will delve deeper into your portfolio, design process, problem-solving approach, collaboration skills, and understanding of AI in design.

• Final Interview: Potentially with other stakeholders (e.g., Marketing leadership) to assess cultural fit and overall alignment with Cohere's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Range: Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your versatility across digital (web, social) and print (decks, collateral) mediums.

• Highlight AI Integration: Dedicate specific projects or sections to showcase how you've effectively used AI image and video tools. Explain your process, the tools used, and the impact on the outcome.

• Focus on Craft: Emphasize high-quality typography, layout, and art direction. Ensure your portfolio is visually polished and reflects meticulous attention to detail.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly outline the brief, your role, your process, the challenges faced, and the final solution/impact.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Make it easy for reviewers to quickly grasp your skills and experience. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with Cohere's current branding, website, and marketing materials. Identify their aesthetic and tone.

• Practice AI Tool Application: Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with AI tools like Midjourney, Runway, etc. Think about how you would use them to solve specific design briefs related to AI or enterprise technology.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design decisions, explaining the "why" behind your choices, especially regarding typography, color, layout, and AI tool usage.

• Consider the Audience: Remember Cohere serves developers and enterprises. Your designs should reflect professionalism, innovation, and clarity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools in the portfolio and interview process is critical. Candidates should be prepared to not just mention these tools but to demonstrate their practical, impactful application within a professional design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative interface design, prototyping, and creating scalable design systems. Proficiency expected for UI/UX and digital asset creation.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Core tools for image editing (Photoshop), vector graphics (Illustrator), layout (InDesign), and potentially motion (After Effects) or video editing (Premiere Pro).

• AI Image & Video Generation Tools: Midjourney, Runway, Nano Banana, ComfyUI, or similar platforms will be integral to the daily workflow for generating concepts, assets, and exploring new visual territories.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly designing dashboards, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., conversion rates on landing pages, engagement on social assets) is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics concepts may be helpful.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the design role, but awareness of how marketing collateral is deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific AI tools like Midjourney, Runway, and ComfyUI indicates a strong preference for candidates who are not just aware of AI in design but actively use these platforms. This is a key differentiator for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and aesthetic rigor.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to push creative boundaries and find novel solutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a small, opinionated team, sharing ideas, and providing constructive feedback.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the target audience (developers and enterprises) in mind, ensuring clarity, impact, and brand alignment.

• Growth Mindset: A willingness to learn, adapt, and continuously improve design skills and tool proficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct and Opinionated: The team values strong viewpoints and clear communication, fostering a dynamic creative environment.

• Mentorship-Driven: Senior designers actively support and guide junior members, creating a learning-focused atmosphere.

• Cross-Functional: While the Brand team is small, designers will collaborate with product, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure brand consistency and support broader company initiatives.

• Feedback Exchange: Expect regular critiques and discussions where feedback is both given and received constructively, aiming for the best possible outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "opinionated" nature of the team suggests a culture where design integrity and strong creative direction are highly valued. This implies a fast-paced, collaborative environment where designers are expected to contribute with confidence and conviction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Design Bar: Meeting the expectation of producing work comparable to top studios, even at a junior level.

• Rapidly Evolving AI Tools: Staying current with the fast-paced advancements in AI image and video generation technology and effectively integrating them into a professional workflow.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a strong, cohesive brand identity across a wide range of diverse marketing materials and touchpoints.

• Balancing Craft and Speed: Delivering high-quality, polished designs quickly in a fast-moving tech environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Becoming an expert in leveraging AI tools for creative applications within the enterprise AI sector.

• Brand System Development: Contributing to and learning from the evolution of a comprehensive brand system for a cutting-edge technology company.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior designers with extensive experience in high-caliber design.

• Exposure to Frontier Technology: Working at the intersection of brand design and advanced AI research provides a unique learning environment.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a strong portfolio with impactful projects for a globally recognized AI company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in becoming proficient with AI creative tools within a professional context, a skill set that will be increasingly valuable. The challenge is to balance this with foundational design principles and the rigorous demands of a high-performance tech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you used AI tools to achieve a creative outcome that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on detailing AI tool usage, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across a wide range of assets for a rapidly growing company?" (Prepare examples of brand system application and your understanding of brand scalability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cohere and our mission in AI?" (Research Cohere's mission, products, and recent news.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your design work?" (Prepare examples of how you've incorporated feedback to improve your designs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, starting with an overview of Cohere and the role, then diving into selected portfolio pieces.

• AI Tool Showcase: Dedicate specific slides or sections to highlight your AI design projects. Clearly explain the prompt engineering, tool selection, iteration process, and final output.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-resolution images and clear layouts. Ensure your presentation deck itself is well-designed and reflects your skills.

• Concise Explanations: For each project, focus on the key aspects: the problem, your solution, your process (including AI tools), and the outcome. Avoid jargon where possible, or explain it clearly.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and ask thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with AI tools in detail, not just as tools they've dabbled with, but as integral parts of their design process that yield tangible results. Demonstrating an understanding of Cohere's specific AI focus will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your range (digital/print), strong typography, layout, art direction, and crucially, your practical application of AI image and video generation tools.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 1-2 years of experience, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, and any specific achievements related to brand system development, digital asset creation, or AI tool usage.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially for projects involving AI tools. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Cohere's brand and mission, and be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cohere, its products, its mission, and its current brand presence. Understand its position in the AI industry and how your design skills can contribute to its goals.

⚠️ 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.