MFRE Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MFRE Graphic Designer

Company: University of British Columbia (UBC)

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategies for the Master of Food & Resource Economics (MFRE) Graduate Program and the Micro-Certificate in Environmental Metrics for Sustainability Reporting through expert graphic design.

• Develop and execute creative concepts for a variety of marketing and promotional materials, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

• Collaborate closely with program staff and academic directors to translate strategic objectives into compelling visual narratives.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for digital and print collateral, from initial concept to final production.

• Contribute to the overall brand perception and recruitment success of the MFRE program and associated initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, its placement within a university program focused on economics and sustainability reporting implies a need for design that is not only visually appealing but also clear, informative, and capable of conveying complex information effectively. The "operations" aspect here lies in the structured execution of design tasks to support program marketing and recruitment, which are core operational functions of an academic department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce engaging graphics for twice-weekly LinkedIn posts, aligning with program and micro-certificate branding and promotional campaigns.

• Create professional poster designs for program recruitment efforts and academic events, ensuring visual appeal and clear messaging.

• Develop visually engaging PowerPoint slide templates and graphics for class visit presentations to internal departments (Sauder, Economics) and external universities, enhancing program visibility.

• Produce supplementary poster graphics (both paper and digital) for the "Industry Insight Series" to support recruitment and enhance program visibility.

• Design graphic elements and layouts for up to six newsletters annually, ensuring a consistent and attractive visual identity for program communications.

• Implement final designs across various media, coordinating with prepress and print vendors as necessary, and performing art direction for special projects.

• Refine designs based on feedback from program staff and academic directors, ensuring objectives are met.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and support program operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for efficient project management and the ability to produce high-volume, consistent creative assets under general guidance, typical of an operational support role within a marketing or communications function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of a three-year Graphic Design program is required.

• A university degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing) is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of two years of related graphic design experience.

• Demonstrated experience in print design, art direction, project management, and web design is preferred.

• Experience in design for print, including prepress and printer coordination, is a requirement. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Strong command of PowerPoint for presentation design.

• Excellent visual design skills, including layout, typography, and color theory.

• Ability to create graphics for digital platforms, particularly social media (LinkedIn).

• Understanding of print production processes, including prepress and art direction for printing.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Effective oral and written communication skills for collaborating with stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in marketing, communications, and branding initiatives.

• Basic knowledge of web design tools such as Dreamweaver, Director, and Flash.

• Expertise in using both Mac and Windows operating systems.

• Interpersonal and training skills.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, PowerPoint) and print production knowledge, combined with general graphic design principles, points towards a role that requires both technical execution and a strategic understanding of visual communication for an academic program. The inclusion of EDI competencies suggests a commitment to inclusive design practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of graphic design projects demonstrating proficiency in digital and print media, including social media graphics, posters, presentations, and newsletters.

• Highlight projects that exhibit strong layout design, typography, and brand application, particularly within an academic or professional services context.

• Include examples of work that required collaboration with stakeholders or adherence to specific brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate experience with the full design lifecycle, from concept development to final output preparation. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing design projects from brief to completion, illustrating workflow and time management.

• Examples of how feedback was incorporated to refine designs and achieve project objectives.

• Documentation of any process improvements or efficiencies implemented in design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing the breadth of technical skills, project management capabilities, and the ability to produce effective marketing collateral that aligns with specific program goals and brand identity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $36.36 - $52.25 CAD Hourly

The Compensation Range represents the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for this position. New hires typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the range, reflecting their current job knowledge, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits:

• As a part-time term position within the University of British Columbia, employees may be eligible for benefits as per the AAPS Hourly collective agreement, which typically includes:

  • Extended health and dental coverage.

  • Life insurance and disability benefits.

  • Pension plan contributions.

  • Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.

  • Access to UBC's extensive campus facilities and resources. Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position. The exact number of hours per week will be determined based on operational needs, but a standard full-time work week is 40 hours. Actual hours may vary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the role and location. Benefits are generally outlined by the employer's collective agreements or policies for part-time staff. The working hours are explicitly part-time, requiring flexibility based on project demands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

UBC is a global center for research and learning, known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. The Faculty of Land and Food Systems focuses on critical global challenges related to food, land, and environmental systems.

Company Size: Large (UBC is one of Canada's largest universities with over 60,000 students and staff across multiple campuses).

For operations professionals, a large university setting means working within established structures, diverse stakeholder groups, and a strong emphasis on institutional processes and brand integrity.

Founded: 1908 (University of British Columbia)

UBC's long history signifies a stable and established institution with deep roots in research, teaching, and community service. This stability provides a solid foundation for its academic programs and their operational support functions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Academic Director of the MFRE program, who provides general guidance.

• The role operates within the MFRE program office, which includes MFRE staff, and collaborates closely with them.

• The position is part of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, under the Associate Dean Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Portfolio, indicating a connection to broader faculty-level graduate administration.

• Collaboration may extend to other projects and programs within the faculty as needed. Methodology:

• Design work is guided by the MFRE program's marketing and recruitment objectives.

• Visual communication strategies are developed to support specific campaign goals (e.g., recruitment drives, event promotion).

• Design execution follows established brand guidelines for UBC and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

• Feedback loops with program staff and directors are integral to refining designs and ensuring alignment with strategic messaging.

Company Website: https://www.ubc.ca/

Faculty Website: https://www.landfood.ubc.ca/

MFRE Program Website: https://mfre.ubc.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large, established university implies a need for adherence to institutional branding, policies, and operational procedures. The MFRE program's specific focus on economics and sustainability within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems suggests a need for design that can effectively communicate expertise in these areas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Specialist / Junior to Mid-Level Support

This role is focused on executing specialized design tasks to support the operational marketing and promotional activities of the MFRE program. It is positioned as a contributor within a broader academic department, rather than a strategic leadership role in operations.

Reporting Structure:

• Direct reporting to the Academic Director, MFRE.

• Collaboration with MFRE staff and potentially other faculty members or program coordinators.

• The structure emphasizes task-oriented collaboration and clear lines of communication for design project execution. Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perceived quality and professionalism of the MFRE program and its associated offerings.

• Effective design contributes to successful student recruitment, program promotion, and overall brand reputation, which are critical operational outcomes for academic programs.

• Ineffective design can lead to missed recruitment opportunities, diluted brand messaging, and negative perceptions, impacting the program's operational success. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in graphic design software, develop advanced print production skills, and gain experience in academic marketing and communications.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with diverse projects for a reputable institution, showcasing skills in digital and print design for a specialized academic field.

• Networking: Collaborate with academic directors, program staff, and potentially faculty members, expanding professional networks within higher education.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in academic marketing design, sustainability communications, or digital content creation within an educational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a Graphic Designer role, its "operations" aspect is in supporting the functional goals of the MFRE program. Growth opportunities are framed around enhancing design skills and contributing to the operational success of academic marketing initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Campus Environment

The role is based at the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus, specifically within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. This implies a professional academic setting with access to university resources.

Office Location(s):

• UBC Vancouver Campus, HR MacMillan Building (MCML).

• This location is in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Workspace Context:

• The role requires on-site presence, suggesting a dedicated workspace within the MFRE program office or Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

• The environment is likely collaborative, requiring interaction with MFRE staff and program directors.

• Access to university IT infrastructure, design software, and potentially shared design resources may be available.

• The workspace will support the creation of visual assets for both digital distribution and print production. Work Schedule:

• Part-time employment, with the exact schedule to be determined based on operational needs.

• The role requires flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and campaign timelines.

• Standard working hours within a university setting typically align with business days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and university campus setting are key environmental factors. This suggests a structured work environment with opportunities for in-person collaboration and access to institutional resources, typical for operational support roles within higher education.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth evaluation of submitted portfolio pieces. This may involve discussing specific projects, design choices, and problem-solving approaches.

• Technical Proficiency Test (Potential): A short design exercise or a practical test using design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) to assess real-time skills.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions to assess teamwork, communication, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the MFRE program and UBC.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with the Academic Director and other key stakeholders to discuss the role's strategic fit and operational impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases experience with social media graphics, posters, presentations, and newsletters.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight how your design met the client's objectives.

• Demonstrate Brand Application: Include examples where you successfully applied or adapted existing brand guidelines, or created new ones.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and PowerPoint.

• Tailor to MFRE: If possible, include any projects that demonstrate an understanding of academic programs, economics, sustainability, or a professional audience.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to design challenges, such as creating graphics for complex topics or tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand the MFRE program's mission and target audience to better tailor your responses and potential design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on a combination of technical design skills, portfolio content, and the ability to integrate into the operational workflow of an academic program. A strong, relevant portfolio is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphic creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of posters, newsletters, and print collateral.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating visually engaging presentation templates and graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how graphics perform on platforms like LinkedIn may involve observing engagement metrics. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role, but an understanding of how graphics are deployed within marketing automation or content management systems could be beneficial. Other Potential Tools:

• Basic knowledge of web design tools like Dreamweaver, Director, and Flash may be beneficial.

• Proficiency on both Mac and Windows operating systems is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint is essential for this role. The ability to work across different operating systems is also a key technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: Commitment to producing high-quality, professional design work that accurately represents the MFRE program and UBC.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with program staff, directors, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Adaptability and Responsiveness: Ability to adapt to changing project needs and feedback, delivering timely results.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the established brand identity of the MFRE program and UBC through consistent visual representation.

• Continuous Learning: Demonstrating a commitment to staying updated on design trends, software, and best practices, particularly within higher education marketing.

Collaboration Style:

• Project-Oriented: Collaboration will primarily revolve around specific design projects, from initial concept to final delivery.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from academic directors and program staff.

• Cross-Functional: Working with individuals across different departments within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and potentially external partners for print production.

• Supportive: Contributing to the team's overall success by providing essential visual support for marketing and recruitment initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture likely emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to supporting the operational and strategic goals of the MFRE program through high-quality design services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing the demands of creating graphics for various platforms (LinkedIn, posters, presentations, newsletters) simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing concepts related to economics, resources, and sustainability metrics for diverse audiences.

• Adhering to Brand Standards: Consistently applying UBC and MFRE branding guidelines while also bringing creative innovation to designs.

• Working Independently: Operating with general guidance from the Academic Director, requiring self-motivation and proactive problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunity to refine skills in specific areas of graphic design, such as motion graphics for presentations or advanced infographic design.

• Academic Marketing Specialization: Gaining deeper insights into marketing strategies and visual communication within the higher education sector.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of new design tools, software updates, and digital marketing trends relevant to academic recruitment and communications.

• Portfolio Development: Building a robust portfolio that showcases successful design outcomes for a leading university program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges involve managing diverse creative tasks within an operational context, while growth opportunities lie in deepening design expertise and understanding academic marketing dynamics.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create graphics for a complex or technical subject. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, clarity, and audience adaptation.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing materials, especially when working with established university guidelines?" (Highlight your understanding of brand management and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a social media graphic or a poster for a recruitment campaign. What factors do you consider?" (Emphasize strategic thinking, audience targeting, and creative execution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the MFRE program and UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems?" (Research the program's mission, values, and current initiatives.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially from academic stakeholders?" (Showcase your collaboration and communication skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest graphic design trends and software?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your solution (design approach), and the results.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have any data on how your graphics performed (e.g., engagement on LinkedIn, attendance at an event), include it.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities of this MFRE Graphic Designer position.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and enthusiastically, allowing time for questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strong design fundamentals, technical proficiency, effective communication, and an understanding of how design supports the operational goals of an academic program.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the UBC Careers portal, including your resume and a link to your online portfolio.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects relevant to social media graphics, posters, presentations, and newsletters, showcasing your ability to work within established branding.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and PowerPoint, and any experience in print production or academic marketing.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key projects in your portfolio, and research UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems and the MFRE program's mission.

• Company Research: Understand UBC's brand guidelines and the specific goals of the MFRE program to demonstrate alignment and cultural fit during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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