Graphic Designer

Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Brand and Marketing, the Graphic Designer is responsible for developing visually compelling products that enhance Vancouver Island University's (VIU) global reputation while maintaining the integrity of VIU's visual identity. Key duties include:

Project Management

• Lead and manage small- to large-scale design projects for various departments, including External Relations, the President's Office, and academic faculties.
• Set project timelines, ensure outcomes align with VIU's visual brand guidelines, and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Client Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal and external clients to understand promotional objectives and business goals.
• Provide advice on design strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Provide workshops or training sessions for VIU staff and faculty on basic design principles and the use of templates or tools.
• Offer guidance to non-designers who produce materials to ensure adherence to branding standards.

Design and Production

• Create or update promotional materials for print and digital platforms, including web and social media.
• Design graphic elements for promotional videos and maintain an archive of images, photos, and design work.
• Produce production-ready artwork in various formats.
• Ensure that all digital products follow best practices for user experience (UX) and are designed to meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Conduct usability testing for design projects to optimize functionality and user engagement.

Brand Support and Communication

• Advise VIU departments on design best practices and ensure adherence to VIU's brand standards, including logo usage and production requirements.
• Communicate with external businesses about VIU's brand guidelines.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of VIU's brand by identifying emerging design trends and integrating them into institutional branding.
• Develop templates and style guides for other departments to ensure consistency across materials.

Content and Quality Review

• Review and edit content for institutional materials to ensure consistency and quality.

Vendor Liaison

• Coordinate with external service providers for printing, including creating detailed print specifications and reviewing options.
• Work with media providers on ad specifications and placement as required.

Required Qualifications:

Degree in Graphic Design (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Minimum of five years' current, relevant experience in the field of graphic design. Competency in design theory, execution, and creating clear, impactful messages through print and digital media. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in design software, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat, as well as Mac operating systems.
• Strong understanding of design fundamentals, including color theory, typography, and computer imagery.
• Extensive prepress knowledge and technical expertise in offset printing.
• Proficiency in designing for web, social media, and other digital platforms.
• Experience in photo management (editing, manipulating, and filing).
• Skilled in digital layout and multimedia product creation.

Project and Time Management

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality, detail-oriented work.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide professional, client-centered service and interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Comfortable working collaboratively within a close team environment, including informal brainstorming sessions.

Personal Attributes

• Flexible and adaptable to changing environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing for diverse audiences and applying principles of inclusive design to ensure materials resonate with a global and varied demographic.
• Familiarity with accessible design best practices.
• Understanding of marketing strategies, including campaign development and audience targeting, to align design work with broader institutional goals.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.