Graphic Designer

Position: Graphic Designer at McGill University
Location: Montreal

Position Summary  The Graphic Designer plays an important role in supporting McGill University's visual identity, institutional communications, and initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Director, Creative Services, the incumbent develops high-quality visual communications that strengthen McGill's brand, enhance stakeholder engagement, and reinforce the University's reputation. Working closely with senior leadership, academic and administrative units, advancement teams, external partners, and other major institutional clients, the Graphic Designer researches, conceptualizes, designs, and produces impactful print and digital materials that effectively communicate key messages across a variety of platforms and audiences.

The incumbent develops and maintains strong client relationships, manages projects of varying scope and complexity, and delivers high-quality design solutions that meet client objectives, timelines, budgets, and brand standards. The role requires the ability to translate complex information into engaging visual communications while balancing creativity, sound design judgement and exceptional client service.
Primary Responsibilities  Creative Design & Brand Management   Design and produce a wide range of marketing and communications materials, in consultation with the Associate Director, Creative Services, to support the promotion of McGill University to internal and external audiences.
Develop design concepts and produce high-quality print and digital materials that align with McGill's brand standards and communication goals.
Consult with clients to identify communication objectives, target audiences, project requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
Research, analyze, and assess design requirements to develop creative, targeted, and effective visual communication solutions.
Translate complex academic, research, and institutional information into clear and engaging visual formats.
Collaborate with communications, marketing, advancement, and recruitment teams to develop visual solutions that support institutional priorities.
Present creative concepts and recommendations to stakeholders and effectively incorporate feedback into design solutions.
Create graphics and visual assets for websites, email campaigns, digital advertising, and social media platforms.
Support campaigns related to student recruitment, fundraising, research promotion, alumni engagement, and community outreach.
Support multimedia initiatives, including motion graphics and video projects when required.
Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality across all visual communications while maintaining the integrity of the University's visual identity.
Optimize designs for accessibility, usability, and digital engagement.
Project Management   Manage multiple concurrent projects from concept through final delivery.
Develop project schedules, budget estimates, obtain approvals, and ensure deadlines are met.
Liaise with printers, photographers, videographers, and external vendors as required.
Monitor project budgets and production specifications.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities   Bachelor's degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within higher education, government, not-for-profit, or a complex institutional environment.
Experience managing projects and relationships with senior stakeholders and high-profile clients.
Portfolio demonstrating excellence in print and digital design.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat)

Experience with presentation design software (PowerPoint).
Knowledge of web and digital design best practices.
Familiarity with…