Graphic Designer & Visual Content Creator full-time

Reporting to the Manager of Communications and Public Engagement, the Graphic Designer & Visual Content Creator is responsible for the following:

• Provides day-to-day supervision of the Coordinator, Marketing Advertising and Sponsorship, including planning/scheduling, work distribution/follow-up, training/coaching, and monitoring of work conditions.
• With support from Manager provides leadership and oversight in the development and implementation of communications, performance measures and best practices for marketing initiatives.
• Conducts hiring in collaboration with Human Resources.

Graphic Design and Communications

• Creates original design and copy for the Township’s branded communications materials across all channels, including print, digital, web, email, and social media platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, creating design elements and copy writing for websites, publications, posters/flyers, presentations, award applications, forms, advertisements, signage, eNewsletters/email, social media posts/stories/videos.
• Follows creative direction provided by the Manager of Communications and Public Engagement and post brief, assumes project as creative lead/provides oversight through conception, creation, approval, and production of designs.
• Participates in client meeting to aid in developing communications, public engagement, and design strategies. Assist in the development of concepts to visually interpret initiatives and ideas in both print and digital.
• Creates designs based on strategic briefs, while maintaining corporate brand image, high quality standards and latest graphic design, emerging print, digital and web trends.
• Responsible for the design, layout, production of departmental long form print and digital publications. Works with external printers to source quotes, review printer proofs, and create mock-ups.
• Supports development and implementation of communications plans and campaigns, including research/benchmarks, developing branding concepts and promotional giveaways.
• Develops artwork and guidelines for visual identity and corporate branding.

Social Media and Website Support

• Provides social media administration support, including designing, writing, and scheduling posts; flagging and escalating issues; and on-site photography and videography of events and programs.
• Provides website management oversight, including designing graphic elements and webpage layouts, writing and scheduling content; creating accessible documents and forms; tracking insights and KPIs; and posting emergency alerts and service disruptions.

Research, Analysis and Other Duties

• Research visual content and graphic design trends to determine multi-platform design in support of marketing and communication plans and strategies.
• Reviews existing communications materials and makes recommendations for improvement to enhance readability and public engagement and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Liaises with external printers and promotional service providers to obtain quotes, send artwork, and coordinate production and delivery of communications and marketing materials, in adherence to corporate Procurement policies.
• Performs other related tasks and projects, as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary departmental or corporate objectives.

The successful applicant will possess:

• Four (4) years of directly relevant experience in Graphic Design/Computer Graphics, social media, and visual communications.
• University degree in Graphic Design /Computer Graphics or suitable equivalent
• Registered Graphic Designer (RGD) designation preferred.
• Experience with personal computers (PC) and associated software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, database software) and online engagement platforms.
• Experience with Desktop Publishing applications including Adobe Creative Cloud InDesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop, Drupal, UpanUp, Granicus.
• Experience in managing social media channels including X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and email marketing software such as Constant Contact or MailChimp.
• Knowledgeable of current graphic design and visual communication trends.
• Experience and ability to lead, coach, motivate and develop employees.
• Experience in dealing with confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent oral, presentation and written communication skills.
• Highly proficient in computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications and Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud, Drupal, UpanUp, Granicus, Constant Contact, MailChimp.
• Knowledge of legislation, by-laws, legal proceedings, and the ability to interpret legislation such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Vital Statistics Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and administrative by-laws.