Graphic Designer at McGill University

McGill University; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

RRSP/TFSA

Vacation

Personal days

Floating holidays

Summer Fridays

December time off

Tuition waiver

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Job summary

McGill University is seeking a skilled Graphic Designer to support its visual identity and institutional communications. You will translate complex academic information into engaging visuals for print and digital media, collaborating with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams to meet brand standards and deadlines.

The role emphasizes high‑quality design, client service, and project management, with opportunities to contribute to campaigns across student recruitment, research promotion,

Qualifications

• 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.
• Portfolio demonstrating excellence in print and digital design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing and communications materials.
• Consult with clients to identify objectives, target audiences, timelines and deliverables.
• Translate complex academic, research, and institutional information into clear visual formats.
• Collaborate with communications, marketing, advancement, and recruitment teams to develop visual solutions.
• Present creative concepts and incorporate feedback from stakeholders.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Print & digital design

Brand management

Client relations

Bilingual English-French

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design

Tools

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Acrobat

PowerPoint

Job description

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 accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
• Exceptional visual design and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong client service and relationship management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French.
• Ability to translate complex information into engaging visual content.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Sound judgment and ability to manage confidential or sensitive projects.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English

McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing.

The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4. For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree

3 Years Related Experience

Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 04) $66,190.00 - $82,740.00 - $99,290.00

Job Profile: MPEX-COM2A - Internal External Relations - Professional 2

Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor: Associate Director, Creative Services

Deadline to Apply: 2026-10-06

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].