Junior Graphic Designer

The opportunity:

This position will report to the Manager of Design & Digital Media. The Junior Graphic Designer will be responsible for building creative concepts and designing marketing collateral for the Marketing and Communications department. They will be responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact and are in line with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s marketing strategy, strategic plan, and brand standards. The role involves collaborating with the team and internal clients to understand creative needs and requests. Graphic design is required for a variety of collateral such as digital, print, large-scale signage, etc. Furthermore, this position will be responsible for providing support in the areas of marketing execution/placement, video content and other marketing activities. They will be responsible for supporting the marketing team with campaign development and implementation.

In this role, you will:

• Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the YMCA in Canada.
• Demonstrate strong support and commitment to serving the membership, facility users, and all program participants of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.

• Attend briefing sessions with the Marketing and Communications team and internal stakeholders to understand creative requirements and deadlines.
• Prepare draft materials and options based on the creative brief provided.
• Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts.
• Assist Manager of Design & Digital Media with reinforcing the YMCA brand guidelines across all design and digital media materials.
• Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy and select style and size of type ensuring the requirements of the YMCA brand guidelines are met.
• Develop the layout and production design of magazines, brochures, newsletters, reports, presentations, publications, and other templates.
• Use computer software to generate new images when required.
• Incorporate changes to mock-ups recommended by internal clients into the final design.
• Provide support for campaign planning and the delivery of marketing activities.
• Review and edit marketing materials to ensure content produced is of high quality, with consistent use of the YMCA Shine On Brand Guidelines.
• Manage marketing assets and collateral inventory.
• Review designs for errors and prepare designs prior to sending to print.
• Coordinate with the external vendors on printing requests.
• Attend YMCA locations, programs, and events throughout Simcoe, Muskoka, and Parry Sound to capture Photography/Video.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the association.

You bring:

• Completion of an accredited Graphic Design Program or undergraduate degree or diploma in marketing, business, public relations, or communications with a minor/focus in Graphic Design
• 1 year of professional Graphic Design Experience. Demonstrated experience within a corporate or agency setting, with a portfolio showcasing ability to create compelling visual assets that align with brand guidelines and business objectives.
• Experience in digital content creation, with a focus on video production and editing is preferred
• Exceptional understanding of colours, style of type, illustrations, photography, and printing procedures
• Knowledge of web, social media, and video applications
• Advanced knowledge of important design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop) and WordPress, with the ability to work in a PC environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and comfortable working in a PC environment
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail

• Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after

commencement of work including:

• • AODA Training
  • Health & Safety Awareness Training
  • Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training
  • PCI Compliance
  • WHMIS
  • Child Safeguarding Orientation

Why work for the Y:

At the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Junior Graphic Designer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our members and the community as a whole. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our mission of building healthy communities.

Perks:

• Compensation $46,000 annual salary
• Extended health benefits after 90 days
• Paid sick time
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Wellness Day
• YMCA Health and Fitness membership
• Pension Plan after 2 years

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.

About us:

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity committed to fostering healthy communities by empowering children, youth, and families, promoting well-being, and encouraging social responsibility.

Our YMCA employs over a thousand staff and hundreds of volunteers who serve tens of thousands of individuals each year in various programs such as childcare, camps, health and fitness, leadership development, employment and literacy, immigrant services, and youth programming. We offer over $1 million in financial assistance annually to ensure accessibility for those who cannot afford to participate.

Beyond facilities and programs, covering Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, our YMCA is a supportive community that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We empower children and youth to become strong, confident, and resilient individuals. We assist individuals and families at all stages of life to connect with what matters most to them, fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve their health goals, fulfill their potential, and feel a genuine sense of belonging, we contribute to the creation of stronger communities.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka successfully raises over $1 million each year through strategic campaigns.

Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the People and Culture department at hr@sm.ymca.ca.

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years.