About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Graphic Designer (permanent, full-time)

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement Job Classification: Business Analyst

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is seeking a driven and creative individual to join our Marketing & Communications department as a Graphic Designer. Reporting to the Corporate & Internal Communications Manager, the Graphic Designer is responsible for visual marketing projects from conceptualization to delivery. The Graphic Designer manages the Olds College brand standards and creates content to reflect the overall style and brand guidelines of the organization to maintain visual consistency in all marketing and communications collateral.

This position works closely with the Marketing & Communications department and internal clients to match strategic direction with creative design results to provide a unified voice to position Olds College as a top post-secondary institution in Canada. The Graphic Designer works to share the Olds College story visually across multiple platforms, including digital media, web/mobile, video, print, presentation, publications, newsletters and magazines, plus much more.

The role is required to be an expert in graphic design and print production in order to support Olds College’s strategic goals through the design, production and presentation of information in a variety of formats. Strong time management skills and desire to be highly productive are a must for this position.

The person in this position may also have the opportunity to work with leadership across the College in ideating new graphical elements to move the organization forward. This is a unique opportunity to work on an incredibly wide range of projects for every department at the College and contribute to the rich fabric of an impactful post-secondary organization.

Key Job Functions:

Creative Direction & Brand Management

• Lead the creative development and production of all marketing and communications material for Olds College
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to establish the overall look, graphic elements, and content of a wide range of communications and marketing materials, such as ads, posters, postcards, booklets, billboards and magazines
• Manage the Olds College Brand Standards across the campus community to ensure a strong, positive brand image, build trust and strengthen brand recognition - This involves creating, implementing, and maintaining guidelines that ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all platforms (including elements such as mission, values, visual style, logo, colors, typography and tone of voice)
• Develop all content to support the Olds College brand and highlight our top-quality educational experiences
• Facilitate and maximize effective content sharing, engagement and best practices across the College in relation to the brand
• Manage quality control over design concepts, projects and College templates
• Identify and champion opportunities to enhance communication and marketing effectiveness with visuals, fostering a collaborative environment to bring innovative ideas to life

Project & Production Management

• Project manage multiple projects from conception through completion, ensuring work is completed on time
• Identify and establish best practices within the creative team to ensure quality and timely production
• Ensure design and multimedia resources are used efficiently and are effectively monitored. This includes maintaining the design library and database, including logos, ad templates, photography, fonts and past project files
• Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides to produce images that meet communications and marketing needs
• Troubleshoot and problem-solve, from a technical and production standpoint
• For specific graphic design requests, be able to estimate the time to complete the project and the cost of materials to implement for the specific design - This includes connecting with the on-campus print shop and third-party companies to get quotes and estimations—plus recommendations on the type of materials to use for particular projects
• Manage external design partners, such as contract designers, photographers, etc.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art or graphic communications along with 3-5 years related work experience required; OR completion of a two-year diploma or certificate in computer assisted graphic arts and design along with 5-8 years work-related experience
• Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work to showcase, is required
• Strong working knowledge in Adobe Creative Suite programs (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator)
• Expert understanding of principles of design, photography and a broad range of print and media production processes to assist in designs and layouts
• Demonstrates proficiency in the English language including grammar, writing and speaking skills, and having knowledge of CP Style is an asset
• Independent worker with good judgment and the ability to create and execute visual elements and projects from concept to completion
• Clear understanding of communications planning and marketing principles
• Exceptional time management skills with a strong desire for productivity - You must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and a resourceful self-starter who can manage multiple projects and competing priorities from various partners under tight deadlines
• A collaborative and independent worker who uses good judgment to create and execute visual projects from concept to completion - You are a curious team player who isn't afraid to ask questions
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and internal clients, using strong interpersonal skills to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• While there is no management or supervisory responsibility for this role, this individual should be able and willing to advise and mentor junior staff and interns, as needed
• Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity by actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding
• Makes decisions with the College’s interests in mind, while demonstrating inclusivity, openness, transparency, civility, and respect
• Acts ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well-being

Conditions of Employment

• This position is office-based on our campus in Olds, Alberta. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. This position is open for hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Corporate & Internal Communications Manager.
• This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Very few physical demands exist for this position and only as they would relate to minimal set up for events (occasional lifting/moving up to 25 pounds)
• The successful candidate must provide a current criminal reference check that is free of any offenses
• All Olds College employees must respect and actively promote health and safety policies

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

Please apply by September 4, 2025

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.