Senior designer

General description

Location: Toronto or remote (anywhere in Canada)

The Walrus provokes new thinking and sparks conversation on matters vital to Canadians. As a registered charity, we publish independent, fact-based journalism and produce national, ideas-focused events.

We are currently accepting applications for a senior designer. The Walrus art department is a team of multifaceted designers who work closely together to produce exceptional, creative outcomes across digital, social, print and experiential channels. The senior designer will also work with members of the editorial, marketing and digital departments to produce high-quality designs that are clear, creative and consistent with our brand guidelines.

The successful candidate will have outstanding visual communication skills and diverse experience bringing brands to life through visual identities, multimedia editorial content, marketing and digital experiences. They should also have a keen eye for emerging artistic talent and strong technical production skills. This position reports to the design director.

Job responsibilities

• Contribute to and evolve our design ecosystem in ways that refine and enhance The Walrus brand
• Design marketing assets that support audience engagement and growth (includes print and digital items for events, fundraising, brand campaigns and social media)
• Contribute to digital projects by designing wireframes for websites and microsites needed for The Walrus brand projects (requires foundational knowledge of UX/UI principles)
• Commission illustrations and photography for editorial story content
• Create photo illustrations from stock photography for editorial content
• Design story layouts for the magazine (requires mastery of typography, colour and composition)
• Coordinate the production process of the magazine
• Maintain an artist contributor base and image library of The Walrus

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years experience in an editorial or agency environment
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma)
• Proficiency in WordPress and basic HTML markup
• Proficiency in print-production setup, requirements and process
• Familiarity with animation software (AfterEffects, Animate) is an asset
• Familiarity with digital marketing best practices
• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and accessibility standards
• Familiarity with the mandate and content of The Walrus on all editorial platforms
• Strong work ethic, growth mindset, excellent communication skills and collaborative team player
• An ability to take ownership and pride in your work, from project brief to final execution
• Interest in current affairs and the news cycle

Salary range

$57,000-$65,000

Additional information on salary range

The compensation package includes a competitive base salary of $57,000-$65,000, with a full benefits package consisting of medical, dental, vision, prescription, mental health coverage, employee and family assistance program and paid vacation. We also have half-day summer Fridays and a week off over the winter holiday break.

This salary range is part of our equity and pay bandwork and is commensurate with experience. There are disparities in how candidates negotiate compensation, which contributes to pay gaps. Our salary grid and pay bands offer greater transparency. The salary range is non-negotiable as a result.

The Walrus supports flexible, hybrid work, including a collaborative, open office environment in downtown east Toronto. A laptop will be provided, along with a free subscription to the print or digital edition of The Walrus, and a deeply discounted rate for family and friends.

How can candidates apply?

Please include any applicable instructions, including the link or email address where applicants should send their information. *

Please send a cover letter, résumé and portfolio (web link or select work in PDF format) to
careers@thewalrus.ca with the following subject line: “Senior Designer: [your name].” The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, February 14, 2025. The start date for this position is Monday, March 17, 2025, and interviews will take place in late February over Zoom.

The Walrus is committed to diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. We value
employment equity and strongly encourage applications from Indigenous, Black and racialized people, people with disabilities, people of all genders and LGBTQ2+ people. If you require any accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know by email at careers@thewalrus.ca.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada to qualify. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thanks for your interest in working at The Walrus.