The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank whose peer-reviewed research, foresight and trusted analysis influence policy makers to innovate. With the engagement of a global network of experts and contributors, CIGI tackles the governance challenges and opportunities of data and transformative technologies, including AI, and their impact on the economy, security, democracy and, ultimately, societies. CIGI delivers independent world-leading research and analysis to influence policy on cutting-edge issues that intersect transformative technologies and governance.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Graphic & Motion Designer is a key creative contributor to CIGI’s research and outreach efforts, responsible for developing compelling visual communications across print, digital, social, web, event, and video platforms. This role combines strong design fundamentals with strategic visual storytelling to translate complex research and policy ideas into clear, accessible, and engaging materials that strengthen public understanding and impact.
Working collaboratively with researchers, publication editors, communications colleagues, developers, and digital media specialists, the Graphic & Motion Designer supports the full design process from creative brief and concept development through production, feedback, file preparation, and final delivery. With a strong eye for typography, layout, visual hierarchy, accessibility, and user experience, the role helps maintain and evolve CIGI’s visual identity, design systems, and cross-channel brand standards.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with researchers, editors, communications colleagues, developers, and digital media specialists to produce engaging visual content that supports CIGI’s research, events, outreach, and communications goals.
- Design polished assets for print and digital publications, reports, websites, newsletters, social media, presentations, events, campaigns, and video/motion projects.
- Translate complex policy and research content into accessible visual formats, including infographics, data visualizations, illustrations, layouts, and digital storytelling assets.
- Develop concepts, sketches, mock-ups, templates, and production-ready files, incorporating feedback from stakeholders while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
- Ensure all designs align with CIGI’s brand identity, visual standards, accessibility requirements, and inclusive design best practices.
- Support and maintain design systems, asset libraries, templates, and brand guidelines to promote consistency across channels and teams.
- Prepare files for professional print production and optimize assets for web, email, social media, and other digital platforms.
- Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, balancing creative quality, stakeholder needs, budgets, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Stay current with design trends, tools, accessibility standards, and emerging practices, including collaborative design platforms and responsible use of AI-enabled creative tools.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- College diploma, certificate, or degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, Digital Media, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- 3–5 years of professional design and motion experience across print, digital, web, social, and multimedia channels, supported by a strong portfolio that demonstrates visual storytelling, brand consistency, and versatility.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects; experience with Figma or other collaborative design/prototyping tools is strongly preferred.
- Experience with motion graphics and data visualization .
- Strong understanding of typography, layout, composition, colour theory, visual hierarchy, information design, accessibility, and user experience principles.
- Experience creating infographics, publication layouts, presentation materials, campaign assets, digital templates, and visual content for web, social media, email, events, and video.
- Knowledge of print production requirements, including file preparation, pre-press standards, colour management, image resolution, and vendor coordination.
- Experience with basic video editing, HTML/CSS, photography, or illustration is considered an asset.
- Ability to interpret creative briefs, ask thoughtful questions, present design rationale, and incorporate feedback from multiple sources.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, organization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with accessibility requirements and inclusive design practices, including AODA and WCAG-informed approaches, is considered an asset.
- Bring a strong design sensibility that aligns with and advances CIGI’s visual brand.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
- Salary range: $65,000 - $80,000
- Comprehensive group benefits plan, including health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, basic life insurance, and AD&D.
- Generous group RRSP program.
- Annual Flexible Spending Account.
- Continuing education and professional development support.
- Generous vacation policy, paid sick days, family care days, personal days, and a paid volunteer day.
- Work-from-anywhere weeks.
- On-site wellness offerings, including yoga classes and access to a registered massage therapist.
- On-site café with complimentary beverages every Tuesday.
Portfolio Requirement: Applicants must include a link to a portfolio of work or samples that demonstrate experience across relevant print and digital formats and one that demonstrates the ability to work within and elevate an established brand system.
This position is based at our CIGI Campus in Waterloo, Ontario, where employees have a hybrid work environment which requires them to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. This job posting is for an existing position.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by July 12, 2026. Incomplete applications may not be considered. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
CIGI is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment. Our goal is to attract and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment and hiring process upon request.
This salary range listed above reflects the starting compensation for new hires in a full-time capacity. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, education, and skills. In exceptional circumstances, an offer above the stated range may be considered.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- This role requires working on-site in Waterloo, ON two days per week. Are you able to reliably commute or relocate if necessary?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterloo, ON
