Senior Designer, Cochrane/MacGRADE (HEI)

(JD0131)

The Senior Designer will join the prestigious and highly productive Cochrane Canada/MacGRADE teams (canada.cochrane.org). This individual will bring the experience, skills, and adaptability to work in an environment where multiple, simultaneous, and often interdependent projects are undertaken to serve the needs of decision-makers.

Cochrane Canada is an independent global network of over 30,000 healthcare practitioners, researchers, patient advocates, and others, working to translate systematically reviewed evidence into useful information for healthcare decision making.

GRADE (http://www.gradeworkinggroup.org) was developed by the GRADE Working Group, which is a collaboration of methodologists, guideline developers, clinicians, and other interested members with the aim of developing and implementing a common, transparent and sensible approach to grading the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations in health care.

The position of Senior Designer requires a highly experienced, creative, and detail-oriented professional who works effectively in a dynamic team environment and has experience with overseeing design projects from conception to delivery, designing illustrations, infographics, websites, brochures and other professional project documents and has proven experience with design software.

Job Summary:

Responsible for managing design projects from concept to completion. Creates a variety of communication medium requirements for the University and community-based clients to meet educational, research or communication objectives.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Develop original and custom graphic designs and communications including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, posters, books and websites to be used for education, fundraising or product and service promotion.
• Interpret information supplied by clients regarding project requirements and provide assistance to sales staff in finalizing needs specifications with clients.
• Develop a cost-effective strategy for all work produced.
• Provide detailed and accurate estimates for all marketing graphics based on print specifications.
• Create and gather text, graphics, illustrations and photo images.
• Complete work order forms ensuring the accuracy of the project and its timelines.
• Coordinate the job process from concept through to finished product including coordinating with other campus services and external suppliers.
• Write code in a variety of programming languages for internet applications.
• Translate instructions into logical sequences of terms and mathematical equations when coding for web applications.
• Gather and compile pertinent information from clients necessary to complete the work order.
• Research and implement current trends and practices to produce effective communication pieces.
• Liaise with clients and discuss projects to determine the best medium to appeal to the intended audience.
• Provide design advice to clients and explain complex technical terms in non-technical language.
• Proof and edit material for accuracy and completion.
• Troubleshoot technical problems with software.
• Investigate and evaluate suppliers of paper, printing, photography and related services for use in the department.
• Adhere to established University and external deadlines and timelines.
• Maintain and enhance software and hardware skills as department usage and software features are upgraded.
• Remain current with frequent developments and trends in graphic design and technological advancements.

Qualifications:

• 3-year Community College diploma in Graphic Design or related field.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Previous experience working with McMaster University is a definite asset.
• Experience supporting researchers or a research group in a health sciences environment is considered a strong asset.

Additional Information:

This role requires the successful candidate to have or demonstrate the following:

• Strong attention to detail, with advanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities
• Refined writing skills, capable of editing and proofreading own work
• Ability to translate research or technical findings into concise, engaging and actionable content for specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Up-to-date knowledge of social media trends and digital marketing campaigns
• Experience with designing and managing websites
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Stong ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively multitask in a fast-paced research environment
• Tact and professionalism when communicating with stakeholders on a global level
• Ability and interest in functioning both independently and in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and Adobe

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers and visitors. The University’s Vaccination Policy-COVID-19 Requirements for Employees and Students (the “Vaccination Policy”), requires all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. While the Vaccination Policy is currently paused, it may resume quickly and on short notice, as informed by public health advice and direction. Should it become necessary in future to resume the Policy, all community members will need to demonstrate compliance at that time. Successful applicants in those positions that work in host hospitals or other healthcare sites that have active vaccination mandates in place will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment. The University will continue to follow the guidance of public health organizations to define fully vaccinated status.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.