Digital Experience Designer

The Digital Experience Designer plays a pivotal role in driving the University of Waterloo's brand and strategic objectives through the creation of exceptional marketing materials. Collaborating closely with campus stakeholders, this role employs a strategic, user-centered design approach to produce compelling content across diverse platforms. Reporting directly to the Director of Creative Studio, the Digital Experience Designer serves as a key brand ambassador, guiding stakeholders to ensure designs resonate with the university's identity and reinforce its global leadership in post-secondary education.

Design Leadership

• Lead creative design-thinking for University publications, promotions and identity projects, adhering to approved University brand guidelines in both print and digital platforms
• Stay updated on the evolving media landscape and utilize new technologies to enhance work quality.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), to ensure inclusivity and reach.
• Provide end-to-end design and development of multimedia pieces using motion graphics and video for web, presentations, and interactive displays and exhibits
• Manage file archiving, digital content update and collaborate with developers to ensure implementation visual design
• Identify opportunities to create added value, be proactive with innovative ideas and creative solutions
• Support print-related projects when required
• Support video producer when required
• Keep up-to-date on software, web technology, social media, electronic pre-press and digital media to prepare clear and cost-effective solutions

Strategic Thinking

• Collaborate with campus partners and communications staff to conceptualize, strategize and execute projects
• Explore diverse conceptual approaches/solutions to fulfill requirements as outlined in the Creative Studio strategic brief, ensuring alignment with overarching goals
• Advise on copy content, editorial direction and best practice for content across all platforms

Technical

• Recommend and implement appropriate production methods, both to campus partners and in collaboration with project co-ordinators
• Pre-flights and follows collection process for digital, video and print production
• Provide expert knowledge of accessible colour and typography use
• Provide support by cross-checking and proofing projects for accuracy, consistency and writing style guide recommendations

Time Management

• Effectively manage workflow and production schedules to meet project deadlines and strategic milestones. Ensure accurate tracking and billing of time and materials, optimizing resource allocation and budget management.

Communication

• Establish, communicate and document design rationale and strategy through formal and informal presentations
• Liaise with campus partners to ensure client satisfaction at all stages of design implementation
• Liaise with digital team to ensure design solutions meet digital best practices, and accessibility standards (AODA)

• Post-secondary education, including completion of graphic or web design program at a recognized college or university
• Possess 5+ years of experience in designing for various purposes such as, digital advertisements, corporate materials, signage, websites, HTML5, email templates, PowerPoint presentations, social media images, interactive pdfs, video assets, client projects
• Experience with web design templates for content management systems (CMS)
• Experience working with email marketing and distribution platforms
• Experience in videography and editing skills, conceptualizing and storyboard engaging digital/video content
• Extensive in web, interactive, digital advertising and/or digital communications design and technology
• Strong familiarity with accessibility requirements, particularly the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Responsive web design, mobile web development and digital application development experience
• Experience in handling multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Experience with Drupal 7 or 8 would be an asset
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital and print design, executing design vision across multiple platforms. Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and AfterEffects as well as Final Cut Pro, Audacity and Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint
• Expertise inCSS, HTML, HTML5, and Java Script for developing digital ads, along with expert knowledge using Mac OS X
• Working knowledge of Excel, Smartsheet, project management software
• Proven ability in, extensive experience with, and strong working knowledge and understanding of effective design principles
• Ability to identify emerging design trends, and how they can be integrated with print and digital visual communication campaigns
• Knowledgeable about web navigation design, information architecture, search engine optimization and information architecture
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret and translate the needs of campus partners and articulate design choices
• Strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a fastpaced environment
• Ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated and collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach
• Comfortable working within an enterprise content management system and possessing working knowledge of information architecture, usability, UI, and UX design.
• Adaptability to unexpected and time-sensitive demands, coupled with highly developed people management and leadership skills to foster a professional, service-oriented workplace culture.
• Strategic thinking ability, creativity, and dynamic decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive materials with discretion, demonstrate confidence, organization, and effective problem-solving skills.
• Good judgment in decision-making, with acute sensitivity to the political environment and the reputation of the University.

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at  or .