Manager - City of Vancouver, Vancouver

What you'll do

As the Manager of Design Services, you will lead the City's central graphic design function and provide creative leadership for visual communications across the organization. This senior working management role requires advanced design expertise and strong leadership, contributing directly to creative development and design production while offering operational oversight.

• Leads and participates directly in the development of graphic design and visual communications materials for City initiatives, programs, services and public engagement activities.
• Provides senior-level creative direction, design expertise and visual storytelling support for high-profile, sensitive or complex projects.
• Oversees the quality, accessibility, clarity and effectiveness of visual communications across a wide range of formats and channels.
• Leads the development, implementation and ongoing evolution of graphic standards, templates, style guides and visual systems that support consistency and usability across the organization.
• Provides expert guidance on visual communication approaches for projects with significant public, organizational or political visibility.
• Provides professional advice and consultation to departments and project teams on graphic design and visual communication and appropriate use of City graphic standards.
• Works collaboratively with staff across a broad range of professional disciplines to support coordinated and effective visual communications outcomes.
• Represents the design services function in cross-departmental initiatives, planning discussions and organizational projects.
• Leads, mentors and supports a multidisciplinary creative services team, including graphic design, photography and videography roles.
• Supports the Associate Director in developing and implementing policies, procedures and administrative frameworks related to graphic design and visual communications.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet specific education, experience, knowledge, and skill requirements to be considered for these administration jobs in Vancouver.

• Degree in graphic design, visual communication or a related discipline, combined with 6 years experience in organizational communications within large, complex public or private sector environments, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of graphic standards, style guides or visual systems and supporting templates.
• Experience balancing strategic direction with hands-on production and operational responsibilities.
• Experience providing operational leadership, managing staff performance and supporting service delivery in a collaborative production environment.
• Expert-level knowledge with industry-standard creative software, tools and production practices.
• Strong understanding of accessibility, inclusive communications and user-focused design principles.
• Advanced graphic design and visual storytelling capabilities, with a strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking and execution across multiple platforms and media.
• Exceptional design judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation and relationship-management skills.
• Professional certification or membership in design-related professional association is considered an asset.

The team

Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver offers a workforce dedicated to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life. You will lead a multidisciplinary creative services team across design, photography, and videography, fostering a collaborative, respectful, and service-oriented team culture focused on creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.

Perks and benefits

A career with the City of Vancouver offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication within an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. Accommodations are provided upon request during the selection process.