Who is design for? At hcma, we’re asking big questions about how we can help solve some of the world’s wicked challenges, through design. We create buildings, brands and shared experiences that connect people – all driven by a genuine spirit of curiosity and care.
We are interdisciplinary by intention. Designers, architects, researchers, strategists and storytellers, all working together to create the lasting change we want to see in our communities.
And that’s where (we hope!) you come in.
. . .
We’re looking for a Director, Communication Design:
Who is this person?
- A strategic thinker, creative visionary, and bold leader with a passion for design, branding, and communications
- Someone who can effectively manage the development and execution of our design services, including brand strategy, visual identity, wayfinding and signage, digital and print media
- Someone committed to curiosity and interdisciplinarity – including working with architects, designers, social impact researchers, inclusivity specialists, and others on a daily basis
- Someone who builds strong client relationships, with a business mind for winning new work and forging fruitful industry connections
- A natural collaborator and mentor who builds trusting relationships; who celebrates their team’s unique strengths and nurtures growth
- A gifted communicator and facilitator, with exceptional written and verbal, listening, and observation skills
What experience will they have?
- 10+ years' experience in a creative environment (with a minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership or management position)
- Proven experience delivering impactful brand and design projects for clients and communities
- Demonstrated proficiency in managing client relationships, showcasing exceptional judgement and discernment in understanding client needs and expectations
- A strong understanding of the business of design, including how to manage a team and projects for financial success
- A degree in a related field and/or proven experience managing design projects and multiple workstreams
What will they do?
Strategic + creative leadership
- Lead the strategy and creative vision for our communication design services, including brand strategy, visual identity, wayfinding and signage, digital, print, and beyond
- Develop and pitch brand and design solutions to clients, with an understanding of their motivations and objectives
- Shape and lead the strategic foundations of every project, including through market research, workshops, and engagement
- Shape the successful delivery of all design projects across the team, with responsibility for maintaining high standards and delivering against client brief
- Oversee client relationships, ensuring effective communication, providing exceptional service fostering trust and establishing long-term partnerships
Team leadership
- Manage, champion, collaborate with and advocate for a team of talented communicators and designers, delivering excellence in communication design through others
- Inspire as a design leader, guiding the team to achieve creative excellence and aligning innovative solutions with strategic objectives
- Oversee systems and structures to support communication design excellence, in line with firm-wide systems
- Support Comms Project Manager (PM) with resource planning, scope management, and budget tracking to ensure project delivery success
- Support PM to develop monthly financial projections and provide regular updates to stakeholders, contributing to overall financial planning
In collaboration:
- Establish overall strategic goals for Communication Design team and services, in collaboration with hcma’s Principals
- Build hcma’s local and global reputation for excellence in communication design, in collaboration with hcma’s Director, Marketing
- With business development support from Principals and Marketing, pitch opportunities and cultivate client relationships to win new work
- Oversee the development of communication design sales assets, proposals, scope of work statements, and fee structures, in collaboration with Marketing
Intrigued? Get in touch. If you are interested in this opportunity in Vancouver, please email careers@hcma.ca with your resume and a statement telling us why you think you’re a good fit for this role and our team.
Salary range: $110,000 - $140,000