Communications manager

Manager - Design ServicesRequisition ID: 47419 OrganizationVancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world?s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC?s Top Employers and Canada?s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, 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.Main Purpose and Function The Manager, Design Services leads the City?s central graphic design function and provides creative leadership for visual communications across the organization. The role oversees a multidisciplinary team of design, photography and videography professionals responsible for delivering high-quality visual communications that contribute to how residents and stakeholders understand, navigate and engage with City programs, services and initiatives. This is a senior working management role requiring advanced design expertise and strong leadership. The Manager contributes directly to creative development and design production while also providing operational oversight and professional leadership for the City?s design services function. The role establishes service standards, supports workforce planning and staff development, manages performance and guides the development and application of graphic standards and visual communication practices across the organization. The Manager exercises independent judgment in setting priorities, providing creative direction, resolving complex operational issues and advising on sensitive visual communications matters. The role also supports the Associate Director in the developing and implementing graphic standards, visual guidelines, administrative policies and continuous improvement initiatives related to design services. Specific Duties/Responsibilities Design Leadership and Creative Practice 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. Ensures design approaches reflect accessibility requirements, inclusive communications practices and the City?s public service mandate. Provides expert guidance on visual communication approaches for projects with significant public, organizational or political visibility. Collaboration and Advisory Services 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. Helps navigate differing perspectives, operational requirements and creative approaches in a constructive and solutions-focused manner. Represents the design services function in cross-departmental initiatives, planning discussions and organizational projects.Team leadership and Service Delivery Leads, mentors and supports a multidisciplinary creative services team, including graphic