Design Director

Job Description

Who we are:
We are a small design studio in SoMa looking to get a fresh start. Website work comprises roughly 80% of our work, we win awards, we like to work hard, and we want to grow.

What we need:
We’re looking for someone to take an active role in championing our creative esthetic, kickstart & inspire our team, and lead the creative side of new business development.

Who you are:
• A passion for design - not just at work but in your private life. Someone who stretches themselves and takes the initiative to improve their own skill set and creativity.
• An awesome portfolio
• Strong communication skills- working with staff, clients and prospects.
• A love for big ideas and seeing them through- even the boring dirty details.
• A good sense of humor about life and work

The Job Responsibilities:
• Projects from stage zero to post launch.
○ Manage multiple projects for various clients and works with project management to meet all deadlines. When deadlines loom, you shine with your amazing can do attitude that inspires the people around you.
○ Responsible for understanding the client’s business and industry, the ability to verbalize how design solves business problems, and the dedication to see a project to completion.
○ You are able to gather and synthesize research that informs solutions to interactive problems, including peer research, user testing, and the development of rich mood boards
○ Participate in all necessary internal and external meetings – client meetings, team briefings, brainstorming sessions and presentations – punctual and prepared. You like to work in an open and collaborative environment where everyone builds upon good ideas until they are great ideas
○ Collaboration with management, designers, writers, and developers to deliver excellent work for every aspect of a project.
○ You look to the future of interactive design to stay on top of development trends as they relate to design and helping our clients build sites that last more than a year or two.

• New Business.
○ Successful track record for creating and delivering pitch proposals for new opportunities and developing existing accounts.
○ Contribute to all new business pitches whenever necessary and with a sense of urgency.
○ May include a small amount of travel, >5% of your time.

• Studio Culture.
○ Someone who can come into the office on a regular basis - must be local. We want to create a cohesive core group in our downtown studio building a collaborative, inspiring and top notch culture.
○ Provide rationale for the team’s aesthetic and strategic thinking. Results oriented- thinking beyond beauty and portfolio to effectiveness.
○ Thoughtful leader who knows how to effectively manage, cultivate, mentor and inspire a group of creative individuals to consistently produce their best work. You are aware and respectful of everyone’s role and contribution.
○ Maintain strong, proactive relationship with all members of the studio. Communicate with all team members about all current and future projects.
○ Work to stay current with and employ appropriate new technologies and opportunities.
○ Trendsetter, not watcher.
○ Ability to provide insight and feedback into improving internal systems

Still reading? Your Experience:
• 5-7+ years of interactive or agency experience as a leader such as an Associate Creative Director or Design Director.
• A general background working on projects that range from product packaging, web design, conference displays, emails, banner ads, print advertising, branding, logos, and collateral systems is helpful because we do it all.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Mac, PPT, Keynote, familiarity with HTML, HTML5, CSS, Wordpress, Drupal, mobile sites/devices, apps (BONUS!!!)
• Deep knowledge of typography, excellent sense of design principle & practice.
• Must have an established portfolio which displays long-term client relationships, integrated campaigns, and compelling and effective writing. We know you’re not a copywriter but being able to express and sell the vision is key.
• Direct experience developing strong client relationships, eliciting client vision & direction, translating that into business strategy, and presenting & selling creative concepts.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working with hospitality, destination and lifestyle clients is always a bonus.

Last notes:
• We do not provide interview or moving expenses as we are a small studio.
• Candidates who are not US citizens or permanent residents that need to have authorization to work in the US need not apply.

Application Details

• We do not provide interview or moving expenses as we are a small studio.
• Candidates who need to have authorization to work in the US need not apply.

Please provide your portfolio, a bit about yourself (past current and future), and a way to contact you directly.

NOTE: International candidates must hold a valid US working permit.