Design Strategist

About the Company

Almost Always is a creative studio based in El Segundo, California, established in 2017. We collaborate as a tight-knit team of brand strategists, designers, and technologists to support founders and operators during critical moments such as rebranding, funding rounds, and launches. Our client portfolio includes notable brands like Red Bull, Remedy Place, MUD\WTR, Milani, and KAST, along with various startups.

Role Overview

The Design Strategist position is pivotal in ensuring that projects do not only launch but also truly meet client needs. This role requires evaluating client requests to uncover the actual challenges they face, making sure that the final design solution effectively addresses those problems. Acting as the strategic guide, you maintain alignment with client business goals throughout the entire engagement from start to finish. You will report directly to the Director of Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the initial project kickoff by extracting the core business problem and client insights, translating them into actionable content strategy, brand messaging, sitemaps, website copy, marketing materials, and wireframes at a client-ready level.
• Visualize content strategy using Figma with enough proficiency to provide the design team a strong foundation to build upon.
• Keep projects on track by ensuring timelines, scope, and quality expectations are met across design and development teams.
• Serve as the primary reviewer during design reviews and quality assurance phases, ensuring work remains aligned with strategic objectives and intervening when deviations occur.
• Contribute creatively throughout the project lifecycle and coordinate multidisciplinary collaboration.

Candidate Profile

• Strong natural curiosity with a constant drive to ask insightful questions and dig deeper into problems.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguous or complex business challenges and translating these into meaningful content and user experiences.
• Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to use AI tools judiciously as aids rather than dependencies.
• Detail-oriented with obsessiveness over writing nuances such as sentence structures and capitalization style.
• Passionate about brand strategy, copywriting, and go-to-market campaigns.
• Capable of managing projects from inception to delivery and accepting constructive criticism in collaborative environments.
• Minimum of five years relevant experience; prior work in a creative agency is advantageous.

Work Environment

The studio is located in El Segundo, near LA's South Bay, surrounded by a vibrant community of creative and technology companies. The workplace is close to the beach, popular restaurants, bars, and Manhattan Beach. The usual working arrangement is hybrid, with in-office days on Tuesday and Thursday, though remote work is possible for the right candidate.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging between $90,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• Health insurance and 401(k) retirement benefits.
• Autonomy to lead projects fully from start to finish.
• Opportunities for career growth as the studio expands.
• Regular company outings and a welcoming office environment.

Application Instructions

• Submit documentation such as a copy deck or website wireframes showcasing your leadership in strategy and messaging, including your approach.
• Describe a project that you are particularly proud of.
• Explain how you maintain and fuel your curiosity.
• Share your current favorite podcast or book.