Lead Designer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Designer to take ownership of the creative output across a digital agency's diverse client portfolio. This senior position involves setting a high standard for design excellence and delivering multiple compelling creative directions from initial concepts guided by strategic goals. Reporting directly to the agency owner, you will collaborate closely with the technical lead and engage with senior marketing stakeholders during creative reviews on key accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all design deliverables from concept to final execution across client projects.
• Rapidly convert loose or rough visual guidance into multiple distinct creative proposals to enable client choice and collaboration.
• Produce creative work that meets national brand standards and aligns with outputs expected from large agencies.
• Conduct quality assurance by reviewing and enhancing design work produced by the team.
• Ensure thorough consistency and precision in copy, design specifications, calls to action, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Work closely with the technical lead to ensure seamless transition of designs into development or production phases.

Requirements

• A compelling portfolio showcasing conceptual versatility, polished finishes, and significant brand-related project experience.
• Senior-level creative thinking with confidence to originate designs from scratch and generate multiple creative paths from broad directions.
• Ability to deliver strong initial drafts swiftly that mainly need refinement rather than complete overhauls.
• Proficiency with AI creative tools, including a clear process to generate, assess, and develop concepts through AI support.
• Excellent communication skills to confidently present, justify, and adapt creative outputs during discussions with senior marketing clients.
• Availability to work during US Central Time business hours.

Tools and Skills

• Mandatory: Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite focusing on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Mandatory: Experience with current AI creativity tools and an established workflow for integrating them into the creative process.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Figma for UI/UX design and collaborative projects with developers.
• Additional advantages: Skills in motion graphics, animation, video production, and email design/build.