Design Director
Razorfish · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $140,000 / year
- Chicago, IL
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Subject: Interested in the Design Director role at Razorfish
Hi Sam — I came across the Design Director opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Razorfish stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Lead design projects from concept to execution.
- Develop internal communications and social content.
- Build and maintain a scalable design ecosystem.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams effectively.
- Present design solutions to senior stakeholders.
About the role
About Razorfish
Hi there! We’re Razorfish. We’ve been leading the marketing industry with our digital expertise since the start of the internet. But in 2020, we did a full reboot. What’s different? It all starts with people. Weird, wonderful, complex people - with diverse backgrounds in strategy, creative and technology. But no matter how different we are, we all have one thing in common. We believe our differences are our strength. So we push for inclusion, challenge convention and bring in new perspectives, to inspire new ideas. Because when we connect by understanding what makes people different, we can create unforgettable experiences that enrich lives. Join us at razorfish.com.
Overview
The Design Director is a hands‑on design leader who turns complex business and customer needs into clear, compelling creative work. You’ll partner closely with Strategy, Account, Creative, and Production, to deliver high‑quality work that meets brand standards.
You will flex both your leadership and execution skills, leading projects through each step of the design process from concepting through final execution, all while remaining deeply involved in the craft.
PLEASE NOTE: Preference will be given to candidates who are local to the Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, or Miami metros and willing to commit to a hybrid schedule of 4 days/week on average. Highly qualified candidates living in other markets may also be considered.
Responsibilities
- Lead design from early concepts through final delivery, staying hands‑on throughout
- Lead the design vision for internal communications, including presentations, announcements, culture moments, leadership messaging, and company‑wide storytelling.
- Oversee quick‑turn social content, including same‑day creative needs, rapid response assets, and high‑volume short‑form design.
- Build and maintain a design ecosystem that ensures consistency, clarity, and scalability across all internal and social touchpoints.
- Collaborate early with cross‑functional partners to ensure design is built in from the start
- Own design quality across brand, digital, and campaign work, using design systems and guidelines
- Design alongside your team, giving clear, practical feedback and direction
- Balance multiple projects with speed, rigor, and strong attention to detail
- Present work confidently to senior stakeholders, clearly explaining design decisions
- Treat the brief as a starting point and push toward smarter, more distinctive solutions
- Create a supportive, inclusive environment where good ideas can come from anywhere
Qualifications
- 8+ years of hands‑on design experience (agency, in‑house, or both) at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Expertise in social content design, rapid‑turn creative workflows, and internal communications.
- Strong foundation in design systems, typography, layout, color, and accessibility
- Expert in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite ; comfortable working within brand guidelines
- Motion design and/or 3D experience is a plus
- AI tool/Workflow experience is a plus
- A portfolio that shows strong craft, clear thinking, and problem‑solving
- High standards, sharp attention to detail, and genuine passion for the work
- Please include resume with portfolio link***
Key skills/competency
- Design Leadership
- Creative Direction
- Figma
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Brand Guidelines
- Design Systems
- Social Media Design
- Internal Communications
- Rapid Prototyping
- Stakeholder Management
Skills & topics
- Design Director
- Creative Director
- Design Leadership
- Digital Marketing
- Brand Design
- Social Media
- Internal Communications
- Figma
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Agency
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8+ years of design experience and 3+ years in leadership, emphasizing social content and internal communications expertise.
- Showcase your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates strong craft, clear thinking, problem-solving, and proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Research Razorfish's culture: Understand their focus on diversity, inclusion, and innovative digital solutions to align your application.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your design process, leadership style, and how you've handled rapid-turn creative workflows and stakeholder presentations.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the compensation range for the Design Director role at Razorfish?
- The compensation range for the Design Director position at Razorfish is USD $129,485.00 - $177,200.00 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and the specific requirements of the role.
- Does Razorfish offer flexible working arrangements for the Design Director position?
- Yes, Razorfish offers flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid schedule preference for local candidates (4 days/week on average). They also have a 'Work Your World' program allowing eligible employees to work from anywhere Razorfish has an office for up to 6 weeks a year.
- What are the key software proficiencies required for the Design Director role at Razorfish?
- The key software proficiencies required for this Design Director role are expertise in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with motion design, 3D, or AI tools is considered a plus.
- What is Razorfish's stance on diversity and inclusion for this Design Director position?
- Razorfish is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strongly believes in the strength of diversity and inclusion. They encourage new perspectives and foster a supportive environment where good ideas can come from anywhere. They hire without regard to various protected characteristics.
- What is the preferred work arrangement for the Design Director role, and where are the preferred office locations?
- Razorfish prefers candidates local to the Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, or Miami metro areas for a hybrid schedule of 4 days/week on average. Highly qualified candidates in other markets may also be considered.
- What experience is necessary for the Design Director role at Razorfish?
- Candidates need 8+ years of hands-on design experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Expertise in social content design, rapid-turn creative workflows, and internal communications is essential.
- How can I apply for the Design Director job at Razorfish and what should I include with my application?
- To apply for the Design Director position at Razorfish, please submit your resume along with a link to your portfolio. Your portfolio should showcase strong craft, clear thinking, and problem-solving abilities.