Digital Design Director

American Greetings - Westlake, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Westlake, OH

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Digital Design Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision, creation, and implementation of consumer-facing digital platforms, including websites, mobile applications, on-site merchandising, and email and social marketing campaigns. This position is crucial in ensuring a consistent and effective consumer experience that encompasses both transactional and engagement-based interactions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of how design systems and user experiences translate across various touchpoints, aiming to achieve specific branding, marketing, and engagement targets that enhance the consumer experience and drive brand engagement, ultimately leading to customer conversion. In this hybrid role, based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, the Digital Design Director will oversee a talented team of UX architects, graphic designers, copywriters, and a resource & traffic manager, all dedicated to optimizing and innovating our digital experiences. This position requires close collaboration with executive leadership, the tech development team, the marketing team, and the creative group. The Director will be responsible for establishing digital standards and ensuring that all targets and standards are met. This includes high-level planning and benchmarking, as well as tactical implementation, with a strong focus on digital and content strategies for brands engaging with B2C, B2B, and blended audiences. The role demands an innovator's mindset to connect the digital medium with all other facets of the business, driving growth and advocacy opportunities. The Digital Design Director will also be responsible for managing a diverse staff of over five individuals, ensuring quality standards in terms of accuracy and aesthetics, and overseeing the work of a roster of ten or more freelancers. This position will require the ability to research and evaluate emerging digital trends and technologies, providing thought leadership on adoption strategies, and applying digital insights to inform strategies that integrate all addressable channels and media. Additionally, the Director will lead design strategy development across different lines of business, facilitating team deliverables, setting quality standards, and ensuring the successful day-to-day operation of the department. They will collaborate with brand management to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and provide creative insights to guide requests. The Digital Design Director will also focus on developing staff to meet the skill set and leadership requirements of the department, fostering an inspiring culture and workplace for their team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a staff of 5+ that are geographically and technically diverse, including UX architects, UI designers, Resource & Traffic managers, and copy editors.
• Manage capacity planning for the team, allocating workload and ensuring on-budget and on-time delivery of assigned content.
• Oversee a roster of ten+ freelancers along with appropriate budgeting.
• Ensure that the work of the team meets quality standards in terms of accuracy and aesthetics.
• Produce and oversee visual design across all consumer digital products (e.g., websites, apps, microsites).
• Serve as editor-in-chief for AG websites, apps, and microsites.
• Identify and maintain digital design standards including UI/UX and design systems.
• Research and evaluate emerging digital trends and technologies and provide thought leadership on adoption strategies.
• Lead design strategy development across different lines of business with innovative, relevant solutions and distinct voices specific to consumer targets.
• Collaborate with brand management to ensure that design solutions meet business goals and provide creative and trend insights to guide requests.
• Develop staff to meet skill set and leadership requirements of the department, with a strong emphasis on supporting first-line managers.
• Set an inspiring culture and workplace for the team, inspiring the best possible work.

Requirements

• Proven experience in digital design and user experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing consumer-facing digital products.
• Experience managing a diverse team of designers and creative professionals.
• Strong understanding of design systems, UI/UX principles, and digital marketing strategies.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate digital trends and apply insights to inform strategies.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with A/B testing and multivariate testing methodologies.
• Experience in B2C and B2B digital marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in digital design and marketing.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options
• Professional development opportunities