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Associate Design Director Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Steve Madden

Sr. Designer, Dresses - NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with VP of Design and Associate Design Director to bring the collection from concept to reality, including but not limited to conceptual presentations, sketch review, design research ...

Steve Madden

Sr. Designer, Dresses - NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with VP of Design and Associate Design Director to bring the collection from concept to reality, including but not limited to conceptual presentations, sketch review, design research ...

Steve Madden

Associate Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General Summary The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in ... Partner closely with Design Director to develop seasonal handbag assortments for our Off Price ...

Steve Madden

Associate Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General Summary The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in ... Partner closely with Design Director to develop seasonal handbag assortments for our Off Price ...

Steve Madden

Design Associate - Footwear

Queens, NY · On-site

This position assists the Designer and Design Director in the day-to day operations of the design department. Major Responsibilities: • Create swatch books for all fabrics, trim, used in design • ...

Macy's

Associate Designer

Manhattan, NY

$81K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Overview The Associate, Designer exudes dynamic and passionate creativity while proficiently ... Work closely with the Senior Designer/Design Director on the development and execution of product ...

New

Macy's

Associate Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$81K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Overview The Associate, Designer exudes dynamic and passionate creativity while proficiently ... Work closely with the Senior Designer/Design Director on the development and execution of product ...

New

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Associate Design Director information

See New York salary details

$33.4K

$112.4K

$189.3K

How much do associate design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design director in New York is $112,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $154,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Associate Design Director do?

An Associate Design Director helps lead the creative direction and execution of design projects, often working under the guidance of a Design Director. They manage design teams, oversee project timelines, and ensure that creative work aligns with client goals and brand standards. Their responsibilities may include mentoring junior designers, collaborating with other departments, and presenting concepts to clients. The role requires strong leadership, creative vision, and the ability to balance multiple projects efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Design Director?

To thrive as an Associate Design Director, you need a strong background in visual design, creative direction, and team leadership, usually supported by a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and experience with project management systems are typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams and manage client relationships effectively. These skills ensure the successful delivery of innovative design solutions that meet client objectives and drive business results.

How does an Associate Design Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

An Associate Design Director often serves as a bridge between the design team and other departments such as product management, engineering, and marketing. They facilitate clear communication to ensure that design concepts align with business goals and technical constraints. Regularly attending cross-functional meetings, providing feedback, and aligning design strategies with overall project objectives are key aspects of the role. This collaborative approach helps deliver cohesive and user-centered products while fostering a supportive and innovative team environment.

What level is an associate design director?

An associate design director is typically an entry- to mid-level leadership role within a design team, often reporting to a senior or creative director. They usually have several years of experience in design and may oversee specific projects or teams, contributing to strategic planning and creative execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Director jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Design Director jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Associate Design Director jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Associate Design Director job openings:

Associate Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Director job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,387 per year, or $54 per hour.

Sr. Designer, Dresses - NYC

Steve Madden

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Steve Madden rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Summary
The Sr. Dress Designer is responsible for leading design in assigned categories, translating creative direction into innovative, trend-right, and commercially viable products through in-depth market research, concept development, and advanced sketching. This position supports the Wholesale Apparel business.
The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work closely with VP of Design and Associate Design Director to bring the collection from concept to reality, including but not limited to conceptual presentations, sketch review, design research, fabric & trim development, spec and fit processes
  • Contribute to seasonal concept research as well as competitive market research. Needs to be on the pulse for identifying trends and key items for a quick turnaround
  • Sketch into design concepts synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales
  • Drive and oversee your own groups independently, ensuring details are communicated clearly and effectively to cross-functional partners and all deadlines are met
  • Develop strong partnerships with cross-functional team members in Design, Production, Tech Design, and Print. Communication is key!
  • Work independently with technical design team to ensure proper fit and proportions are met and follow-up with oversea factories on trim approvals
  • Clearly communicate silhouettes and detailed garment construction through sketches, garment drapes, and reference material, with feedback and updates as needed
  • Participate in all development and production fittings. Confident in leading fittings when needed
  • Create and update all TP's from development through to production
  • Help with seasonal line sheet creation
  • Follow-through and problem-solving development issues by style
  • Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric information, colorways, and development notes
  • Pro-actively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to make sure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages
  • Excellent follow-up on development styles and any special projects requested
  • Manage calendar and time in order to meet all milestone deadlines
  • Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Specific Job Skills:
Essential duties include
  • Knowledge identifying trends and key items for a quick turnaround
  • Sketch into design concepts synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales
  • Participate in all development and production fittings
  • Confident in leading fittings when needed
  • Follow-through and problem-solving of development issues by style
  • Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric information, colorways, and development notes
  • Pro-actively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to make sure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages
  • Create and update all TP's from development through to production
  • Manage calendar and time in order to meet all milestone deadlines

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 4-year design school and 7+ years working experience in fashion industry focusing on dresses required
  • Proficiency in fashion illustration/CAD work on Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite is required
  • PML knowledge is a plus
  • The position requires an excellent taste level, strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, adaptability to a fast-paced environment, and the flexibility to work autonomously and in collaboration with members of the design, tech design, production team, fabric and product development teams.
  • The ideal candidate is highly creative and hardworking, knowledgeable of fabrics, trims, garment sewing, and construction.
  • Candidates should be able to conduct their own fittings independently and be fluent in construction when discussing with pattern makers.
  • Must possess a brand appropriate design aesthetic
  • Depth knowledge in dress construction and design (daytime and occasion dresses)
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills as well as organizational skills and time management
  • Knowledge of denim and prom dresses is a plus

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $110,000-$120,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.

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