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Associate Design Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K/yr

... associates for their assigned account(s). Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of design ... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$87K/yr

... associates for their assigned account(s). Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of design ... and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide ...

DOWL

CAD Drafter 5

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$23.25 - $31/hr

... direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project ... Associate's Degree preferred * Years of experience required: 10 years * Years of experience ...

DOWL

CAD Drafter 5

Lake Oswego, OR

$23.25 - $31/hr

... direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project ... Associate's Degree preferred * Years of experience required: 10 years * Years of experience ...

DOWL

CAD Drafter 5

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

... direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project ... Associate's Degree preferred * Years of experience required: 10 years * Years of experience ...

DOWL

CAD Drafter 5

Portland, OR

$23.75 - $32/hr

... direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project ... Associate's Degree preferred * Years of experience required: 10 years * Years of experience ...

DOWL HKM

CAD Drafter 5

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

... direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project ... Associate's Degree preferred * Years of experience required: 10 years * Years of experience ...

New

DOWL HKM

CAD Drafter 5

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.75 - $32/hr

... direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project ... Associate's Degree preferred * Years of experience required: 10 years * Years of experience ...

New

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All JobsAssociate Design JobsAssociate Design Director JobsAssociate Design Director Jobs in Portland, OR

Associate Design Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$32.3K

$108.9K

$183.5K

How much do associate design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design director in Portland, OR is $108,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $149,500.00 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 cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Design Director jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Design Director job openings:

Associate Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Director job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,943 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Footwear Design Director, Nike Basketball Signature Athlete

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
As our Footwear Design Director for Nike Basketball Signature Athlete, you will direct the creation of industry-leading footwear bringing bold concepts to life. You will solve complex design challenges and create iconic products that inspire through both function and form.
Inspired by the signature athlete, you will help define a new visual language for Nike Basketball-one that expresses sport through style, performance, and modern design. This role requires both creative ambition and strategic focus, partnering across a global brand to build scalable design systems and advance creative innovation.
The ideal candidate is a visionary designer with exceptional taste, a refined aesthetic point of view, and an unwavering commitment to craft. They bring a sharp eye for detail, proportion, materiality, and execution, consistently delivering elevated design solutions. Through strong creative leadership, they will develop compelling products that resonate emotionally with consumers both on and off the court.
With a deep understanding of cultural relevance, consumer insights, and emerging trends, this individual will continually challenge industry conventions and set a high standard for creativity, desirability, and aesthetic excellence.
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
  • 10+ years working in Design or related field
  • Exceptional knowledge of design, art, and fashion, as well as passion for sport and youth culture
  • Expert knowledge of form, color, materials, human factors, related to elevating the consumer experience
  • Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into product solutions and narratives
  • Experience in technical footwear design - basketball design is a plus
  • Strong Photoshop, Illustrator skills
  • Must be able to build accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs)
  • Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus
  • 3D design programs experience is a plus
  • Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills
  • Expert knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
  • Must be able to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project
  • Experienced with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
  • Positive personality and energy
  • Ability and passion to lead, coach, collaborate, and onboard Design teammates
  • Contribute and align to shared team culture and behaviors
  • Catalyst to make connections with other Design groups
  • Lead + drive partnerships beyond the Design function (Marketing, Engineering, Development, etc.)
  • Collaborator with a skill in connecting the dots
  • Speaks up with courage for self and the team
  • Open minded, good listener, receptive to candid feedback and diverse points of view
  • Being a hooper is not a requirement but being passionate and curious to learn about basketball and the athlete* is.

*If you have a body, you are an athlete
**TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE SUBMIT A FOOTWEAR DESIGN FOCUSED PORTFOLIO (PDF OR URL ON RESUME WITH PASSWORD PROVIDED IF APPLICABLE)
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
You will collaborate and mentor within the design community (concept designers, industrial designers, materials, color, graphics, computational, etc.), and work hand in hand with a large project team of different professionals (product managers, developers, researchers, marketing, costing, etc.). This role reports directly the Sr Creative Director, Kobe Brand + Nike Basketball. You will also manage a Lead Footwear Designer.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
In Nike Basketball, you will work on designs that push the possibilities of the human potential through footwear (and beyond). We expect you to explore new opportunities, take risks, and change the game! In your day to day, you will engage with project teammates on researching, gaining insights, problem solving around performance and manufacturing, working with athletes, and crafting a vast range of creative and appealing solutions, that are also sustainable and considerate of cost. With each project, you are encouraged to also participate and present the work in informal and formal reviews. In addition to individual project work, the Footwear Design Director will also collaborate and help build the design direction with the Senior Creative Director. As a top-tier designer with deep knowledge and experience in footwear, you will be seen as a team leader and mentor for other designers
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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