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Design Director Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Olberding Brand Family

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Design Director Founded in 1919 as Phototype and recently rebranded as the Olberding Brand Family ... Looked to for expertise from fellow designers * Master storyteller * Expected to lead design WIP ...

OLBERDING

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Design Director Location: Chicago, IL Job ID: 755 # of Openings: 1 Job Overview Founded in 1919 as ... Looked to for expertise from fellow designers * Master storyteller * Expected to lead design WIP ...

Olberding Brand Family

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Design Director Founded in 1919 as Phototype and recently rebranded as the Olberding Brand Family ... Looked to for expertise from fellow designers * Master storyteller * Expected to lead design WIP ...

Olberding Brand Family

Design Director

Chicago, IL

$85K - $115K/yr

Design Director Founded in 1919 as Phototype and recently rebranded as the Olberding Brand Family ... Looked to for expertise from fellow designers * Master storyteller * Expected to lead design WIP ...

Engaging Talent LLC

Design Director

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

Think of the old personal approach to business with talented designers and a great sales team. This role needs to be able to Lead Creative and be hands-on. Design, Direct and develop trust with ...

Marks, an sgsco company

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Design Director, you are both a creative leader and a practicing designer. You lead by example: guiding teams, shaping ideas, and elevating creative quality while remaining deeply ...

Makemarks

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106 - $116/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Design Director, you are both a creative leader and a practicing designer. You ... Mentor Designers and Senior Designers through thoughtful feedback, creative direction, and day-to ...

SGS & Co

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106 - $116/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Design Director, you are both a creative leader and a practicing designer. You ... Mentor Designers and Senior Designers through thoughtful feedback, creative direction, and day-to ...

Schawk USA LLC

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mentor Designers and Senior Designers through thoughtful feedback, creative direction, and day-to-day coaching. * Create an environment where curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning ...

sgsco

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Design Director, you are both a creative leader and a practicing designer. You lead by example: guiding teams, shaping ideas, and elevating creative quality while remaining deeply ...

sgsco

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Design Director, you are both a creative leader and a practicing designer. You lead by example: guiding teams, shaping ideas, and elevating creative quality while remaining deeply ...

Freeman Company

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125 - $140/hr

Sparks is a global brand experience agency that designs and produces trade show exhibits, corporate ... Summary The Design Director defines and leads the creative vision for experiential environments ...

Freeman

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

About Us Sparks is a global brand experience agency that designs and produces trade show exhibits ... Summary The Design Director defines and leads the creative vision for experiential environments ...

blueStone

Experience Design Director

Chicago, IL

We are seeking an engaging, design-tested leader to become our Experience Design Director. You'll ... In-depth knowledge of designing both mobile and web-based applications * A passion for (and ...

blueStone

Experience Design Director

Chicago, IL

We are seeking an engaging, design-tested leader to become our Experience Design Director. You'll ... In-depth knowledge of designing both mobile and web-based applications * A passion for (and ...

Eidra

Product Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

... for a Product Design Director to help build a team and lead from the ground up. You'll shape ... A designer who leads and a leader who designs. You have strong craft instincts and you use them.

CourtAvenue

Design Director, Platform UI

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

At CourtAvenue, the Design Director, Platform UI leads the visual interface layer of our most ... Not a brand or campaign designer. You will partner closely with our Experience Strategy team, who ...

CourtAvenue

Design Director, Platform UI

Chicago, IL

$159K - $196K/yr

At CourtAvenue, the Design Director, Platform UI leads the visual interface layer of our most ... Not a brand or campaign designer. You will partner closely with our Experience Strategy team, who ...

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All JobsDesign Designer JobsDesign Director Designer JobsDesign Director Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Director Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.1K

$139.9K

$250.3K

How much do design director designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director designer in Chicago, IL is $139,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,800.00 and $167,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director do?

A Design Director oversees the creative vision and direction for design projects within an organization. They lead design teams, set project goals, and ensure that all visual and creative work aligns with the company's brand and objectives. Design Directors collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and other departments to deliver high-quality design solutions. They are responsible for mentoring junior designers, managing timelines and budgets, and staying up-to-date with design trends to maintain a competitive edge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design director?

To thrive as a Design Director Designer, you need advanced design skills, leadership experience, and a strong portfolio, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and proficiency in project management tools are commonly required. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team leadership abilities help set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for driving innovative design solutions, guiding teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

How does a design director collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Design Director, you will frequently work alongside product managers, engineers, marketing professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure the design vision aligns with business goals and user needs. Effective collaboration involves leading design reviews, providing clear feedback, and facilitating open communication across teams. You’ll often translate complex requirements into actionable design strategies while advocating for user-centered solutions. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also ensures cohesive and impactful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Design Director Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign Director DesignerGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, art, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field; portfolio required
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, oversees projects, strategic planningCreates visual content, works on specific design projects
Industry UsageUsed in agencies, corporate branding, large design firmsCommon in advertising, publishing, freelance work

The main difference is that a Design Director Designer oversees entire creative teams and projects, focusing on strategy and leadership, while a Graphic Designer primarily creates visual content for specific projects. The Design Director Designer role involves higher-level responsibilities and management, whereas the Graphic Designer focuses on executing design tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Design Director Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Design Director Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Director Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Director Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Director Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Director Designer job openings:

Design Director Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,856 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Design Director

Olberding Brand Family

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Design Director
Founded in 1919 as Phototype and recently rebranded as the Olberding Brand Family, we are a family company focused on delivering the highest quality and client service in the graphics design, management and printing industry. We Design, Optimize and Protect Brands. Our clients are primarily consumer products companies and printers and we help them by delivering a broad range of services from brand strategy and packaging design, to adaptive design across various print and digital platforms, all the way to color management and the production of printing plates. With our world headquarters located in Cincinnati, we have over 450 employees throughout the United States and offices in Europe and Asia.
The Design Director will work with our cross-functional internal team to support our client in helping to market the brands they produce and consumers have come to love. Design Directors design within an established brand identity for some of America’s favorite CPG brands, specifically for their packaging and digital presence.
Leading multiple brands from a design standpoint, expected to be excellent presenters and storytellers of the work and client facing, expected to lead a design team on projects, actively working on projects, displays mastery of the craft to share with other designers and clients, expected to adhere to the overall creative direction and standards set by the CDs. You will/may be expected to have direct reports.
Duties and Responsibilities Include:
  • Support the organization of all files and assets created
  • Takes on the most complex tasks and conceptual work
  • Skilled wielder of design craft
  • Empowered to, and expectation of decision making autonomy
  • Looked to for expertise from fellow designers
  • Master storyteller
  • Expected to lead design WIP and work sessions to drive conceptual development
  • Leads multiple brands day-to-day
  • Manages multiple concurrent projects
  • Maintain and build client relationships and present work to them
  • Help forge and stabilize new client relationships
  • Collaborate seamlessly with Brand Leader partners
  • Manage and guide teammates in their career/craft development
  • Participate in crafting cross-disciplinary workflows
  • Take on new assignments and the most complex work
Management of our employees is extremely important to us since without our employees we wouldn’t be here! It’s expected of people managers that they take the time to listen, support and guide our employees through their career adventure with OBF. Below are our key manager expectations:
  • Inspire and produce great work across virtual environments from all team members
  • Develop team goals, prioritize and delegate work effectively across team
  • Build a team that exhibits trust and positively collaborates cross-functionally
  • Review employee strengths and gaps in order to develop them for our current and future business needs
  • Understand and ensure employees adhere to our company policies, procedures and compliance
Qualifications Include:
  • Ability to create, collaborate, design and direct within the packaging and digital workspace
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Strong knowledge of consumer products packaging, creative design, and production artwork
  • Ability to articulate rationale behind design choices
  • Ability to diplomatically give and receive feedback on their work and work of fellow designers
  • 12+ years’ experience
  • Amazing portfolio
  • Agency experience preferred
  • Expert level in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign)
  • Motion Graphics / Animation, photography, and/or illustration skills are a plus
Why Choose Olberding Brand Family?
When you join Olberding Brand Family, you’re not just taking a job; you’re becoming part of a legacy of excellence and innovation. We offer a supportive and dynamic work environment where your expertise in pre-media will be highly valued. We believe in supporting our employees' well-being and offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy
  • A 401k retirement plan with company contributions to help you plan for your future
  • Generous paid time off (PTO), personal time, and volunteer time off, in addition to 8 observed holidays
  • Parental leave to support growing families
  • Career development opportunities
The Olberding Brand Family is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes individuals of diverse talents and backgrounds.
For fastest consideration, please apply online to the Careers section of our website www.olberdingbrands.com. Only applications received through this process will be considered. No phone calls please.
Salary range for this role is $85k - $115k

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