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

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Design Director Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$39.2K

$144K

$257.7K

How much do design director designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director designer in Portland, OR is $143,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,100.00 and $172,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Design Director Designer jobs in Portland, OR? For Design Director Designer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Director Designer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Design Director Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Design Director Designer jobs near you

Director, Accessories Design, Licensing

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Nike rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
As the Director of Accessories Design, Licensing, you will be part of the design leadership team reporting to our Accessories Senior Design Director. You and your peers are shaping the new chapter of Nike Accessories, serving the Athlete and consumer with industry leading product solutions, aspirational design and strong brand storytelling. Accessories Design is connected to all Sports of Nike Inc. You will be connecting with external license partners, seeking out new partnerships and building strong internal networks across all sports teams while driving product solutions, cultural relevance and brand right consistency with external license partners of the brand.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a visionary and collaborative Design Director to lead the Licensee Team within Nike Accessories. This individual will be responsible for building a Design Toolkit for internal Sports Design teams and Licensee partners, ensuring alignment with Nike's design ethos, brand standards, and cultural relevance. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of brand, concept and product design, and the ability to inspire and influence across diverse creative and business teams. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit to find and suggest new opportunities and partners, alongside a strong point of view, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to elevate design excellence through partnership.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
  • 10+ years of experience in brand design and concept design, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of brand systems, cultural storytelling, and consumer-led design.
  • Deep knowledge of street fashion, art, culture, and sports as design drivers.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to influence across functions and cultures.
  • Experience managing external partners and navigating complex approval processes.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design tools; strong visual and technical design skills.
  • A portfolio that demonstrates creative excellence, strategic thinking, and leadership impact.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
  • Lead the design direction and seasonal design strategy for Nike Accessories licensee partners across multiple global markets.
  • Build seasonal narratives, worlds and end-in mind ideas to host the product stories for our consumer.
  • Develop and deliver a Design Toolkit that empowers internal Sports Design teams and external licensee partners to create work that reflects Nike's brand DNA.
  • Translate Nike's brand and concept design language into compelling collections that integrate street fashion, art, culture, and sports.
  • Partner closely with internal category design, merchandising, and brand teams to ensure consistency and authenticity across all licensee work.
  • Review and approve seasonal design proposals from licensee partners, providing actionable feedback and creative guidance.
  • Drive innovation by identifying new materials, silhouettes, and design solutions that elevate the licensee portfolio.
  • Proactively identify new opportunities and partnerships that expand Nike's reach and influence in the accessories space.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing team of designers and cross-functional collaborators.

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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