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Design Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Northern Impact

Design Director

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

The Director of Design provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction in the programming and design of key projects. This role is responsible for setting and executing long-term design ...

Notary Loop

Design Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Notary Loop is searching for a Design Director to lead our dynamic Creative department. This full-time, on-site position presents a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape and enhance ...

Koto

Design Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

If Creative Directors own the idea, you own how it looks, feels, and works. You set the standard for design craft at Koto LA, leading teams and shaping exceptional brand work through equal parts ...

McAfee

Role Summary We are seeking a Design Director to lead the design vertical within Brand Creative Services. This is a player-coach role: you'll create standout brand work while setting direction ...

Menlo Ventures

Design Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$242 - $335/hr

About the role Chime is looking for a Product Design Director to lead our Growth Design organization and shape how millions of people discover, join, and engage with our products. Growth at Chime ...

McAfee GmbH

Design Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142 - $233/hr

Role Summary We are seeking a Design Director to lead the design vertical within Brand Creative Services. This is a player-coach role: you'll create standout brand work while setting direction ...

Chime Financial, Inc

Design Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the role We're hiring a Design Director to lead Product Design across our Spending, Savings, and Investing experiences. You'll shape how millions of members interact with their money every day ...

Aetwork

Design Director (Culver City)

Culver City, CA · On-site

Design Directors at Blitz champion conceptually and technically strong architecture, shaping studio culture in order produce exceptional design. This includes promotion of the Blitz Value (Tenacity ...

Koto

Design Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Department Design Role Design Director Locations Los Angeles Remote status Hybrid Yearly salary 165,000 - 175,000 Employment type Full-time

Lever Demo 2

Design Director

Bodega Bay, CA

Welcome to the Demo Job Listing for Lever! This is a fictional job created solely for demonstration purposes and is not an actual open position . We've crafted this listing to showcase the ...

Nutanix

Visual Design Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$243K - $486K/yr

As the Visual Design Director, you will hold a high-impact leadership role within the User Experience Design organization. Your mission is to elevate our brand within the product experience, leading ...

Ford Motor Company

Digital Design Director

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$167K - $316K/yr

Digital Product Design (DPD) at Ford is committed to envisioning and creating simple, thoughtful, enjoyable, and compelling product experiences that our customers need and love. We work in close ...

Ford Motor Company

Digital Design Director

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$178K - $218K/yr

Digital Product Design (DPD) at Ford is committed to envisioning and creating simple, thoughtful, enjoyable, and compelling product experiences that our customers need and love. We work in close ...

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Design Director information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$134K

$239.8K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in California is $133,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director do?

A Design Director leads and oversees the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization. They manage design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that all visual outputs align with the company's brand and objectives. Design Directors are responsible for setting design standards, mentoring team members, and ensuring the quality and consistency of creative work across various platforms. Their role often includes strategic planning, project management, and communication with clients or upper management.

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

To thrive as a Design Director, you need deep expertise in design principles, visual communication, and leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field and significant industry experience. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools is essential, along with experience in overseeing brand and creative strategy. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team leadership skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for delivering cohesive design solutions, inspiring creative teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

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

As a Design Director, you will regularly work with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and user needs. This role often involves leading design reviews, facilitating brainstorming sessions, and providing clear feedback to your team. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for design principles are essential, as you'll need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Being proactive in building relationships across departments helps streamline workflows and fosters a collaborative environment that leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Design Director vs Art Director?

AspectDesign DirectorArt Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall design strategy, manages multiple projects, and leads design teamsFocuses on visual style, aesthetics, and execution of specific projects or campaigns
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, broad design expertiseVisual creativity, technical skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, agency, or large studio settingsOften in advertising, media, or entertainment industries
Common UsageUsed when referring to senior design leadership rolesUsed for roles focused on visual and artistic direction

The main difference between a Design Director and an Art Director lies in scope and focus. A Design Director oversees overall design strategy and manages teams across multiple projects, while an Art Director concentrates on the visual style and execution of specific projects. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Design Director's responsibilities are broader and more strategic.

Is it hard to become a design director?

Becoming a design director typically requires extensive experience in design, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of managing projects and teams. Many professionals advance to this role after years of working in design roles such as senior designer or art director, often developing expertise in design tools and strategic thinking. The path can be competitive and may involve gaining relevant certifications or advanced education in design or management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Director jobs in California?

For Design Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Director job openings:

Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,985 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Design Director

Northern Impact

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
Award-Winning 50-person distinguished architectural practice is actively seeking a Design Director to join their growing Newport Beach, Solana Beach, or Ontario studio. The firm possesses expertise in programming, planning, design, and management services, primarily catering to Educational Facilities for over three decades. With offices located in Orange County, San Diego, and East Bay, this firm boasts a wealth of professional knowledge, talent, and personalized commitment to their clients. The studios embrace hybrid work arrangements and prioritize the professional development and growth of their designers, architects, and managers.
Position Description:
The Director of Design provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction in the programming and design of key projects. This role is responsible for setting and executing long-term design guidelines to ensure projects meet both contract requirements and the firm's standards of excellence. The Director represents the firm's design philosophy in public settings and plays an active role in business development.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee project budgets and uphold design quality throughout the design phase of all projects.
  • Contribute to firm-wide strategic goal setting.
  • Partner with the Design Principal to develop design policies and best practices.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Manager to maintain strong interdepartmental processes and standards.
  • Support the Marketing Manager and Proposal Team in preparing proposals and designating project teams.
  • Participate in client interview presentations.
  • Lead Design Advisory Board meetings and related activities.
  • Represent the firm at industry conferences such as CASH, CCFC, and AIA.
  • Present to school districts, Boards of Education, and the broader community.
  • Conduct periodic reviews of all projects to ensure alignment with the firm's philosophy and quality benchmarks.
  • Foster a positive studio culture through close staff engagement, supporting morale and productivity.
  • Assume a lead design role for selected projects as needed.
  • Provide design support across the firm's portfolio as required.
  • Travel to all offices as necessary.

Skills & Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
  • At least 5 years of experience in design, including hands-on project leadership.
  • Proven experience with the design of K-14 school facilities.
  • Proficiency in a range of graphic communication methods.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • California architectural license strongly preferred.

This position offers excellent opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, collaborative environment focused on design excellence and innovation
Please Note: Delays may be experienced if uploading portfolio pdf. Do not exit out of page during upload. We look forward to receiving your application!

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