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Design Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3M

Design Director

Maplewood, MN · Hybrid

3M is seeking a Brand Design Principal to lead brand design strategy and governance for one of their iconic brands. This pivotal role focuses on creating emotional connections through brand design ...

3M

Design Director

Maplewood, MN · Hybrid

3M is seeking a Brand Design Principal to lead brand design strategy and governance for one of their iconic brands. This pivotal role focuses on creating emotional connections through brand design ...

3M

Lead Design Director

Maplewood, MN · Hybrid

3M is seeking a Brand Design Principal to lead brand design strategy and governance for one of their iconic brands. This pivotal role focuses on creating emotional connections through brand design ...

3M

Lead Design Director

Maplewood, MN · Hybrid

3M is seeking a Brand Design Principal to lead brand design strategy and governance for one of their iconic brands. This pivotal role focuses on creating emotional connections through brand design ...

BI Worldwide

Analytics Design Director

Edina, MN · Hybrid

$125K - $140K/yr

Our Decision Sciences team is seeking a talented Analytics Design Director to join their team; this is an individual contributor role. This role will be an Analytics subject matter expert who uses ...

BI Worldwide

Analytics Design Director

Edina, MN · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Our Decision Sciences team is seeking a talented Analytics Design Director to join their team; this is an individual contributor role. This role will be an Analytics subject matter expert who uses ...

CourtAvenue

Design Director, Platform UI

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$161K - $198K/yr

At CourtAvenue, the Design Director, Platform UI leads the visual interface layer of our most complex platform engagements, building and evolving the components, design systems, and pixel-level ...

CourtAvenue

Design Director, Platform UI

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$161K - $198K/yr

At CourtAvenue, the Design Director, Platform UI leads the visual interface layer of our most complex platform engagements, building and evolving the components, design systems, and pixel-level ...

6AM City

Healthcare Interior Design Lead

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

6AM City, LLC seeks a Healthcare Interior Designer (Level III) to lead design for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare spaces. You will create patient-centered environments that promote healing ...

6AM City

Healthcare Interior Design Lead

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

6AM City, LLC seeks a Healthcare Interior Designer (Level III) to lead design for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare spaces. You will create patient-centered environments that promote healing ...

Walker Art Center

Multimedia Producer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Collaborate with the Design Director and colleagues across the museum to conceive and produce compelling moving-image work that advances the museum's exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives ...

HNTB Corporation

Design Group Director

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$189K - $302K/yr

We are seeking a dynamic, engaging leader to join our team as a Design Group Director over our structures, roadway, and transit teams. This role will report directly to the Office Leader and is an ...

HNTB

Design Group Director

Minneapolis, MN

$189K - $302K/yr

We are seeking a dynamic, engaging leader to join our team as a Design Group Director over our structures, roadway, and transit teams. This role will report directly to the Office Leader and is an ...

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Design Director information

See Minnesota salary details

$36.2K

$133K

$238K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in Minnesota is $132,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,200.00 and $159,600.00 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Design Director jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Design Director job openings:

Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,968 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Design Director

Maplewood, MN • Hybrid

3M
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 248 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers

Good employer

Recommended by students

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Learn more about 3Mexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

3M is seeking a Brand Design Principal to lead brand design strategy and governance for one of their iconic brands. This pivotal role focuses on creating emotional connections through brand design, ensuring consistency across various touchpoints such as packaging and digital experiences. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in brand design leadership and budget management, mentoring design teams and translating consumer insights into actionable strategies. Located at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN, this role requires on-site work at least four days a week. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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