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Design Director Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Hiebing

Art Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$122K - $128K/yr

We're looking for a mid-level Art Director who loves developing big ideas and bringing them to life ... Develop creative concepts and design solutions across print, digital, social, video, and brand ...

Hiebing

Art Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

We're looking for a mid-level Art Director who loves developing big ideas and bringing them to life ... Develop creative concepts and design solutions across print, digital, social, video, and brand ...

Wisconsin

UW-Managed Program Director

Madison, WI · On-site

The UW-Managed Program Director directs, administers, and manages the UW-Managed program that delivers design and construction projects within the authority of the BOR, but outside of the governor ...

Zendesk

Director, Compensation

Madison, WI

$126K - $172K/yr

The Director will set the functional roadmap for global compensation advising, compensation ... Own compensation tools and systems, including configuration, workflow design, data integrity ...

New

Zendesk

Director, Compensation

Madison, WI

$126K - $172K/yr

The Director will set the functional roadmap for global compensation advising, compensation ... Own compensation tools and systems, including configuration, workflow design, data integrity ...

New

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsDesign JobsDesign Director JobsDesign Director Jobs in Madison, WI

Design Director information

See Madison, WI salary details

$37.3K

$136.8K

$244.9K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in Madison, WI is $136,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,300.00 and $164,200.00 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Director jobs in Madison, WI?

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

What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Design Director jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Design Director job openings:

Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $136,798 per year, or $65.8 per hour.

Art Director

Hiebing

Madison, WI • On-site

$122K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop creative concepts and design solutions across print, digital, social, video, and brand identity

  • Collaborate with writers, strategists, producers, and creative directors to turn ideas into work for various channels

  • Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining strong creative standards

Job description

Are you driven by curiosity? The kind that makes you ask “what if we tried this?”
Hiebing is a passionate, full-service agency fueled by curiosity and collaboration. Our teams in Madison and Austin work together to craft meaningful stories for brands we love and pro bono causes we believe in.
We believe in We Before Me, where the team has your back, and a Yes And mindset, where ideas get stronger when others build on them.
As a fully integrated agency, our creative teams partner closely with strategy, media, PR, social, and production to develop ideas that move brands forward in meaningful ways.
We’re looking for a mid-level Art Director who loves developing big ideas and bringing them to life visually. Someone who enjoys the full creative process—from concepting campaign ideas with teammates to crafting thoughtful design across multiple channels.
In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with writers, strategists, producers, and creative directors to turn ideas into work that shows up across brand campaigns, digital experiences, social storytelling, video, and traditional media.
Hiebing is an agency, which means the pace is dynamic and the work is varied. This role is best suited for someone who feels energized by momentum, enjoys juggling multiple creative challenges, and thrives in a collaborative environment where strong ideas are developed through shared thinking.
If you’re curious, collaborative, and excited to build great work with a team, you’ll feel right at home here.
What you'll do
  • Develop creative concepts and design solutions across print, digital, social, video, and brand identity
  • Partner closely with copywriters and creative teammates to build campaign ideas and executions
  • Bring ideas to life through thoughtful, high-quality design and visual storytelling
  • Collaborate with strategy, media, PR, and production teams to create integrated brand experiences
  • Adapt creative thinking to evolving digital and social platforms
  • Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining strong creative standards
  • Present work internally and contribute to the creative development process
  • Contribute to a collaborative, positive creative culture
  • Leverage AI-enabled creative tools to explore ideas, accelerate concept development, and support creative execution, while ensuring final work reflects Hiebing's standards for strategic thinking, creativity, and craft
  • Curiosity about emerging AI-enabled creative tools and a willingness to thoughtfully incorporate them into the creative process to improve efficiency and enhance the work 
What we're looking for
  • 3–6 years of experience in an agency or creative environment
  • A portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, strong design craft, and visual storytelling
  • Experience collaborating with copywriters, strategists, or cross-disciplinary teams to develop campaign ideas
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills
  • Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to build on others’ ideas
  • Comfort managing multiple projects in a fast-moving agency environment
  • Curiosity about AI-powered creative and production tools, and an interest in folding them into your everyday workflow
  • Ability to apply thoughtful creative judgment when using AI-enabled tools, ensuring work remains original, strategically sound, and aligned with client goals and brand standards

Portfolio required to apply.
Your portfolio should demonstrate conceptual thinking and the ability to translate ideas into compelling visual work across multiple channels. We’re especially interested in seeing work that reflects your role in developing the idea behind the work—not just the final execution.
Benefits include: Hybrid work flexibility, health + dental insurance, paid parental leave, matching 401(k) + profit sharing, a professional development fund and many more! This position is a hybrid position. 

Work Environment & Eligibility
Hybrid role based in Madison, WI (in-office Monday–Wednesday; remote Thursday–Friday). Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.


 

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