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Design Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Nike

Director, Kobe CMG Design

Beaverton, OR · On-site

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH As a Director in Kobe Expression (Color, Graphics, Materials Design) you will collaborate and mentor within the design community (concept designers, industrial designers ...

Hiive

Director of Product Design

Vancouver, WA · On-site +1

$162K - $199K/yr

We are seeking a Director of Product Design to own the user experience and interface design of the platform by recruiting and leading a team of in-house product designers. In this role, you will play ...

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Design Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$39.2K

$144K

$257.7K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director 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.

How do you become a design director?

To become a design director, individuals typically need several years of experience in design roles, a strong portfolio demonstrating leadership and innovative work, and skills in project management and team collaboration. Many also pursue advanced education such as a bachelor's or master's degree in design, visual arts, or related fields, and develop expertise in design tools and industry standards.

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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Design jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Director jobs in Portland, OR? For Design Director jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Design Director jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Design Director job openings:
Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,977 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Director, Accessories Design, Licensing

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 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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