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Design Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Director of Operations

Webster, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Director of Operations MSM is a woman-owned, experiential agency bringing brands to life through strategy, award-winning experience design, and flawless execution for trade shows, events ...

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Design Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36.5K

$134K

$239.8K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in Rochester, NY is $133,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,000.00 and $160,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Design jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Director jobs in Rochester, NY? For Design Director jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Design Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Design Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,953 per year, or $64.4 per hour.
Director of Retail Operations

Director of Retail Operations

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY • On-site

$87K - $104K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Serves as a member of the department's leadership team with oversight of personnel, budget, and customer service
  • Oversees management staff and communicates expectations for unit-level performance, training and development, and compliance with relevant policies, procedures and regulations
  • Establishes convenience store standards for merchandising, product sales mix, pricing, and inventory maintenance
  • Serves as a member of the construction and design team, contributing to the planning and placement of new dining units as well as remodeling projects
  • Liaisons with the vending contractor and makes necessary adjustments to product mix, cost, and machine placement as needed to optimize profit return to the university
  • Prepares annual budgets for operations including staffing, price modifications, and capital expenditures
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Knowledge of dining operations, equipment, and procedures
  • Knowledge of inventory management and merchandising standards
  • Skill in delivering exceptional customer service
  • Skill in time management, organization, and multi-tasking in high volume environments
  • Ability to plan and delegate work assignments, set expectations and monitor work activities, and promote an atmosphere of teamwork

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 12 years of relevant experience
  • 5 years of supervisory experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Management and People Leadership Level 3 - Heads a department, multiple smaller functions with a department, or a specialized function with institution-wide span. Integrates strategic thinking to drive cross functional initiatives to optimize efficiency, performance, and innovation.


Additional Job Details

Position Summary:
The Director of Retail Operations at the university is responsible for strategic leadership and management of various campus retail enterprises, including Campus Store, Fan Shop, Shop One, and HUB Express. The role involves setting strategic direction, overseeing financial performance, and managing retail staff while aligning strategies with university-wide initiatives. The Director ensures a seamless retail experience across physical spaces and digital platforms, prioritizing operational excellence and customer engagement with the university's brand.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Leadership:Provide executive leadership, develop and implement retail strategies, and align initiatives with campus priorities.
  • Retail Experience Design:Lead end-to-end retail experience design, set service standards, and collaborate to enhance customer experience.
  • Operational Management:Oversee retail units' operations, establish standards, support managers, collaborate on events, and manage vendor relationships.
  • Digital Commerce Oversight:Strategically manage e-commerce platforms, advance omni-channel strategies, and guide technology use.
  • Financial Management:Oversee financial planning, revenue, expenses, and vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with policies.
  • Campus Collaboration:Engage with multiple stakeholders to fulfill institutional retail needs and projects.
  • Staff Leadership:Supervise and develop retail managers, supporting student learning and promoting inclusive culture.
Qualifications:
  • Preferred:Experience in higher education, branded merchandise, consignment, and understanding student development principles.
Core Competencies:
  • Innovative retail experience, strategic and analytical thinking, inclusive leadership, effective campus collaboration, and financial acumen, innovation.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$87,000 - $104,000

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tohr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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