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Designer Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will contribute to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help ...

Meta

Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$122K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate designer to help define, deliver, and maintain visual ... Work closely with Creative Directors and Design Leads across different locations and time zones

Meta

Designer

Menlo Park, CA

$122K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate designer to help define, deliver, and maintain visual ... Work closely with Creative Directors and Design Leads across different locations and time zones

Meta

Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate designer to help define, deliver, and maintain visual ... Work closely with Creative Directors and Design Leads across different locations and time zones

Everlane

Designer, Menswear

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

Report to and support the Director of Design in the creation of menswear product * Initiate designs beginning with thorough research and inspirational images * Work closely with other members of the ...

Everlane

Designer, Menswear

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$67K - $95K/yr

Report to and support the Director of Design in the creation of menswear product * Initiate designs beginning with thorough research and inspirational images * Work closely with other members of the ...

Meta

Designer

Burlingame, CA

$122K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate designer to help define, deliver, and maintain visual ... Work closely with Creative Directors and Design Leads across different locations and time zones

Aquent

Keynote Designer & Visual Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$66.97 - $74.41/hr

Are you a visionary creative designer passionate about crafting compelling narratives and visually ... Director-level and above audiences. * Receive high-level direction, providing innovative design ...

Side

Lead Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We're looking for a Design Lead or Design Director to drive design excellence across a range of ... Whether you're currently a Lead Designer ready for a broader challenge or an established Design ...

SixTwentySix

Treatment Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You'll collaborate closely with directors, creative leads, and producers to translate ideas into ... designing director's treatments and pitch decks for commercials and/or music videos * Strong ...

New

SIDE

Lead Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

We're looking for a Design Lead or Design Director to drive design excellence across a range of ... Whether you're currently a Lead Designer ready for a broader challenge or an established Design ...

Aquilon

Assistant Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Organize Concept boards based on Design Director's direction. * Assist in pass offs for development ... Designer: 1years (preferred) • Swimwear/Intimates Experience: 1 year (preferred)

Side

Lead Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We're looking for a Design Lead or Design Director to drive design excellence across a range of ... Whether you're currently a Lead Designer ready for a broader challenge or an established Design ...

Acara Solutions

Hardware Designer

Fremont, CA

$60.71/hr

Job Title: Hardware Designer Location: Fremont, CA Employment Type: Contract Industry ... We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive ...

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Designer Director information

What is a designer director?

A Designer Director is a senior creative professional responsible for leading and overseeing a team of designers within an organization. They set the creative vision, guide the conceptual development of projects, and ensure the quality and consistency of design outputs. Designer Directors often collaborate closely with other departments, such as marketing and product development, to align design strategies with business goals. They also mentor junior designers and play a key role in shaping the overall design culture of the company.

How does a designer director typically balance creative vision with client or stakeholder requirements?

As a Designer Director, balancing creative vision with client or stakeholder requirements is a core part of the role. This involves translating client objectives into compelling design concepts while ensuring that teams adhere to brand guidelines, project timelines, and budgets. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as is the ability to guide and inspire design teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet both business goals and creative standards. Regular collaboration with clients, project managers, and other departments helps maintain alignment and ensures the final deliverables exceed expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a designer director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Director, you need advanced expertise in visual design, creative leadership, and a solid portfolio demonstrating successful project outcomes, often supported by a relevant degree. Mastery of design software like Adobe Creative Suite, proficiency with prototyping tools such as Figma or Sketch, and experience with project management systems are typically required. Exceptional communication, team management, and strategic thinking skills help set standout Design Directors apart. These skills are crucial for leading creative teams, delivering innovative design solutions, and aligning visual outcomes with business goals.

What is the difference between Designer Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesigner DirectorGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, art, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree or certification in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, oversees projects, collaborates with clientsCreates visual content, works on design projects independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in advertising agencies, design firms, corporate brandingCommon in marketing, publishing, digital media

The main difference is that a Designer Director oversees creative teams and manages projects, while a Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual content. The Designer Director has more leadership responsibilities and typically requires more experience and credentials. Both roles are essential in the design industry but serve different functions within the creative process.

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

The most popular types of Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Designer Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Designer Director job openings:

Designer Director jobs near you

Communications Director

McKinley Children's Center

San Dimas, CA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

McKinley: Youth, Family, and Community are what we are all about! We offer a great working environment and benefits package! McKinley encourages growth so that you can Be your Best H.U.M.A.N.
At McKinley employees share a set of guiding principles: We embrace a culture that is Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. - H.U.M.A.N.
The Company: McKinley is a highly respected welfare organization with a comprehensive array of programs and services � which touch nearly 1,800 lives annually � including short term residential treatment program (STRTP), Foster Care, Adoptions, Mental Health Services, and Special Education. McKinley has 5 locations throughout southern California with our main campus located in San Dimas. We embrace a culture that is H.U.M.A.N.- Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. McKinley has created a Hopeful environment, in which we choose optimism in finding the motivation to achieve our greatest dreams. We are a team dedicated to Understanding individual needs and do so by listening and embracing each individual's stories. We strongly embrace our agency's Morals by treating everyone with kindness and respect. At McKinley, we acknowledge our team member's and clients� Awesome qualities by celebrating what makes each individual unique. We are dedicated to Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Integrated Care approach that has created a unique culture within the organization. We celebrate diversity by our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and affirming environment for all.
The Position: The Communications Director is a high-level strategic leader responsible for designing, directing, and executing McKinley's overarching communications, media relations, and public relations framework. This role, serving as the organization's chief storyteller and primary editor, elevates McKinley's public profile by securing impactful media placements, producing elite-tier written content, and protecting brand integrity across all regional and national touchpoints. The Director will leverage deep, established journalism networks to position McKinley as a premier thought leader in the sector and collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and community partners.
Compensation and Benefits:
The pay range we're offering is $80,000 - $95,000 annually depending (Based) on experience.
Our people are the heart of our organization, which is why we offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • Sick Time
  • Paid Holidays
  • 403(b) retirement plan with company match up to 3%
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Training Opportunities to Further Personal and Professional Growth

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field required; Master's degree preferred.
  • 6�8+ years of progressive professional experience in public relations, journalism, or media management, with a proven track record of leadership within a mission-driven nonprofit environment.
  • Exceptional, versatile writing portfolio across multiple genres (op-eds, thought leadership, press releases, investigative narratives, and donor impact stories) with impeccable editing and proofreading skills.
  • Deep, active, and verifiable relationships with local news outlets, Southern California regional media, and major national journalism networks.
  • Proven history of successfully building and executing aggressive PR campaigns, securing high-impact earned media placements, and handling sensitive crisis communications.
  • Deep familiarity with community-centered narrative practices, ensuring storytelling preserves the dignity, privacy, and agency of the populations served.
  • Experience managing, coaching, and elevating high-performing communications, marketing, or creative teams.
  • Proficient in Google Suite and project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com).
  • Strategic mastery of Content Management Systems (CMS), email marketing software, and advanced social media analytics tools.
  • Working familiarity with creative software suites (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or Canva to direct creative asset workflows.
  • Assume responsibility for assigned aspects of special events.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical exam, TB, and drug screening
  • Ability to lift at least 15 pounds for filing, boxes, and packages
  • Ability to sit for several hours performing clerical functions
  • DOJ, FBI, Child Abuse Index
  • Insurability under Corporate Automobile Insurance

Key Responsibilities:
  • PR & Media Relations
    • Architect and champion of comprehensive, public relations, and earned-media strategies to promote McKinley's mission, programs, and community achievements.
    • Cultivate, maintain, and activate robust relationships with local reporters, regional editors, and major national news outlets to secure ongoing coverage.
    • Act as the primary media contact and official spokesperson for the organization. Write and pitch compelling press releases, orchestrate press conferences, and pitch targeted stories to key journalists.
    • Design, maintain, and execute McKinley's crisis communication protocols to protect the organization's reputation during sensitive developments.
  • Copywriting, Editing, & Content Oversight
    • Serve as the chief writer and principal editor for all major external and high-level communications, including executive speeches, op-ed pieces, annual reports, key donor appeals, and high-stakes organizational statements.
    • Ensure all external communications align with a standard for grammar, tone, and strategic positioning, while strictly embedding community-centered, trauma-informed storytelling principles.
    • Establish and maintain organizational brand and message guidelines, reviewing and approving critical communication assets to guarantee impeccable quality control across all internal and external channels.
  • Digital Footprint, Event Marketing, & Data-Driven Insights
    • Oversee the evolution of McKinley's online ecosystem, ensuring the website, social platforms, and digital campaigns achieve high engagement and convert public interest into donor action.
    • Design and oversee targeted multi-channel digital marketing campaigns specifically engineered to boost registration numbers, ticket sales, and peer-to-peer fundraising metrics for major organizational events.
    • Analytical Auditing: Establish rigorous metrics to track communications campaigns, media placements, and PR value, and interpret data to adjust strategies in real time.
  • Leadership & Strategic Campaign Support
    • Design and implement a multi-year, integrated communications and marketing roadmap that aligns perfectly with McKinley's overarching strategic vision and development initiatives.
    • Partner closely with the SVP of Development & Communications, CEO, and Department Directors to advise on public messaging, brand positioning, and public affairs alignment.
    • Architect and lead the comprehensive PR and media outreach campaigns for McKinley's premier fundraising and community milestones, including the Miles that Matter 5k, the annual Golf Tournament, and our Fall Fundraiser.
    • Leverage established journalism and media networks to pitch, negotiate, and secure local and regional media sponsorships (TV, radio, print, and digital) to maximize event visibility, drive registrations, and elevate corporate partner profiles.
  • Fiscal & Resource Management
    • Formulate and manage the annual communications department budget, maximizing strategic ROI and identifying cost-effective vendors, tech stacks, and PR partnerships.
    • Execute other related executive duties as assigned.

Why Should You Apply?
  • Our Mission- work for an organization that makes a real difference in people's lives
  • Competitive pay
  • Several benefit options
  • Employee tuition reimbursement
  • Great training for staff

Join McKinley to Be Your Best H.U.M.A.N.

Apply