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Director Of Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a Director of Design to lead a core part of our product design organization and drive both vision and execution for how creative professionals collaborate at a pivotal moment.

We're looking for a Director of Design to lead a core part of our product design organization and drive both vision and execution for how creative professionals collaborate at a pivotal moment.

We're looking for a Director of Design to lead a core part of our product design organization and drive both vision and execution for how creative professionals collaborate at a pivotal moment.

This is your opportunity to work with a team of dedicated, creative, and fun architects and designers on award-winning projects. The Design Director is a visionary leader with a strong ability to ...

About the Role As Head of Design, you will own the design vision, craft, and execution across the ... You will set the quality bar, rebuild the foundation our product is built on, and be a direct ...

Design Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

This is your opportunity to work with a team of dedicated, creative, and fun architects and designers on award-winning projects. The Design Director is a visionary leader with a strong ability to ...

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Director Of Design information

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$37K

$135.8K

$243K

How much do director of design jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of design in the United States is $135,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Design Director Do?

A design director oversees the creative visual team for a marketing firm, advertising firm, or PR agency that produces visual material, such as posters, brochures, manuals, or books. Sometimes the term is also used to describe directors at fashion houses, apparel companies, or interior design firms who oversee clothing or interior design. In communications companies, your duties and responsibilities as the design director are to collaborate with your clients and other marketing and ad workers to determine the type of graphic art; you then execute design projects. The same applies to fashion and interior design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Design, you need deep expertise in visual design, user experience (UX) principles, leadership, and a portfolio demonstrating successful project outcomes, often supported by a degree in design or related fields. Mastery of industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management platforms, along with familiarity with design systems, is typically required. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and mentor creative teams are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure cohesive design vision, effective team performance, and the delivery of innovative, business-aligned solutions.

How does a Director of Design typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals?

A Director of Design works closely with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and executive leadership to ensure design vision aligns with overall business objectives. This role often leads design reviews, provides strategic feedback, and facilitates communication between departments to streamline workflows and resolve challenges. Directors of Design champion user-centric solutions while balancing technical feasibility and business requirements, fostering an environment where creative and technical teams can collaborate effectively. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills are essential for building consensus and driving high-quality project outcomes.

What does a Director of Design do?

A Director of Design leads the creative vision and strategy for a company's design initiatives, overseeing teams that may include graphic, product, UX, and UI designers. They collaborate with other departments to ensure cohesive and effective visual communication and user experience across products or services. Their responsibilities often include managing design projects, mentoring design staff, setting design standards, and aligning design goals with overall business objectives. Directors of Design play a critical role in shaping brand identity and ensuring high-quality, innovative design solutions.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

For a Director of Design, salaries around $100,000 are common in mid- to senior-level roles across industries such as technology, advertising, and product development. Achieving this salary often requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. Compensation can vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is the difference between Director Of Design vs Product Designer?

AspectDirector Of DesignProduct Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees design teams, sets strategic vision, manages multiple projectsFocuses on designing specific products or features, user experience, and interface design
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, advanced design skills, team managementStrong UI/UX skills, prototyping, user research, visual design
Work EnvironmentLeadership in design departments, cross-functional collaborationHands-on design work, collaboration with developers and product managers
Common UsageUsed in larger organizations for senior design leadershipUsed across startups and companies for individual product design roles

The main difference between a Director Of Design and a Product Designer lies in scope and focus. The Director Of Design leads the overall design strategy and manages teams, while the Product Designer concentrates on creating specific product interfaces and user experiences. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Director Of Design emphasizes leadership and strategic planning.

What cities are hiring for Director Of Design jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Design jobs? The most popular types of Of Design jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Director Of Design jobs? The top employers for Director Of Design jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Of Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 28% Full Time, 68% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $135,763 per year, or $65.3 per hour.
Director of Design and Project Management

Director of Design and Project Management

Merrill Gardens

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Merrill Gardens rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 228 rated social care providers


Job description

Director of Design & Project Management

Are you passionate about creating thoughtful, high-quality spaces that elevate resident experience? Do you enjoy leading complex renovation projects from concept to completion while balancing design, budget, and operations? If so, Merrill Gardens invites you to apply for our Director of Design & Project Management role.

Family means everything to us. We are a fifth-generation family business that values community, connection, and long-term commitment to our team members. For over 30 years, we’ve built an environment where employees and residents thrive together. Join our family and apply today!

We offer:
  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, FSA, life insurance)

  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 remote)

  • Generous PTO (holidays, vacation, personal days)

  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting

  • Company-paid disability insurance

  • Additional perks including fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, tuition support, and transit benefits

  • A stable, growing company with advancement opportunities

What You’ll Do:

Design Leadership

  • Lead design direction for remodels, refurbishments, and interior upgrades across communities

  • Partner with external designers and make independent design decisions aligned with brand standards

  • Develop and maintain design guidelines and finish standards

Project Management

  • Oversee projects from concept through completion, including scope, budget, and timeline

  • Coordinate with Regional Maintenance and Operations to ensure smooth execution

  • Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants to deliver quality results

Capital Planning & Operations

  • Partner on annual and long-term CapEx planning

  • Identify cost efficiencies and scalable solutions across communities

  • Balance design vision with operational needs and minimal disruption

Brand & Stakeholder Leadership

  • Ensure design supports resident experience, safety, and accessibility

  • Serve as a trusted partner to leadership and translate technical concepts into clear plans

  • Influence decisions through collaboration and expertise

Acquisitions & Development Collaboration

  • Partner with Acquisitions, Finance, and Development teams to support the evaluation of new investment and development opportunities.

  • Participate in on-site due diligence, identifying physical risks, hidden CapEx exposure, and opportunities for operational or design-driven upside

  • Provide design and construction perspective during underwriting to ensure budgets, timelines, and project assumptions are realistic and aligned with Merrill Gardens standards and operating model.

  • Collaborate with Development team and third-party partners on early-stage programming, space planning, and finish level decisions

  • Support external partner conversations by articulating design vision, refurbishment strategies, and capital planning approach in a clear, credible manner.

  • Ensure alignment between pre-acquisition assumptions and post-close execution to drive accountability and performance.

What You Bring:
  • Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, construction management, or related field (advanced degree preferred)

  • 10+ years of experience in multi-site design, renovation, or project management

  • Experience in senior living, hospitality, multifamily, healthcare, or similar industries

  • Strong knowledge of construction, budgeting, CapEx, and vendor management

  • Proficiency in Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and/or Revit preferred

  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently

  • Ability to travel up to 30%

Physical Requirements:

Regular computer use, sitting, and occasional standing/walking, able to lift up to 20lbs., push/pull up to 20lbs. required. Reasonable accommodations available.

The pay range for this position will vary based on qualifications and experience. Hiring at the maximum is not typical to allow room for growth. Bonus Target of 15%.

Join Merrill Gardens and help shape spaces that enhance the lives of our residents while building a meaningful career.

Yes, You Can have a meaningful career!

Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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