Brand & Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand & Marketing Designer

Company: Clair

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Brand & Marketing Design (GTM Operations Support)

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping Clair's visual identity and brand perception through compelling design across all customer touchpoints.

• You will be responsible for creating original illustrations, designing marketing collateral, and contributing to the visual elements within the product itself.

• This position requires a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking to support marketing campaigns, sales enablement, and partner communications.

• As the first dedicated Brand & Marketing Designer, you will establish and evolve the company's visual language in a fast-paced fintech startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Brand & Marketing Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by creating assets for sales, marketing, and product communications. This role is crucial for the visual narrative and effectiveness of Clair's outreach and user experience, thus aligning with GTM operational support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Clair's visual identity through original illustration sets for product onboarding, empty states, success messages, and milestone achievements.

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing and sales assets, including website pages (Framer), marketing emails (Braze), social media graphics, paid campaign assets, and event collateral.

• Create compelling sales, MBR (Monthly Business Review), and fundraising decks, collaborating closely with Design, Product, and Partnerships teams to ensure strong product and business positioning.

• Own the design and animation of in-product motion and micro-interactions for critical user flows, ensuring consistency with the design team's Figma Motion workflows.

• Grow and manage an illustration library, potentially tuning AI tools to maintain a consistent brand style and improve design efficiency.

• Design and update website pages built on Framer, ensuring visual appeal and user engagement.

• Produce production-ready files for both digital and print collateral, coordinating with external vendors or agencies when necessary.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, Marketing, Sales) to translate business objectives into effective visual solutions.

• Maintain a high bar for craft, detail, and consistency across all design outputs in a dynamic startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for cross-functional collaboration, a hallmark of effective GTM operations. The designer will act as a key enabler for sales and marketing teams by providing polished, on-brand assets.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree mentioned, emphasis is on portfolio and experience.

Experience: 2–4 years of experience in visual, brand, or marketing design.

Required Skills:

• Original Illustration: A distinct visual point of view and a portfolio showcasing exceptional illustration work.

• Versatility: Ability to design across product, marketing, and sales/growth formats with consistent quality.

• Brand Identity & Campaign Design: Experience in developing brand identities, executing campaigns, and designing for digital marketing, email, social media, and presentations.

• Design Fundamentals: Strong grasp of typography, layout, composition, and color theory.

• Project Management: Ability to take a loose brief and drive it to a polished, shipped result independently.

• Detail-Oriented: A high bar for craft and meticulous attention to detail.

• Multitasking: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication: Skill in clearly articulating design decisions and collaborating effectively with non-design partners.

• Software Proficiency: Proficient in Figma and comfortable with Adobe Creative Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Website Design: Experience designing websites, specifically with Framer.

• Motion & Animation: Strong understanding of Figma Motion for creating and maintaining in-product animations.

• Fintech/Regulated Industry Experience: Prior work in fintech, financial services, or other highly regulated industries.

• Consumer-Facing Brands: Experience designing for consumer-facing brands or products.

• Startup Environment: Experience working in a high-growth startup setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and the ability to move between product, marketing, and sales design indicates a need for a designer who understands how visual elements impact GTM strategy and execution. Proficiency in Framer and Figma Motion suggests a forward-thinking approach to digital presence and product integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design formats, including original illustrations, product visuals, marketing campaigns, and presentation decks.

• Demonstrations of how design work has supported specific business or GTM objectives, such as user acquisition, engagement, or sales enablement.

• Case studies highlighting the design process from brief to execution, emphasizing problem-solving, creative thinking, and final polished output.

• Examples of brand identity development or application across various channels. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a structured design process, from understanding project requirements and user needs to final asset delivery.

• Examples of how design decisions were made and communicated, particularly when collaborating with non-design stakeholders.

• Documentation of workflow efficiency, such as the creation and use of asset libraries or style guides.

• Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines and deliver production-ready files for both digital and print mediums.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic skill but also the designer's ability to translate GTM objectives into compelling visual narratives that drive business outcomes. Demonstrating an understanding of how design supports sales enablement and marketing campaigns is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $161,000 annually (as specified in the listing).

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage (option to extend to family)

• Fully-paid parental leave

• Company-sponsored 401k

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Unlimited vacation for salaried roles

• Work from home setup allowance

• Access to earnings on Clair platform

• Company-sponsored short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Equity

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with a hybrid arrangement requiring at least three days per week in the New York City office (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays), plus occasional client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary of $161,000 falls within the higher end of the $140,000-$150,000 range initially provided, indicating a potential adjustment or a more precise figure. This salary is competitive for a mid-level designer in New York City, especially in the fintech sector. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a high-growth startup aiming to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech (Embedded Finance)

Company Size: Startup (Series A/B stage implied by growth and hiring first key roles)

Founded: Clair is a relatively young company, focused on disrupting traditional payroll cycles by offering instant access to earned wages. This innovative approach suggests a culture that values speed, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Brand & Marketing Designer will report to the Director of Design.

• They will work closely with Product, Marketing, and Sales teams, indicating a highly collaborative, cross-functional structure.

• As the first dedicated designer in this function, they will have significant influence in shaping the team's visual strategy. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, a fintech company like Clair likely values data to inform design decisions, especially in marketing and product.

• Agile Development: Fast-paced startup environments typically operate with agile methodologies, requiring designers to be adaptable and responsive.

• User-Centricity: The mission to create financial freedom for workers suggests a strong focus on user needs and experience.

Company Website: https://getclair.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Clair operates in the embedded fintech space, a rapidly evolving sector. The company's mission to provide financial freedom through instant pay implies a culture that is innovative, user-focused, and driven by technological solutions. The hiring of a first-in-role designer suggests a strategic investment in brand building and GTM effectiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a foundational individual contributor for brand and marketing design within the GTM function. It offers the opportunity to establish best practices and significantly influence the company's visual narrative.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Design, providing a clear line of mentorship and strategic alignment. Collaboration will be broad across Product, Marketing, and Sales.

Operations Impact: The Brand & Marketing Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of GTM efforts by:

• Enhancing brand recognition and trust through consistent visual identity.

• Supporting sales enablement with compelling pitch decks and collateral.

• Driving user acquisition and engagement through effective marketing campaigns and website design.

• Improving the user experience with thoughtful in-product visuals and motion. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in illustration, motion design, or website design (Framer).

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead role, managing other designers or expanding the design function as the company scales.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in evolving the company's brand strategy and visual language.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain experience in a regulated industry and potentially contribute to product design as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant opportunity for a designer to build out a function and see their direct impact on a growing fintech company's GTM strategy. The potential for growth into leadership or specialized senior roles is high given the early stage of the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model based in New York City.

Office Location(s): New York City. Specific office address not provided, but implies a physical workspace is available and utilized.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for team collaboration, especially for hybrid work, with designated in-office days.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially specialized tools like Framer and Figma Motion.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with design, product, marketing, and sales teams to foster strong working relationships and shared understanding.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid expectation of 3 days in the office per week. This structure balances the need for focused individual work with collaborative team engagement, which is beneficial for design projects requiring feedback and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a company that values both focused, independent work and the synergistic benefits of in-person collaboration, crucial for creative roles that benefit from real-time feedback and brainstorming.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess skills, experience, and cultural fit.

• Design Exercise/Challenge: Likely a take-home assignment or a live design challenge focused on illustration, marketing collateral, or presentation design, testing problem-solving and execution skills.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where the candidate walks through their portfolio, explaining design choices, process, and impact, particularly on GTM objectives.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the Product, Marketing, and Sales teams to evaluate collaboration style and understanding of business needs.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Final discussion with the Director of Design to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with team goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Originality: Highlight your unique illustration style and creative approach.

• Demonstrate Range: Include examples across marketing, sales enablement (decks, collateral), and in-product visuals.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and the measurable impact (if possible).

• Highlight GTM Alignment: Emphasize how your designs supported specific marketing campaigns, sales initiatives, or user engagement goals.

• Framer/Motion Expertise: If applicable, include specific examples showcasing your skills in these preferred areas.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your workflow and proficiency in Figma, especially Figma Motion.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to tackle a design challenge that requires original illustration and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially how they support business objectives.

• Prepare to discuss your process for working with non-designers and incorporating feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to translate creative vision into tangible GTM assets. A strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking behind design choices, not just aesthetic execution, will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration, including Figma Motion for animation.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Standard industry tools for graphic design, illustration, and photo editing (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly specified for this role, but designers will likely work with data insights provided by marketing and product teams. CRM & Automation:

• Braze: Used for designing recurring marketing emails.

• Framer: Used for website design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable, especially with the emphasis on Figma Motion. Familiarity with Braze and Framer indicates a need for a designer who can operate within specific marketing and web development platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Detail: A high bar for quality, precision, and aesthetic excellence in all visual outputs.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams (Product, Marketing, Sales) to achieve shared goals.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on design that solves problems and contributes to business objectives, particularly in GTM.

• Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities can shift quickly.

• User Focus: Designing with the end-user's experience and financial well-being in mind.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with non-design departments to understand their needs and translate them into visual solutions.

• Feedback Loop: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes.

• Clear Communication: Articulating design rationale effectively to both design and non-design colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative excellence and practical application, with a strong focus on how design supports the company's mission and GTM efforts. A designer who can be both a creative visionary and a collaborative problem-solver will fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Visual Identity: As the first designer, defining and consistently applying Clair's visual language across all touchpoints.

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling diverse design needs from product, marketing, and sales in a fast-paced environment.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting quickly to evolving priorities and design feedback common in a startup.

• Bridging Creative and Technical: Ensuring designs are not only aesthetically strong but also feasible within the technical constraints of platforms like Framer and Braze.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Industry Insights: Gaining deep experience in the embedded fintech sector.

• Brand Building: Contributing significantly to the growth and definition of a fintech brand.

• Tool Mastery: Advanced training or application of tools like Framer and Figma Motion.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning about product development, marketing strategies, and sales processes within a startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a foundational role in a startup, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and impact. The ability to navigate these challenges will be key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a visual asset for a specific GTM goal (e.g., lead generation, user onboarding, sales pitch). What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How would you approach developing an illustration style for a fintech company targeting everyday workers, considering both professionalism and approachability?"

• "Walk us through your process for designing a sales deck. How do you ensure it's visually compelling and effectively communicates complex value propositions?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Clair's mission and the embedded fintech space?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design teams, and how do you handle differing opinions on design direction?"

• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with a company's overall brand strategy and business objectives?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your illustration skills, range across GTM needs, and process.

• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your design solutions, and the impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your Figma and Adobe Creative Suite workflows, and specifically your experience with Figma Motion or Framer if applicable.

• Show how you handle feedback and iterate on designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss how your design skills directly contribute to GTM success. Emphasize your ability to understand business needs and translate them into effective visual communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand & Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature original illustrations, marketing campaign assets, and sales enablement materials (e.g., pitch decks). Tailor your case studies to highlight how your designs solved specific business problems or supported GTM initiatives.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-4 years of experience, highlighting proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with Framer or motion design. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed marketing assets that contributed to X% increase in engagement").

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and explaining your strategic rationale for design decisions, particularly in relation to GTM objectives. Prepare for potential design challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Clair's mission, target audience, and current brand presence. Understand their product offering and the competitive landscape in fintech.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.