Brand Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Design Director

Company: Abridge

Location: United States (Hybrid - SF or NYC office 3x/week)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Brand Design / Creative Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the definition and evolution of Abridge's brand identity to establish market leadership in healthcare AI.

• Own and scale the comprehensive brand design system, ensuring consistency and premium user experience across all touchpoints.

• Drive creative vision, provide thoughtful critique, and inspire the design team to elevate Abridge's visual communication.

• Translate complex business strategies into compelling brand narratives and tangible brand moments that resonate with diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly a senior leadership position focused on brand strategy and execution within a rapidly growing AI healthcare technology company. The emphasis on "consumer grade experience" and "redefining brand in healthcare" indicates a high level of strategic responsibility beyond typical graphic design. The "Director" title and 9+ years of experience requirement further solidify its senior standing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and evolve Abridge's brand strategy and visual identity to position it as a leader in healthcare AI.

• Establish and maintain brand principles and direction that guide consistent application across the organization at scale.

• Inspire and elevate the design team through critique, vision setting, and fostering a culture of high standards.

• Articulate creative rationale and build alignment across marketing, product, content, and leadership stakeholders.

• Translate complex strategies into compelling campaigns, brand moments, and user experiences.

• Develop and expand the brand system to support future growth, creating flexible frameworks, templates, and libraries.

• Partner cross-functionally to concept and launch new initiatives, contributing both strategic direction and hands-on craft.

• Ensure world-class execution in typography, layout, composition, and color across digital, print, and experiential work.

• Drive a cohesive and polished brand presence across all communication channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: strategic brand leadership and hands-on design execution. The role requires not only defining the brand vision but also actively contributing to its implementation and scaling. The emphasis on cross-functional partnership and stakeholder management is critical for success in this senior role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for senior design roles.

Experience: 9+ years of experience in visual design, product brand development, and crafting design systems at scale.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of visual design fundamentals: typography, composition, hierarchy, and color theory.

• Proven experience in building, evolving, and diversifying brand systems over time.

• Strong communication and storytelling skills, able to articulate creative rationale and its impact on user trust and product experience.

• Ability to articulate creative rationale clearly, lead brainstorms, and build alignment across diverse teams (marketing, product, content, leadership).

• Experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing strategic thinking with visual execution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the healthcare technology sector.

• Expertise in interaction design.

• Experience with digital, print, and experiential design applications.

• A passion for design and continuous learning in emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 9+ years of experience specifically in "visual, product brand and crafting design systems at scale" indicates a need for a designer who can not only create beautiful visuals but also build and manage robust, scalable brand frameworks. The emphasis on articulating creative rationale and influencing stakeholders is crucial for a Director-level position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio demonstrating mastery of visual design fundamentals, including typography, composition, hierarchy, and color.

• Examples of building, evolving, and diversifying brand systems at scale, showcasing long-term brand strategy and execution.

• Case studies that illustrate how brand decisions positively impacted product experience, user trust, and business objectives.

• Demonstrations of translating complex strategy into compelling campaigns, brand moments, and cohesive user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in developing and expanding brand systems, including frameworks, templates, and libraries that empower others while maintaining cohesion.

• Examples of cross-functional collaboration on new initiatives, showcasing the ability to bring both strategic direction and hands-on craft to early-stage work.

• Articulation of how brand principles and direction were established and guided brand application at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to go beyond a collection of pretty pictures and clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to think strategically about brand, build scalable systems, influence stakeholders, and execute with exceptional craft. The emphasis on "design systems at scale" suggests a need for examples of comprehensive brand guidelines and their application across a variety of platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $251,000 - $313,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Generous Time Off: 14 paid holidays, flexible PTO for salaried employees.

• Comprehensive Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for full-time employees and their families.

• Generous HSA Contribution: Monthly contributions to HSA if High Deductible Health Plan is chosen.

• Paid Parental Leave: Generous paid leave for all full-time employees.

• Family Forming Benefits: Resources and financial support for family building.

• 401(k) Matching: Contribution matching for retirement savings.

• Personal Device Allowance: Tax-free funds for personal device usage.

• Pre-tax Benefits: Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Commuter Benefits.

• Lifestyle Wallet: Monthly contributions for fitness, professional development, coworking, and more.

• Mental Health Support: Dedicated access to therapy and coaching.

• Sabbatical Leave: Paid Sabbatical Leave after 5 years of employment.

• Compensation and Equity: Competitive compensation and equity grants for full-time employees.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility. The hybrid model requires a minimum of 3 days per week in either the SF or NYC office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for a Director-level creative role in a high-cost-of-living area in the US, which is competitive. The extensive benefits package reflects a company culture that values employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, even within a demanding startup environment. The mention of relocation assistance for SF or NYC is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to attracting top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Technology, AI, Generative AI. Abridge is positioned at the intersection of AI innovation and healthcare, aiming to improve clinical documentation and patient-clinician understanding.

Company Size: Abridge is a growing startup, indicated by its multiple office locations (SF, NYC, Pittsburgh) and its focus on scaling operations and brand presence. While exact numbers aren't provided, a "growing team" suggests it's past the initial seed stage but still agile and dynamic.

Founded: 2018. This indicates a relatively young company, still in a growth and expansion phase, with a clear mission established early on.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Design Director will likely lead a team of visual designers, brand specialists, and potentially work closely with product designers, marketing teams, and content creators.

• Reporting structure is not explicitly defined but would typically be to a VP of Marketing, Chief Marketing Officer, or potentially a Chief Product Officer, depending on the organizational setup.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to design, emphasizing the impact of brand decisions on user trust and product experience.

• Focus on "consumer-grade experience" in healthcare, suggesting a commitment to user-centric design principles.

• Emphasis on responsible deployment of AI and establishing industry standards.

• Agile and fast-paced environment, characteristic of startups, requiring adaptability and a bias for action.

Company Website: https://www.abridge.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Abridge's mission-driven focus on improving healthcare through AI is a significant cultural element. The company values curiosity, extreme ownership, and collaboration. The hybrid work model and emphasis on employee well-being suggest a modern, supportive, and growth-oriented culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, a "Director" position, indicating significant responsibility for strategy, team management, and cross-functional influence. It's a pivotal role in shaping the company's external perception and internal brand consistency.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Design Director will likely report to a senior executive (e.g., CMO, VP Marketing) and will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Brand Design Director's work directly impacts Abridge's market positioning, brand perception, customer acquisition, and user trust. A strong, consistent brand is crucial for a company operating in the sensitive and complex healthcare AI space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to define and build a brand from a senior leadership position in a high-growth, mission-driven startup.

• Potential to influence the broader strategic direction of the company as a key member of the leadership team.

• Expand leadership skills by managing and developing a design team.

• Deepen expertise in the application of AI and generative technologies within design.

• Contribute to setting industry standards for brand design in healthcare AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for a seasoned designer to make a substantial impact on a company's trajectory. The ability to shape the brand from a senior leadership level in a rapidly evolving industry like healthcare AI is a major growth driver.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Abridge has physical offices in San Francisco, New York, and Pittsburgh, indicating a hybrid work model. The role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in either the SF or NYC office.

Office Location(s):

• San Francisco, CA (Mission District)

• New York, NY (SoHo neighborhood)

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model promotes collaboration and team cohesion by requiring in-office presence, while also offering flexibility.

• The work environment is described as fast-paced and mission-driven, typical of a growing startup.

• Expect a collaborative atmosphere where designers work closely with product managers, engineers, marketers, and leadership.

• Access to modern design tools and technologies will be essential.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely with standard business hours, but the startup environment may require flexibility and dedication beyond 9-to-5, especially during critical project phases. The hybrid model balances structure with flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement for SF or NYC offices is a key detail. Candidates must be willing to commute or relocate to one of these major tech hubs. The description of the offices (Mission District, SoHo) suggests vibrant, accessible locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess core qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design systems, and strategic thinking. This is a critical stage.

• Skills-Based Interviews: Discussions focusing on specific design skills, leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and problem-solving approaches.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, product, and potentially leadership to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior executive (e.g., CMO, CEO) to discuss vision, strategic alignment, and overall fit for the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in brand identity, design systems, strategic brand evolution, and leadership. Prioritize work that demonstrates impact and problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the strategic decisions made, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., brand consistency improvements, user engagement, market positioning).

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Showcase examples of how you've built, evolved, or managed design systems at scale, demonstrating your ability to create flexible frameworks that maintain cohesion.

• Demonstrate Craftsmanship: Ensure your portfolio reflects meticulous attention to detail in typography, layout, composition, and color.

• Address AI Context: If possible, include projects that touch upon AI or emerging technologies and how they influence design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach defining or evolving Abridge's brand in the healthcare AI space.

• Anticipate questions about how you manage creative disagreements, lead teams, and influence stakeholders.

• Think about how you would translate complex technical concepts (like AI in healthcare) into clear, compelling brand messaging and visuals.

• Research Abridge's current brand and identify potential areas for growth or evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be a central part of the interview process. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic thinking, leadership, and impact behind it. The emphasis on "systems at scale" means demonstrating how they've managed and grown comprehensive brand frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch. Figma is increasingly the industry standard for collaborative design.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, InVision, Adobe XD.

• Design System Management Tools: Zeroheight, Storybook (for component libraries), or custom internal systems.

• Project Management Tools: Asana, Jira, Trello, Monday.com.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core function of Brand Design Director, but understanding how brand assets are used in marketing and sales enablement platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce Marketing Cloud) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline. The ability to manage and contribute to a design system is critical. Experience with collaboration and project management tools is also expected in a hybrid, fast-paced environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Abridge's mission of powering deeper understanding in healthcare.

• Extreme Ownership: Employees are expected to take initiative and make a significant impact on customers and the business.

• Curiosity & Learning: Eagerness to learn new things, explore AI's impact on design, and continuously grow.

• Empathy: Prioritizing the needs of clinicians and patients in all decisions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.

• High Standards: Striving for excellence in craft, strategy, and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration is key, working closely with marketing, product, content, and leadership.

• Emphasis on thoughtful critique and feedback to elevate design quality.

• Open communication and clear articulation of creative rationale to build alignment.

• A supportive environment where success is shared and feedback fuels progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of mission-driven work, extreme ownership, and empathy are central to Abridge's culture. For a Brand Design Director, this means aligning creative output with the company's purpose and ensuring it resonates with the target audience (clinicians and patients).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining Brand in a Novel Space: Establishing a distinctive and trustworthy brand for an AI healthcare company, navigating the complexities and potential skepticism around new technology.

• Balancing Innovation with Trust: Creating a modern, premium brand aesthetic that doesn't alienate a healthcare audience that values stability and reliability.

• Scaling the Brand System: Ensuring the brand remains consistent and effective as the company grows and its product offerings expand.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and ensuring brand cohesion across different departments.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion and creative synergy within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunity to set the benchmark for brand design in the burgeoning field of healthcare AI.

• Deepen expertise in generative AI and its application in creative workflows and brand development.

• Develop leadership skills by managing and mentoring a design team.

• Gain exposure to strategic decision-making in a high-growth tech startup.

• Attend industry conferences and workshops focused on brand strategy, AI, and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be establishing a strong, credible brand in a sensitive industry where AI is still being understood. The opportunity lies in being a pioneer in this space and shaping the future of healthcare branding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining Abridge's brand strategy to position us as a leader in healthcare AI, and what key principles would guide your approach?" (Focus on strategic thinking, industry understanding, and principle-setting).

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business or technical strategy into a compelling brand narrative or campaign. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on storytelling, translation skills, and impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Abridge's mission and our role in transforming healthcare?" (Assess passion for the mission and understanding of the company's impact).

• "How would you contribute to Abridge's culture of 'extreme ownership' and continuous learning as a Brand Design Director?" (Assess alignment with core values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your philosophy and key strengths, then dive into 2-3 core projects that best represent your capabilities in brand systems, strategic design, and leadership.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and process, the strategic rationale behind your design decisions, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Systems Focus: Dedicate time to showcase your experience building and managing design systems at scale, explaining their structure, evolution, and how they empower teams.

• Craftsmanship: Ensure high-quality visuals and meticulous attention to detail in your presentation deck.

• Q&A: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your work, your decision-making process, and your leadership style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with design systems in detail, as this is a key requirement. They should also be ready to articulate their vision for branding in healthcare AI and how they would lead a team to execute that vision.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your experience with brand strategy, design systems at scale, and translating complex ideas into compelling visuals, especially any relevant to technology or healthcare.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 9+ years of experience in visual design, brand development, and system crafting, using keywords from the job description like "brand design systems," "typography," "composition," "storytelling," and "leadership."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the strategic thinking, process, and impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you'd contribute to Abridge's mission and culture.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Abridge's mission, product, and current brand presence. Identify how your skills and vision can contribute to their growth and market positioning in healthcare AI.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions tailored for a Brand Design Director role. All details should be verified directly with Abridge during the application and interview process.