Brand Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Design Director

Company: AT&T

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Brand Design & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 12+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 5 days per week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision, development, and execution of global brand assets, identity systems, and digital experiences at scale for a Fortune 500 company.

• Drive the ongoing evolution and optimization of AT&T's global brand identity across all channels, ensuring consistency, quality, and scalability.

• Act as a trusted creative partner and strategic advisor to senior leadership, translating business objectives into compelling brand expression.

• Champion design as a strategic business driver through exceptional craft, operational discipline, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Leverage emerging technologies, including advanced AI tools, to enhance speed, scale, and efficiency in design workflows while maintaining creative integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within AT&T's Brand Design studio, requiring a blend of strategic creative direction and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "operational discipline," "scalability," and "AI-enabled workflows" indicates a need for a candidate who can manage complex projects, ensure brand consistency across a vast organization, and embrace technological advancements in design. The "minimum 5 days per week in office" requirement underscores a preference for a highly collaborative, in-person work environment critical for strategic alignment and team synergy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the strategy, development, and execution of comprehensive brand assets, identity systems, and digital experiences that strategically advance the AT&T global brand.

• Shape and activate the broader brand design vision by producing world-class creative work that strengthens, evolves, and modernizes the AT&T brand.

• Translate intricate business objectives, nuanced customer needs, and dynamic market insights into distinctive, high-impact creative solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Drive the continuous optimization and rigorous stewardship of the AT&T brand identity system across diverse channels, platforms, and touchpoints to guarantee unwavering consistency, superior quality, and efficient scalability.

• Establish and rigorously uphold an exceptionally high standard for design excellence through compelling concepts, clear creative direction, and meticulous execution.

• Independently lead projects from initial brief inception through final delivery, adeptly managing scope, timelines, budgets, production processes, and key business outcomes.

• Develop precise creative briefs and comprehensive brand guidelines that provide unambiguous clarity, inspire widespread adoption, and enable consistent, high-quality execution across the enterprise.

• Cultivate trusted, collaborative relationships across a wide spectrum of cross-functional teams, serving as a strategic creative partner to stakeholders at all organizational levels, including senior executives.

• Confidently and clearly present creative ideas and design solutions, while actively contributing to critiques, workshops, and team development through impactful mentorship and knowledge sharing.

• Strategically leverage emerging tools and advanced technologies, including AI-enabled workflows, to significantly improve speed, scale, and operational efficiency while steadfastly maintaining creative integrity and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic brand stewardship and hands-on creative output. The emphasis on "rigorous stewardship," "unwavering consistency," and "rigorous execution" implies a need for a candidate who can enforce brand standards meticulously. The mention of "AI-enabled workflows" and "emerging tools" points to the expectation of technological adoption and innovation within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Branding, Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a closely related field is desired. An advanced degree is a plus.

Experience: 12+ years of progressive experience in brand design, identity systems, and creative leadership, demonstrated through work in-house, at a design agency, or a combination of both. Experience within a Fortune 500 environment is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in developing and leading large-scale consumer brands, encompassing brand development, robust identity systems, and effective tools that drive widespread adoption and consistency.

• Technical mastery of industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Demonstrated experience with advanced AI tools and platforms integrated into design workflows.

• Exceptional strategic acumen and the ability to translate complex business objectives into compelling brand expression.

• Strong leadership capabilities, with a proven ability to lead through influence and effectively communicate the value of design to non-design stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of brand stewardship and the ability to maintain consistency across diverse channels and mediums.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage scope, timelines, budgets, and production with independence. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with collaborative design tools such as Figma.

• Experience with motion graphics and prototyping tools like After Effects and Adobe XD.

• Experience in retail, experiential, advertising, and out-of-home design execution.

• A strong portfolio showcasing high-caliber brand identity and design work, ideally for large-scale, consumer-facing brands.

• Experience in developing comprehensive creative briefs and brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced AI tools and platforms" is a critical differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to showcase specific examples of how they've utilized AI in their design process to improve efficiency, scalability, or creative outcomes. The portfolio requirement is emphasized as essential, particularly for large-scale, consumer-facing brands, indicating a need for proven impact and strategic thinking in brand development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a high caliber of brand identity and design work, specifically highlighting experience with large-scale, consumer-facing brands.

• Evidence of strategic thinking, showcasing how design solutions directly addressed business objectives, customer needs, and market insights.

• Examples of developing and evolving robust identity systems, including comprehensive brand guidelines and tools that ensure adoption and consistency.

• Case studies that illustrate the end-to-end project lifecycle, from creative brief to final execution, detailing scope, timeline, and budget management.

• Demonstrations of how design has driven market impact and strengthened brand perception. Process Documentation:

• Examples of creative briefs developed for large-scale brand initiatives, outlining clear objectives, target audiences, and desired outcomes.

• Samples of comprehensive brand guidelines or stewardship documents that provide clear direction and enable consistent execution across various platforms and mediums.

• Documentation illustrating the optimization and stewardship of brand identity systems across digital, retail, experiential, advertising, and out-of-home channels.

• Case studies or process outlines detailing the integration of AI-enabled workflows and emerging technologies into design processes to enhance speed, scale, and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetic skill but a critical tool for demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to drive business impact through design. Emphasis on "AI-enabled workflows" and "stewardship" suggests a need for documentation that proves practical application of these advanced concepts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $158,200 - $237,400 USD Annual. The specific starting salary will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, candidate experience, expertise, and educational background.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• 401(k) plan with company contributions.

• Tuition reimbursement program for continued education and professional development.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays (at least 28 days of vacation annually plus 9 company-designated holidays, based on date of hire).

• Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave.

• Additional sick leave may be available beyond state and local requirements.

• Adoption Reimbursement assistance.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits.

• Life and Accidental Death Insurance coverage.

• Supplemental benefit programs including critical illness, accident hospital indemnity, and group legal services.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for confidential support.

• Extensive employee wellness programs designed to promote health and well-being.

• Significant employee discounts on eligible AT&T mobility plans, accessories, AT&T internet, and AT&T phone services.

• Long Term Grants and Deferred Compensation opportunities.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Full Time, Regular position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Director-level role in a major metropolitan area like Dallas, especially within a large corporation like AT&T. The extensive benefits package is typical for a large enterprise, offering robust support for employees' financial, health, and personal well-being. The "minimum 5 days per week in office" requirement should be factored into any location-based salary adjustments, as it impacts work-life balance and potential commuting costs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications & Technology. AT&T is a global leader in the telecommunications industry, providing a wide range of services including wireless, broadband, video, and enterprise solutions. This industry context means the Brand Design Director will operate within a dynamic, competitive landscape where brand perception and customer experience are paramount for market differentiation and growth.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Fortune 500). As a major corporation, AT&T offers significant resources, established processes, and broad-reaching impact. For a Brand Design Director, this means working on projects with immense scale, influencing millions of customers, and collaborating with diverse departments.

Founded: Founded in 1983 (as part of the Bell System's divestiture). AT&T has a long and storied history, with a design legacy that traces back to influential figures like Saul Bass. This rich heritage provides a strong foundation for brand evolution, blending iconic elements with modern innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Brand Design team is likely a specialized unit within AT&T's broader marketing or corporate communications division, reporting to an AVP, Head of Brand Design.

• The team structure would support various design disciplines, with a focus on brand identity systems, digital experiences, and asset creation at scale.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, involving close partnerships with marketing, product development, digital strategy, advertising, and potentially retail operations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Brand Expression: Utilizing market insights, customer data, and performance metrics to inform creative strategies and measure the impact of design initiatives.

• Scalable Workflow Optimization: Implementing efficient processes and leveraging technology (including AI) to ensure consistent brand application across a vast organization and diverse customer touchpoints.

• Strategic Creative Development: Aligning design efforts directly with overarching business objectives, ensuring that brand expression serves as a powerful driver of market impact and customer engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding AT&T's scale and legacy is crucial. The Brand Design Director will need to navigate a large corporate structure, balance historical brand equity with modern design trends, and ensure brand consistency across a complex ecosystem of products and services. The emphasis on AI and operational discipline suggests a forward-thinking approach within a traditionally established company.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Leadership / Director. This role sits at a strategic level, responsible for significant aspects of AT&T's global brand identity. It requires not only creative expertise but also the ability to manage teams, influence stakeholders, and contribute to high-level business strategy.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the AVP, Head of Brand Design. This indicates a clear line of communication and accountability to a senior executive, providing opportunities for direct impact and visibility.

Operations Impact: The Brand Design Director has a substantial impact on AT&T's market presence, customer perception, and competitive positioning. By shaping the visual and experiential aspects of the brand, this role directly influences customer acquisition, retention, and overall brand equity, contributing significantly to revenue generation and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to further develop strategic thinking, executive communication, and leadership skills by influencing brand direction at a global scale and managing high-stakes projects.

• Cross-Functional Influence & Visibility: Building strong relationships with senior leaders across various departments (marketing, product, digital) can open doors to broader organizational influence and potential future leadership roles.

• Innovation & Technology Adoption: Leading the integration of cutting-edge design tools and AI into established workflows provides a unique opportunity to drive innovation and become a recognized leader in the application of new technologies within design.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Developing and mentoring junior designers, fostering a culture of excellence, and potentially expanding the team based on strategic needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career advancement potential within AT&T or the broader industry, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate strategic leadership, technological adaptability, and a proven track record of driving measurable business impact through design. The direct reporting line to an AVP is a strong indicator of the role's strategic importance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires a minimum of 5 days per week in the Dallas office, indicating a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and a structured work environment. This is not a remote-first position.

Office Location(s): Dallas, Texas / One AT&T Plaza (208 S Akard - Whitacre Tower). This central Dallas location provides access to a major business hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for high collaboration, with expectations for team members to be present and engaged in design critiques, workshops, and strategic planning sessions.

• Access to industry-standard design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite and potentially Figma, After Effects, and Adobe XD, will be provided. The integration of advanced AI tools is also a key component of the technological environment.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with a diverse range of cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, reflecting a typical full-time commitment within a corporate setting. While the role demands significant presence, the emphasis on "operational discipline" suggests an expectation of efficient work practices within the designated hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "minimum 5 days per week in office" is a critical detail for candidates assessing work-life balance and preferred work arrangements. This indicates a company culture that values face-to-face interaction for collaboration and strategic alignment, which is common in senior leadership roles within large, established organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Creative Challenge: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their strategic approach, creative process, and measurable impact. A creative challenge or case study may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving skills, design thinking, and execution under pressure.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager (AVP, Head of Brand Design) and potentially other senior leaders from design, marketing, or related departments to assess strategic thinking, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key cross-functional partners to gauge ability to influence, communicate effectively, and build strong working relationships.

• Final Round: Discussions focused on leadership potential, strategic vision, and overall suitability for the Director role within AT&T's brand organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Clearly articulate the business objectives behind each project, your role in achieving them, and the measurable outcomes or market impact of your design solutions.

• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: Detail your creative process, including how you translated briefs into concepts, navigated challenges, and utilized tools (especially AI) to achieve results.

• Demonstrate Brand Systems Expertise: Include examples of identity systems, brand guidelines, and how you ensured consistent application across various touchpoints.

• Tailor to AT&T: Research AT&T's current brand strategy, recent campaigns, and competitive landscape. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with AT&T's specific needs and vision.

• Prepare for AI Integration: Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've used AI in your design workflow, highlighting the benefits and any challenges encountered.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AT&T's Brand: Familiarize yourself with AT&T's brand values, target audiences, and current market positioning.

• Focus on Scalability & Consistency: Prepare to address how you would ensure brand consistency and quality across a vast, multi-faceted organization like AT&T.

• Articulate AI Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you would integrate AI tools to enhance efficiency, creativity, and scalability in brand design.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Develop a clear, concise, and compelling narrative for presenting your work and strategic approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential creative challenge underscores the hands-on nature of this creative leadership role. Candidates must be prepared to deeply discuss their work, demonstrate strategic rationale, and articulate their experience with AI tools.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential mastery of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for core design and asset creation.

• Figma: Preferred familiarity for collaborative design, prototyping, and interface design.

• After Effects & Adobe XD: Preferred familiarity for motion graphics, prototyping, and digital experience design.

• Advanced AI Tools & Platforms: Mandatory experience with AI-enabled workflows for design, including but not limited to generative design tools, AI-powered asset creation, or AI for workflow optimization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, a Director of Brand Design would likely interact with analytics platforms to understand brand performance, campaign effectiveness, and customer engagement metrics. This could involve tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal AT&T reporting dashboards. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools is expected for managing complex design projects and cross-functional collaboration. Examples could include Asana, Jira, Monday.com, or similar enterprise-level solutions. CRM system knowledge (e.g., Salesforce) may be beneficial for understanding customer data integration into design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "advanced AI tools and platforms" is a key technology focus. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific AI tools they have used and their impact on design processes, efficiency, and creative output. The inclusion of Figma, After Effects, and Adobe XD as preferred tools suggests a modern design team that utilizes a comprehensive digital toolkit.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to producing work of the highest caliber, characterized by strategic thinking, craft, and innovation.

• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of customer needs and behaviors, ensuring that design solutions are relevant, engaging, and impactful.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong, trusting relationships with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Driving operational discipline to deliver high-quality work efficiently and ensure consistent brand application across a vast enterprise.

• Curiosity & Humility: A dedication to continuous learning, embracing new technologies (like AI), and fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Strategic Alignment: Proactively engaging with stakeholders to understand business needs and align design strategy with organizational goals.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, product, digital, and other teams to ensure cohesive brand experiences across all touchpoints.

• Open Feedback & Iteration: Encouraging a culture of constructive critique and iterative development to refine creative solutions and elevate design quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, workshops, and mentorship to share expertise and foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative passion and business acumen, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and operational rigor. The mention of "curiosity and humility" suggests a team that values learning and a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Legacy with Modernization: Evolving a deeply established brand like AT&T while respecting its rich legacy and iconic elements requires careful strategic navigation.

• Ensuring Global Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining a unified brand identity across numerous products, services, regions, and customer touchpoints for a massive enterprise presents a significant operational challenge.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Successfully implementing and optimizing AI-driven design workflows requires careful planning, training, and adaptation to ensure it enhances, rather than detracts from, creative integrity and brand quality.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Garnering buy-in and alignment from diverse stakeholders, including senior executives who may have varying levels of design understanding, requires strong communication and strategic persuasion skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Deepening expertise in global brand strategy, identity system evolution, and digital experience design within a leading telecommunications company.

• Technology Adoption Leadership: Gaining hands-on experience and leadership in implementing cutting-edge AI tools and technologies within a large-scale design operation.

• Executive Communication & Influence: Honing skills in presenting to and influencing senior leadership, contributing to high-level strategic decisions.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Opportunities to lead, mentor, and develop a team of talented designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity of working with a legacy brand at a massive scale, with a particular focus on the strategic integration of new technologies like AI. Growth opportunities are centered on leadership development, technological innovation, and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to evolve a well-established brand identity for a large consumer-facing company. What was your strategic approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on process, strategic rationale, and impact.)

• "How would you approach building and maintaining a consistent global brand identity system across AT&T's diverse portfolio of products and services? What tools and processes would you leverage?" (Emphasis on scalability, stewardship, and operational discipline.)

• "Can you provide an example of how you've integrated AI tools into your design workflow? What were the benefits, challenges, and your overall assessment of its impact on creative quality and efficiency?" (Demonstrate practical AI experience and critical thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about AT&T's brand and its design legacy? How do you see your role contributing to its future evolution?" (Showcase research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you foster a culture of design excellence and continuous learning within a creative team, especially when integrating new technologies like AI?" (Assess leadership and team-building approach.)

• "Describe your experience working with senior executives and non-design stakeholders. How do you effectively communicate the value of design and gain their buy-in for strategic initiatives?" (Evaluate influence and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to tell a compelling story for each project, starting with the business challenge, your strategic approach, your role, the creative solution, and the measurable results.

• Highlight AI Integration: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase projects where AI was used, explaining the "why" and the "how" of its application.

• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Clearly articulate your understanding and application of brand identity systems, guidelines, and how you ensure brand consistency across various platforms.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand perception, efficiency gains).

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared to dive deeper into specific aspects of your work, defend your creative decisions, and discuss potential alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes strategic thinking, practical application of AI, and strong communication skills, all tailored to the context of a large, established brand like AT&T. The portfolio presentation advice is critical for demonstrating not just creative talent but also strategic leadership and operational capability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AT&T careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your experience in brand identity systems, large-scale consumer brands, and strategic design leadership. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your use of AI in design workflows and highlights measurable business impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities relevant to brand design direction, identity systems, creative leadership, AI integration, and cross-functional collaboration within large organizations. Quantify your achievements with specific data where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on strategic rationale, creative process, the role of AI, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to articulate AT&T's brand and how your vision aligns with its future.

• Research AT&T: Thoroughly review AT&T's current brand presence, recent campaigns, company values, and the telecommunications industry landscape to inform your interview responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.