Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: Merciv

Location: New York City, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing / Brand Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Own the day-to-day visual expression and execution of the Merciv brand across all customer-facing touchpoints, including sales collateral, marketing assets, web presence, and social media campaigns.

• Develop and maintain a robust and flexible brand system, ensuring consistency in typography, color, layout, and motion across all company communications.

• Design and update web pages and landing pages, driving concepts from initial ideation through to final implementation.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Go-to-Market (GTM), sales, and product, to ensure brand clarity and impact in all company messaging and sales enablement materials.

• Utilize modern AI tools to amplify design output, accelerate iteration cycles, and maintain a high bar for quality and creativity in a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly rooted in brand and visual design, with a strong emphasis on execution and brand system maintenance. The "AI-native" aspect of Merciv suggests a need for designers who are comfortable integrating AI tools into their workflow for efficiency and innovation, a key differentiator for candidates. The reporting structure to the Head of Brand indicates a collaborative environment where strategic direction is provided, but execution ownership is high.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and production of essential sales and pitch decks, one-pagers, and marketing collateral, ensuring alignment with Merciv's brand identity.

• Create engaging social media and LinkedIn content, optimized for platform performance and brand consistency.

• Extend, refine, and meticulously maintain the company's brand system (typography, color palettes, layout grids, motion guidelines) to ensure a cohesive and professional brand experience.

• Design and update web pages and landing pages, translating creative concepts into functional and visually appealing digital assets.

• Support the development of brand content and campaigns, including video assets, and collaborations for merchandise and apparel, potentially directing external contractors and vendors.

• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with GTM, sales, and product teams to ensure brand integrity and effectiveness in sales processes and external communications.

• Rapidly iterate on design concepts, moving quickly through feedback loops and production sprints while consistently upholding a high standard of brand quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to brand design, requiring the candidate to be proficient in a wide array of design outputs from sales enablement to web content. The emphasis on "startup speed" and "high-ownership" suggests that candidates who can manage multiple projects concurrently and drive them to completion with minimal supervision will be most successful.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level design roles. Applicants with exceptional portfolios and equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in brand and/or visual design, with a preference for in-house experience at a technology company or startup. Agency experience is acceptable if it demonstrates a similar level of ownership and client-facing responsibility.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in brand and visual design, evidenced by a strong portfolio.

• Exceptional typographic rigor, visual judgment, and aesthetic taste.

• Demonstrated ability in systems thinking to create durable and flexible brand systems.

• Versatility across identity design, layout, voice-aware content design, and digital assets (decks, social media, web).

• Proficiency in Figma for design creation and prototyping.

• Experience integrating and utilizing modern AI tools to enhance design output and workflow efficiency.

• Ability to take creative direction, provide a clear rationale for design choices, and execute detailed work rapidly.

• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for B2B/enterprise or consumer-tech brands.

• Web craft skills, including the ability to take web page designs from concept to live implementation.

• Motion graphics and animation design capabilities.

• Experience directing external contractors for specialized design needs (e.g., video, illustration, print).

• Familiarity with Notion for project management and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic thinking ("systems thinking," "defend choices with a clear rationale") and hands-on execution ("day-to-day design production," "execute the details fast"). The "AI-literate" requirement is a modern and crucial differentiator for this role, indicating the company's forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of brand and visual design projects, with a strong emphasis on consistency and brand system application.

• Specific examples demonstrating typographic excellence, sophisticated layout design, and effective visual hierarchy across different media.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight your ability to translate strategic brand direction into tangible, high-quality design outputs.

• Evidence of systems thinking, such as a well-defined brand guideline document or examples of how a brand system was applied consistently across multiple touchpoints.

• Examples of digital design work, including sales decks, marketing assets, and web page designs. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your process for developing and maintaining brand systems, including how you ensure consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrate how you approach design projects from brief to final delivery, highlighting your iteration process and collaboration with stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how you leverage tools (like Figma) and potentially AI to streamline your design workflow and improve efficiency.

• Illustrate how you take creative direction and translate it into execution, including any feedback loops or revision stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Brand Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate a deep understanding of brand strategy, system thinking, and the ability to execute consistently and efficiently, especially in a startup context where speed and quality are equally critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary range for this role is $100,000 - $110,000 USD per year. This range is competitive for a mid-level Brand Designer position in New York City, reflecting the cost of living and the specialized skills required for an AI-native tech startup.

Benefits:

• Equity: Participation in the company's growth through stock options or grants.

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Standard benefits for full-time employees.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Details not specified, but typically includes vacation, sick days, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and growth, potentially including workshops, conferences, or access to online learning platforms.

• Other potential benefits could include commuter benefits, 401(k) plans, and team events.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, implying a typical office schedule, though flexibility may be offered based on team needs and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with industry benchmarks for a Brand Designer in a high-cost-of-living city like New York, especially within the tech sector. The inclusion of "Equity" as a benefit is a common and attractive offering for startup roles, signaling potential for significant financial upside.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI-native Consumer Intelligence Platform)

Company Size: Startup (Emerging from stealth in 2026, implying a growing but likely lean team; size likely under 50 employees initially, scaling rapidly).

Founded: 2026 (Indicates a very new company, focused on rapid growth and establishing market presence).

Team Structure:

• The Brand Designer will report directly to the Head of Brand, indicating a centralized brand function.

• Collaboration is expected across GTM, sales, and product teams, suggesting a matrixed or project-based interaction model.

• The team is focused on building core functions (design, marketing) from the ground up, implying a culture of entrepreneurship and direct impact. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are central, given Merciv's focus on "consumer intelligence."

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially for a startup aiming for efficiency and speed.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely embraced, given the "AI-native" nature of the company and the explicit mention of AI tools for designers.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Merciv's "AI-native" identity and recent emergence from stealth are critical context. This means the company is likely fast-paced, innovative, and values individuals who can adapt quickly, take initiative, and contribute to building foundational processes and brand assets. The culture will likely be entrepreneurial and focused on impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Brand Designer, focusing on execution and brand system maintenance. It offers significant ownership and the opportunity to influence the visual identity of a new company from its early stages.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer reports directly to the Head of Brand, providing clear creative direction and mentorship. This structure allows for direct feedback and alignment with brand strategy.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work is central to how Merciv is perceived by its target audience (leading enterprise brands). High-quality, consistent brand expression directly supports GTM efforts, sales enablement, and overall market positioning, thereby impacting revenue generation and brand recognition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like digital brand systems, motion graphics, or web design within a B2B tech context.

• Leadership: As the company scales, there may be opportunities to lead design projects, manage junior designers, or evolve into a Senior Brand Designer or Art Director role.

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI design tools and contribute to shaping the brand of a rapidly growing AI-native company.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a strong understanding of GTM strategies, product marketing, and sales enablement by working closely with these departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is tied to the company's success and scaling. A Brand Designer who excels in this role can expect to grow with Merciv, potentially taking on more strategic responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the company matures. The emphasis on "building from the ground up" suggests a unique opportunity for impact and career acceleration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a physical office in SoHo, New York City, indicating an in-person work environment designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): SoHo, New York City, NY. This is a well-known, vibrant commercial and creative hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Daily in-person collaboration with brand, GTM, and product teams is emphasized, fostering a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Tools and Technology: The team utilizes Figma for design, Notion for project management and documentation, and modern AI tooling as integral parts of the daily workflow.

• Team Interaction: Expect frequent brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings to ensure brand alignment and project success.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time and on-site, suggesting a standard office work week. While specific flexibility isn't detailed, a startup environment often values output and results, potentially allowing for some schedule adaptability based on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of an "in-person" environment in SoHo is a key detail. This signifies a company that values face-to-face collaboration and a cohesive team culture, which is common for early-stage startups looking to build strong internal relationships and accelerate innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Introductory Call: An initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Deep Dive (60 mins): A detailed review of your past work, focusing on your design process, strategic thinking, and execution quality. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explaining your rationale and impact.

• Craft Exercise (Time-boxed, Live): A short, practical design challenge presented live. This assesses your ability to think on your feet, apply creative direction, and execute within constraints. Focus on demonstrating your core design skills and problem-solving approach.

• Team + Founder Conversation: Final interviews to evaluate cultural alignment, strategic thinking, and overall fit with the company's vision and values.

• Reference Checks: Standard procedure to verify your work history and professional capabilities.

• Timeline: The process is designed to be efficient, aiming for completion within approximately two weeks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your skills in brand identity, visual systems, digital design (decks, web), and ideally, your experience with AI tools.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the outcome (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Emphasize projects where you developed or maintained a brand system, showcasing your ability to create scalable and consistent design frameworks.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Include examples that show your ability to adapt to different project requirements and take direction, as well as examples of independent execution.

• Prepare for Live Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design choices, defend your rationale, and articulate your understanding of brand strategy and execution in a fast-paced environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Prompt: Carefully analyze the hypothetical prompt provided during the live exercise, identifying key constraints and objectives.

• Prioritize: Focus on delivering a strong core concept and execution within the time limit, rather than striving for perfection on every detail.

• Communicate Your Process: Briefly explain your approach and thought process as you work, even if verbally. This demonstrates your problem-solving methodology.

• Be Concise: Present your work clearly and concisely, highlighting how it addresses the prompt's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to be thorough yet efficient, typical for a fast-moving startup. The "craft exercise" is a critical component for a design role; candidates should prepare to demonstrate their core design skills under pressure and articulate their thought process clearly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for all design production, including UI design, prototyping, and brand system development. Proficiency is essential.

• Notion: Used for project management, documentation, and knowledge sharing. Familiarity will aid in workflow integration.

• Modern AI Tooling: Explicitly mentioned as part of the daily workflow. This could include AI-powered design assistants, image generators, or content creation tools. Candidates should be comfortable exploring and integrating these into their process.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts metrics on web pages and social media is crucial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) would be beneficial for understanding design performance. CRM & Automation:

• Sales & Marketing Assets: The Brand Designer will create assets used by GTM and sales teams. Understanding how these assets are deployed within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms might provide valuable context, though direct use of these tools is not a primary requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, Notion, and AI tools clearly defines the core technology stack for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in Figma and an openness to leveraging AI tools for efficiency and innovation in their design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering tangible results and contributing directly to the company's growth and market perception.

• High Ownership: Individuals are expected to take responsibility for their work, drive projects forward, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

• Speed & Agility: The ability to move quickly, iterate rapidly, and adapt to changing priorities is paramount in a startup environment.

• Collaboration: A culture of working closely with cross-functional teams, sharing ideas, and providing constructive feedback.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: While moving fast, there's an expectation of maintaining a high standard of design execution and brand integrity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with GTM, sales, and product teams are essential for ensuring brand consistency and effectiveness across all touchpoints.

• Feedback Loops: An open culture for giving and receiving feedback on designs, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design techniques, and insights, particularly regarding AI tools and brand system development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values described align with a typical high-growth tech startup culture. The Brand Designer needs to be comfortable with a dynamic, results-oriented environment where collaboration and individual initiative are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing and scaling a brand identity for a new company requires significant foundational work and strategic decision-making.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need to produce high-quality work at "startup speed" can be demanding, requiring efficient workflows and strong prioritization skills.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent brand messaging across diverse departments (sales, product, marketing) can be complex and requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Integrating New Technologies: Learning and effectively integrating new AI tools into established design workflows requires adaptability and a proactive approach to skill development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand System Evolution: Opportunity to shape and evolve Merciv's brand system as the company grows and its market presence solidifies.

• AI Design Integration: Become an early adopter and expert in leveraging AI tools for design, a highly valuable skill in the current market.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain deep insights into GTM strategies, sales enablement, and product marketing by working closely with these teams.

• Startup Growth Trajectory: Experience the rapid scaling of a tech startup, offering unique opportunities for career advancement and broader responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a foundational role in a startup. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for individuals who embrace the dynamic nature of such an environment and are eager to learn and adapt.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building and maintaining a brand system for a new AI-native company like Merciv, considering the need for both consistency and rapid iteration?" (Prepare to discuss systematic approach, key components, and flexibility).

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative direction from a senior stakeholder with your own design vision. How did you navigate that conversation and reach a successful outcome?" (Focus on communication, rationale, and compromise).

• "How do you see AI tools impacting the role of a Brand Designer? Can you give an example of how you might use AI to enhance your design output for a task like creating sales decks or social media assets?" (Demonstrate AI literacy and practical application). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Merciv is an AI-native consumer intelligence platform. What are your initial thoughts on how the brand should visually communicate this positioning?" (Research Merciv's mission, target audience, and AI focus).

• "This role requires working closely with GTM, sales, and product teams. How do you ensure brand consistency and effective collaboration across different departments?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and process).

• "How do you define and measure the success of your design work, particularly in a startup environment where impact is key?" (Focus on metrics, ROI, and qualitative feedback). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your solution, your process, and the measurable impact. Use a consistent storytelling format.

• Highlight Brand Systems: Dedicate specific slides or segments to showcase your ability to create and maintain cohesive brand systems.

• Demonstrate AI Integration: If possible, include a project where you utilized AI tools, explaining the benefits and outcomes.

• Be Prepared for Live Design: Practice thinking aloud and sketching or ideating on a design prompt within a limited timeframe. Focus on clarity of thought and strategic approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, practical application of design skills, AI literacy, and an understanding of the startup environment. Candidates should align their responses with Merciv's AI-native focus and its need for rapid, high-quality brand execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating brand system development, visual execution for sales/marketing assets, and your experience with Figma and AI tools. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements in brand design, visual communication, and any experience in tech startups or in-house roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale for choices, and experience with AI tools. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready for the live craft exercise.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Merciv, its mission, target market, and the implications of being an "AI-native" company. Understand their current brand presence and identify potential areas for contribution.

⚠️ 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.

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