Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: Pangram Labs

Location: New York City, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Brand & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on defining and evolving Pangram's visual identity across brand, web, and product touchpoints, requiring strong brand strategy and execution skills.

• The Brand Designer will be responsible for creating and maintaining cohesive brand assets, guidelines, and documentation, ensuring consistency across all platforms.

• A key aspect involves designing and launching Pangram's main website and other brand-centric digital experiences, necessitating expertise in modern web design.

• The position requires close collaboration with the growth and product teams to produce marketing materials, campaign visuals, sales collateral, and other brand assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Brand Designer," the responsibilities, particularly "owning how Pangram shows up in the world – across brand, web, and marketing campaigns," and working with "founders, head of growth, our lead designer and product manager," suggest a role with significant strategic input and operational ownership within the creative function, bordering on Brand Operations or Creative Operations leadership. The emphasis on defining and evolving the visual identity points to a strategic rather than purely execution-focused role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, evolve, and maintain Pangram's comprehensive visual identity system across all brand, web, and product touchpoints.

• Develop and manage a robust library of brand assets, comprehensive brand guidelines, and detailed documentation to ensure consistent brand application.

• Design, iterate, and ship Pangram's primary website and other critical brand experiences, focusing on modern, interactive user journeys.

• Collaborate closely with the growth team to conceptualize and produce a wide range of marketing materials and assets for social media, launch announcements, campaigns, sales enablement, events, and merchandise.

• Partner with the product team to seamlessly integrate brand elements into product interfaces and user experiences, ensuring a unified brand narrative.

• Establish and uphold the highest quality standards for Pangram's visual presentation and aesthetic, implementing rigorous quality assurance (QA) processes across all design outputs.

• Act as a key stakeholder in shaping the overall look and feel of the Pangram brand, contributing to strategic brand direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed clearly indicate a hands-on design role with significant ownership and strategic influence. The emphasis on "shipping real products to users" and "owning and evolving brand over time" suggests a need for a designer who can manage projects from conception to execution and has experience with the iterative nature of brand development in a fast-paced tech environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Branding, or a related field is highly valued. Candidates are expected to demonstrate equivalent practical experience and a robust portfolio. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience as a Brand Designer within the technology sector.

• Proven track record of successfully designing and launching modern, interactive web experiences that drive user engagement and brand recognition.

• Hands-on experience in bringing design concepts to life and shipping tangible products or brand assets to end-users.

• Demonstrated experience in owning and evolving a brand's visual identity over time, ideally within an in-house tech company setting. Required Skills:

• Exceptional visual craftsmanship, aesthetic sensibility, and a keen eye for detail.

• Strong command of fundamental visual design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, and art direction.

• Proficiency in designing and maintaining cohesive brand assets, brand guidelines, and documentation.

• Expertise in creating marketing materials and campaign visuals across various formats (social media, digital ads, sales collateral, etc.).

• Experience in collaborating effectively with product managers, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to manage and maintain brand consistency and quality assurance across diverse touchpoints.

• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional brand, visual, and graphic design work with applications across multiple platforms. Preferred Skills:

• Motion graphics and animation skills (e.g., After Effects, Cinema 4D) for dynamic brand storytelling.

• Product design (UI/UX) experience, with an understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Experience conducting user research to inform design decisions and validate brand strategies.

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation for scalable brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3+ years of experience" and the emphasis on "shipping real products" suggest a mid-level to senior designer. The "Nice to have" section points towards individuals who can contribute beyond core brand design, potentially acting as a foundational member of a growing design team with broader responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional brand design experience in the tech industry.

• The portfolio must demonstrate exceptional brand identity development, visual design, and graphic design work.

• Evidence of successful application of brand systems across multiple touchpoints, including web, digital marketing, and potentially product interfaces.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of design decisions on business objectives.

• Examples of modern, interactive web experiences designed and shipped to users. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of creating and maintaining brand guidelines, style guides, or design systems documentation.

• Illustrate the process of developing marketing materials and campaign visuals from concept to final delivery, highlighting workflow and collaboration.

• Demonstrate experience in quality assurance processes for design outputs, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.

• Include examples of how brand identity was integrated into product experiences or other user-facing applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Brand Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate a strategic understanding of brand building, application across various mediums, and the ability to translate brand vision into tangible, high-quality design outputs relevant to a tech company.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $130,000 - $170,000 USD per year. This range is typical for a mid-senior level Brand Designer in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City, reflecting the required experience, specialized skills, and the strategic importance of the role within a tech startup. Benefits:

• Equity: Opportunity to own a stake in the company's growth and success.

• Bonus: Performance-based incentives, reflecting contributions to company and individual goals.

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Standard benefits package to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Budget or opportunities for continued learning, workshops, and conferences.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for candidates relocating to New York City. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the startup environment and the nature of creative projects, occasional flexibility may be required to meet deadlines or launch critical campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Brand Designer in NYC with 3+ years of experience. The inclusion of equity and bonus suggests a startup environment where employees share in the company's success. The "On-site" work arrangement implies that the benefits package might also include office perks and amenities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Software. Pangram Labs is positioned in a rapidly evolving and high-impact sector, focusing on AI detection and authenticity. This industry context implies a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and a drive for cutting-edge solutions.

Company Size: Pangram Labs appears to be an early-stage startup or a rapidly growing company, indicated by the "design function that is just beginning to take shape" and direct collaboration with founders. This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individuals can have a significant impact and help shape processes and culture.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided but is implied to be recent given the description of a nascent design function. This points to a culture of agility, adaptability, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Team Structure:

• The design team is described as "just beginning to take shape," implying it is currently small, likely consisting of a lead designer and this Brand Designer role, with potential for future growth.

• This Brand Designer will work directly with founders, the Head of Growth, and a Product Manager, indicating a highly collaborative and cross-functional structure.

• Reporting lines are likely to be direct to a Lead Designer or potentially a founder/Head of Product/Marketing, depending on the organizational setup. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely prevalent, given the AI research lab context. Design decisions will probably be informed by research, user feedback, and performance metrics.

• Agile methodologies are expected, allowing for rapid iteration and adaptation in response to market changes and product development.

• Emphasis on collaboration and clear communication to ensure brand consistency and alignment across different departments (Growth, Product, Research).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission around "authenticity" and "trust" is a strong brand narrative. The Brand Designer will play a critical role in translating this mission into a compelling visual identity that resonates with users and stakeholders in the AI space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Brand Designer with significant ownership, suggesting a mid-to-senior level. It’s a foundational role within a growing design function, offering the opportunity to shape the brand's visual future and establish best practices.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will report to a Lead Designer or potentially a founder/Head of Product/Marketing. They will work closely with the Head of Growth and Product Managers, fostering a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's impact will be profound, directly influencing Pangram's perception in the market, customer acquisition through marketing materials, and user experience via product integration. They will be instrumental in building trust and credibility through a strong, consistent visual identity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Designer Path: As the design function matures, this role could evolve into a Lead Brand Designer or Art Director position, overseeing a larger team and setting broader creative strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, product design, or brand strategy based on project needs and personal development.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to take on leadership roles in cross-departmental projects, influencing marketing campaigns, product roadmaps, and overall company branding initiatives.

• Foundational Team Member: Being part of an early-stage team offers the chance to influence company culture, processes, and strategic direction from the ground up.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, especially in a startup environment. The ability to "own" and "define" the visual identity suggests a trajectory towards more strategic and leadership-oriented responsibilities within the creative and marketing functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site" in New York City. This implies a physical office space designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): New York City, New York, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant creative and tech ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment is expected, facilitating direct interaction with founders, product managers, and the growth team.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided to support the creative workflow.

• Opportunities for informal brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team-building activities within the office setting.

• The environment will likely be fast-paced and dynamic, typical of a tech startup, encouraging agility and innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (approximately 40 hours/week) with an on-site requirement. While core hours will exist, flexibility may be needed for project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests an emphasis on in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for brand alignment and spontaneous creative problem-solving in a startup environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely present your portfolio to the hiring team (potentially including founders, lead designer, and product/growth leads). Be prepared to discuss your design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and execution skills, potentially focused on brand application or campaign asset creation.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product and Growth to assess collaboration style and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: Likely with founders or senior leadership to discuss culture fit, strategic vision, and long-term aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with Pangram's mission and the role's requirements (brand identity, web design, marketing collateral).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, execution), design decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Brand Thinking: Highlight how you developed and applied brand systems, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of web design, marketing materials, and any other relevant touchpoints.

• Highlight Tech Experience: Emphasize projects within the tech industry and demonstrate an understanding of user needs and product integration.

• Quality Over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is polished, well-documented, and visually compelling.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Pangram's current brand (if any) and mission.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach evolving or defining a brand identity for an AI research lab focused on authenticity.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Think about how you would create marketing assets that balance technical innovation with accessible communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role, especially in a startup, heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should treat the portfolio presentation as a core part of the interview, demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking and communication ability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma (highly probable for web and UI/UX design, collaboration), Sketch (potential alternative to Figma).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, InVision, Adobe XD.

• Motion Graphics: Adobe After Effects, potentially Cinema 4D or Blender for 3D elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) and understanding how design impacts key metrics (website traffic, conversion rates, engagement) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but awareness of how marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) and CRMs (e.g., Salesforce) utilize brand assets would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is increasingly becoming a standard for UI/UX and brand design collaboration in tech. Given the emphasis on web experiences, a strong command of Figma or Sketch is essential. The "nice to have" skills like motion graphics and product design suggest a willingness to integrate tools like After Effects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Trust: Core to Pangram's mission. Design must reflect honesty, credibility, and transparency.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Embracing new ideas and technologies, especially in the AI space. Design should feel forward-thinking and intelligent.

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A commitment to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and aesthetic sophistication in all design outputs.

• Collaboration & Impact: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and drive tangible business results through design.

• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced startup environment, being able to pivot and iterate quickly.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with founders, product managers, and the growth team.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes.

• Emphasis on clear communication and shared understanding of brand vision.

• Proactive in sharing ideas and contributing to discussions beyond immediate design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of "Authenticity" and "Trust" are critical for Pangram Labs, given their AI detection software. The Brand Designer's work will directly embody these values visually, building user confidence and brand integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a Nascent Brand: Establishing and evolving a visual identity for a relatively new company in a complex, cutting-edge field (AI).

• Balancing Technicality and Accessibility: Communicating complex AI concepts and the importance of authenticity in a visually appealing and understandable manner.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring brand consistency across diverse departmental needs (product, marketing, research) and managing stakeholder expectations.

• Pace of a Startup: Adapting to rapid changes, tight deadlines, and evolving priorities inherent in a startup environment.

• Quality Assurance at Scale: Maintaining high design quality and consistency as the company and its brand presence grow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI & Authenticity: Gaining specialized knowledge in the AI industry and the nuances of authenticity detection.

• Brand Strategy Development: Contributing to and shaping the core brand strategy, moving beyond execution to definition.

• Product Design Integration: Expanding skills into UI/UX design and understanding product development lifecycles.

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Developing proficiency in creating dynamic visual content for marketing and brand experiences.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from founders and experienced team members, contributing to personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be translating the abstract concept of "AI authenticity" into a tangible and trustworthy visual identity. This requires a designer who can think conceptually and strategically.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining or evolving the visual identity for an AI research lab focused on authenticity and trust?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with business objectives or technical constraints. How did you resolve it?"

• "Walk us through your process for creating a comprehensive brand guideline document for a tech company."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across web, marketing, and product touchpoints?"

• "What are your strategies for staying updated on design trends, particularly within the tech and AI sectors?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Pangram Labs' mission and our work in AI detection?"

• "How do you envision your role contributing to Pangram's culture as a foundational member of the design team?"

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers and growth marketers."

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of brand authenticity in the current digital landscape?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: Select projects that best demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and measurable results.

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation like a story – problem, solution, outcome. Clearly articulate your role and contributions.

• Visual Polish: Ensure your presentation deck is impeccably designed, reflecting your own brand standards.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tools used, and trade-offs made.

• Enthusiasm for Pangram: Connect your experience and passion to Pangram's specific mission and the opportunity at hand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to think strategically about brand, not just execute visually. For a startup, demonstrating an understanding of business impact and adaptability is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature relevant projects showcasing brand identity, web design, and marketing collateral for tech companies. Prioritize case studies that demonstrate strategic thinking and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of experience in brand design within the tech industry, emphasizing achievements in defining and evolving visual identities, shipping web experiences, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 3-5 key projects. Research Pangram Labs' mission and current brand presence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly understand Pangram Labs' mission, product (AI detection software), and target audience. Consider how visual identity supports trust and authenticity in the AI space.

⚠️ 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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