Brand Designer, Growth (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer, Growth (Contract)

Company: Air

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-19T22:05:23

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days/week in office required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual brand consistency and impact across performance marketing channels, with a primary focus on display advertising.

• Execute on creative strategy for static and video ad formats, ensuring all creative assets are unmistakably "Air" and resonate with target audiences.

• Collaborate closely with the Growth and Performance Marketing teams to establish and optimize a robust creative testing engine for continuous campaign improvement.

• Develop a deep understanding of customer pain points and translate these insights into compelling creative concepts and messaging angles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Growth" team, indicating a strong emphasis on data-driven design and direct contribution to revenue-impacting campaigns. The "Contract" nature suggests a need for rapid integration and immediate impact, with potential for full-time conversion. The hybrid requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for creative ideation and feedback.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-performing static and video display advertisements for platforms like Meta and other emerging channels, ensuring brand alignment and creative excellence.

• Actively participate in concept development for ad campaigns, contributing hooks, headlines, and messaging strategies, and challenging weak creative ideas to elevate overall campaign effectiveness.

• Partner with Performance Marketing to conceptualize, design, and test creative variants within a structured framework (concept → variant → measure → scale).

• Maintain a comprehensive and dynamic creative log that documents successful campaigns, their underlying rationale, and key learnings, moving beyond a simple file repository.

• Proactively identify opportunities to expand design scope beyond display ads into broader brand design initiatives, such as product marketing collateral, event branding, and social media content, based on performance and earned opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "building a creative testing engine" and a "concept → variant → measure → scale" framework highlights a strong operational component to this design role, requiring an understanding of performance marketing loops and iterative design processes crucial for growth teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical application of design principles is expected.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of experience in brand design, with a significant portion focused on performance creative and display advertising, is recommended. Experience within a scaling tech company or a growth-focused marketing team is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional design fundamentals in layout, typography, and color theory, with a proven ability to execute consistently and maintain brand integrity.

• Demonstrated experience in designing for digital advertising platforms, particularly Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads, with a strong understanding of their creative best practices and limitations.

• Proficiency in video and motion graphics production or direction, comfortable creating short-form video assets or guiding external resources.

• Strong "copy instinct" – the ability to critically assess headlines, hooks, and messaging for effectiveness and customer resonance, even if not a primary copywriter.

• Proven ability to generate creative concepts and contribute strategically to campaign ideation, rather than solely executing pre-defined briefs.

• Expertise in design and motion tools including Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), After Effects, and Premiere Pro, or equivalent software.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing frameworks and iterative design processes within a performance marketing context.

• Familiarity with emerging digital advertising channels and their unique creative requirements.

• A portfolio that showcases a blend of strong aesthetic design and measurable creative impact.

• Understanding of customer pain points and ability to translate them into compelling marketing narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "copy instinct" and "idea generation" suggests the company values designers who are strategic thinkers and collaborators, not just pixel-pushers. The preference for a "living creative log" indicates a need for organizational skills and a process-oriented mindset in managing creative assets and learnings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 3-5 distinct case studies showcasing static and video display ad campaigns, preferably for digital platforms like Meta.

• Clearly articulate your role in concept development, creative strategy, and execution for each case study.

• Include direct examples of how your designs contributed to A/B testing or iterative improvements, with measurable outcomes if possible.

• Showcase proficiency with the required design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects/Premiere) through the quality and diversity of your work.

Process Documentation:

• For each relevant case study, briefly describe your process from brief to final asset, emphasizing collaboration and iteration.

• Explain how you would contribute to building and maintaining a "living creative log" for performance creatives, detailing what information would be captured and why.

• Outline your approach to translating performance data or customer feedback into actionable design improvements for future creative iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "creative testing engine" and a "living creative log" means candidates should prepare to discuss their systematic approach to creative development and performance analysis, not just present a gallery of their best work. The portfolio should illustrate a process of learning and iteration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45 - $75 per hour. This range is commensurate with experience and the contract nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health and wellness.

• Dependent Coverage: Extended benefits to support family needs.

• Work-from-Home Stipend: Financial support for setting up an effective remote workspace.

• Professional Development Reimbursement: Funds available for courses, workshops, or conferences to enhance skills.

• Unlimited Vacation Days: Encourages work-life balance and personal well-being.

Working Hours: The standard expectation for this contract role is approximately 40 hours per week. While flexibility exists, the hybrid requirement necessitates availability for in-office work on specific days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate for a contract Brand Designer in New York City, with specialized growth marketing experience, typically falls within this range. The provided range of $45-$75/hour is competitive for mid-level to senior-level designers with a performance focus in a high-cost-of-living area like NYC. Benefits are generous for a contract role, suggesting Air values their contractors and offers a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Creative Operations System). Air operates within the SaaS sector, specifically targeting creative and marketing teams by providing a system to automate content management and enhance creative workflows.

Company Size: Rapidly scaling startup (raised +$70m, launched March 2021). This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: March 2021. As a relatively young company, Air is likely to have an agile culture, embracing innovation and quick adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the "Growth Team," indicating a strong alignment with marketing and revenue-generating activities.

• This designer will collaborate closely with Performance Marketing, Content, and potentially Product Marketing teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on performance metrics, A/B testing, and quantifiable results for creative assets.

• Iterative Development: A "concept → variant → measure → scale" framework suggests a continuous cycle of creation, testing, and optimization.

• Collaborative Ideation: "Work in public" and "Disagree and commit" values encourage open communication, shared feedback, and rapid alignment.

Company Website: https://www.air.inc/ (Inferred from domain_derived: air.inc)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "automate the mindless tasks that creatives and marketers do every day" suggests a culture that values efficiency, innovation, and the empowerment of creative professionals. The funding raised indicates significant investor confidence and a trajectory for aggressive growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Brand Designer focused on Growth, operating at a mid-level (2-5 years experience suggested). It requires not only strong design execution but also strategic input and a data-driven approach to creative development, bridging creative artistry with performance marketing operations.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager within the Growth team, likely a Growth Marketing Lead or Head of Brand, and will work closely with Performance Marketing specialists.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct and measurable impact on Air's ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) growth through the creation of high-performing display advertising creative. Success in this role directly contributes to customer acquisition and conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Full-Time Conversion: The role explicitly states potential to evolve into a full-time position for the right candidate, offering stability and deeper integration.

• Scope Expansion: Opportunity to take on broader brand design responsibilities, including product marketing, event collateral, and social media campaigns, as trust and impact are demonstrated.

• Skill Development: Exposure to performance marketing strategies, creative testing methodologies, and data analysis will enhance skills in growth-oriented design.

• Strategic Contribution: The chance to influence creative strategy and contribute ideas beyond pure execution, fostering a more strategic career path.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "contract" nature with explicit growth potential is a common strategy for startups to assess talent. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to prove their value and strategic thinking, aiming for a permanent role and broader responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires in-office attendance at least 3 days per week in their New York City office. This indicates a need for a collaborative physical workspace.

Office Location(s): New York, New York. The specific office location details are not provided but would typically be in a commercial district accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and company values ("Work in public," "Disagree and commit") suggest a culture that encourages open communication, brainstorming, and cross-functional teamwork within the physical office space.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office amenities, high-speed internet, and potentially shared creative resources within the office. The company likely provides necessary software licenses for design tools.

• Team Interaction: In-office days are crucial for direct collaboration with the Growth and Marketing teams, facilitating rapid feedback loops and ideation sessions essential for performance creative development.

Work Schedule: While the contract is likely based on a ~40-hour work week, the hybrid requirement means specific days (e.g., Tuesday-Thursday) are expected in the office. Flexibility may exist for remote days, but alignment with team meeting schedules and project deadlines is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of needing to be in the office "at least 3 days/week" emphasizes the company's belief in the value of in-person collaboration for creative roles, especially those involving strategy and rapid iteration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: A session with the hiring manager and/or key team members to review your portfolio, discuss your approach to design and strategy, and potentially present a small creative exercise or case study.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the Growth and Marketing teams to evaluate collaboration style and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Growth Impact: Curate your portfolio to showcase projects where your designs demonstrably contributed to campaign performance, user acquisition, or conversion rates. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Include case studies that detail your thought process, concept development, iteration cycles, and how you incorporated feedback or data. A "living creative log" example or a description of your approach to one would be beneficial.

• Video & Motion Expertise: Ensure a strong representation of your video and motion graphics capabilities, as this is a key requirement.

• Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity across diverse creative assets and platforms.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, highlighting the most relevant projects and learnings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Creative Brief Interpretation: Be ready to respond to a hypothetical creative brief for a display ad campaign, outlining your initial thoughts on strategy, messaging, and visual direction.

• Performance Mindset: Practice articulating how you would approach designing for A/B testing and how you would interpret performance data to inform subsequent design iterations.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you handle creative feedback, collaborate with non-designers (e.g., copywriters, performance marketers), and manage conflicting ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "Growth" and "creative testing engine," candidates should expect interview questions that probe their understanding of performance marketing, their process for iterative design, and their ability to translate data into creative action.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and creating scalable design systems.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and static ad creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • After Effects: Crucial for motion graphics, animations, and video ad production.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and final assembly of video ad content.

• Other Video/Motion Tools: Proficiency in similar industry-standard video editing or motion graphics software is acceptable.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with performance marketing platforms (e.g., Meta Ads Manager) for understanding creative performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus of this role, understanding how creative assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRMs can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (including After Effects/Premiere) indicates these are non-negotiable technical proficiencies. Demonstrating experience in a collaborative design environment using these tools, especially in a growth context, will be key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Act like a driver: Proactively take ownership of design tasks and creative direction, demonstrating initiative and a results-oriented mindset.

• Work in public: Be open to sharing work-in-progress, soliciting feedback early and often, and fostering a transparent design process.

• Play to win: Approach design challenges with creativity, adaptability, and focus, aiming for impactful results that drive business objectives.

• Say the hard thing: Communicate feedback clearly, respectfully, and constructively, both when giving and receiving it.

• Disagree and commit: Engage in honest debate about creative direction but align quickly with team decisions to ensure forward momentum.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with Growth Marketers, Content Strategists, and Performance Analysts, actively participating in brainstorming sessions and strategy discussions.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement where feedback is regularly sought and incorporated into design iterations, particularly for performance creatives.

• Shared Learning: Contribute to a knowledge-sharing environment by documenting learnings from creative tests and sharing insights on design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "How We Work at Air" section is a direct articulation of their desired team culture. Candidates should be prepared to speak to these values and provide examples of how they embody them in their work. The emphasis on "Say the hard thing" and "Disagree and commit" suggests a culture that values directness and healthy debate.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration & High Volume: Designing for performance marketing often involves creating numerous variations and iterating quickly based on data, which can be demanding.

• Balancing Brand & Performance: Striking the right balance between maintaining strong brand identity and optimizing creative for specific performance metrics and audience segments.

• Evolving Channels: Keeping pace with the constantly changing landscape of digital advertising platforms and their creative requirements.

• Onboarding to a New System/Team: As a contract role, quickly understanding Air's product, brand, target audience, and existing creative strategies will be critical.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Performance Marketing Acumen: Deepen understanding of growth marketing strategies, A/B testing methodologies, and data analysis for creative optimization.

• Creative Ops System Exposure: Gain insight into how a Creative Operations System like Air functions and its impact on marketing workflows.

• Brand Strategy Expansion: Opportunity to contribute to broader brand initiatives beyond performance creative, potentially leading to more strategic brand design work.

• Startup Environment Experience: Develop adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced startup setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to growth-focused design roles in startups. A candidate's ability to articulate how they approach these challenges, adapt quickly, and learn continuously will be key to success and potential conversion to full-time.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing display ads that are both on-brand and optimized for performance on platforms like Meta." (Focus on concept, iteration, and data integration).

• "How would you contribute to building a 'creative testing engine' with the Growth team? What metrics would you track, and how would you use that data to inform your next design?" (Highlight operational thinking and data-driven approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody the value of 'Act like a driver' in your design work?" (Provide specific examples of initiative).

• "Describe a time you had to 'Say the hard thing' or 'Disagree and commit' within a team. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase communication and team collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge (brief/problem), your strategic approach (concept/solution), the execution (design process/tools), and the impact (results/learnings).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., "This ad variant increased CTR by X%", "The video ads contributed to Y% of conversions").

• Process Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your workflow, tool usage, and how you handle feedback and iteration. Show, don't just tell, your process.

• Brand Alignment: Clearly articulate how your designs align with and strengthen the Air brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, and a results-oriented approach, particularly in the context of growth marketing. Your portfolio should serve as evidence for these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.gem.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your best display ad creative (static and video), performance marketing case studies, and examples of motion graphics. Prioritize work that demonstrates measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects/Premiere), display ad design, creative strategy, and any experience with A/B testing or performance marketing workflows. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative strategy approach, and how you contribute to growth objectives. Prepare specific examples that align with Air's company values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Air's product, target audience, and brand messaging. Understand their mission and how your design contributions can directly support their growth trajectory.

⚠️ 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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