Creative Director / Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Director / Head of Design

Company: Convex

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Leadership / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creative strategy and visual identity for Convex, a backend platform designed for developers and LLMs.

• Drive brand consistency across all customer touchpoints, from product design to marketing collateral and events.

• Execute hands-on design work in Figma and potentially within the codebase, while also preparing to build and lead a high-caliber creative team.

• Possess a keen understanding of the developer audience, ensuring all creative output resonates with a technical and often skeptical user base.

• Champion a culture of taste, craft, and honesty, eliminating marketing jargon and focusing on clear, impactful communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational creative leadership position within a fast-paced startup. The emphasis on "doing the work yourself" initially, combined with the future prospect of team building, suggests a hands-on leader who is comfortable with ambiguity and direct contribution. The target audience (developers) is crucial and requires a specific brand sensibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a comprehensive creative strategy that defines Convex's visual and experiential identity across brand and product.

• Own the end-to-end design process for all marketing materials, website, product UI/UX, and event presence.

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of brand campaigns and visual systems that align with the company's mission and values.

• Collaborate closely with founders and engineering teams to ensure creative vision is integrated seamlessly into the product and technology.

• Set and maintain the highest standards of design taste and execution, acting as the ultimate arbiter of visual quality.

• Prioritize design initiatives ruthlessly, focusing resources on the most impactful areas for developer adoption and brand perception.

• Build, mentor, and manage a small, high-performing creative team as the company scales.

• Act as a brand guardian, ensuring authenticity and clarity in all external communications, particularly for a developer audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic vision and tactical execution. The expectation to "kill the marketing BS" and focus on developer authenticity is a key differentiator for this role, requiring a deep understanding of the target user.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in creative leadership roles, with a significant portion spent in product design and brand development, ideally within the technology or developer tools space.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful brand identities and visual systems.

• Expertise in product design, including UI/UX principles and user-centered design methodologies.

• Proficiency in design tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially familiarity with front-end code (HTML/CSS/JS) for direct implementation.

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate business objectives into creative strategies.

• Exceptional taste and a discerning eye for detail, with a portfolio showcasing high-quality, impactful design work.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, startup environment.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision to diverse stakeholders.

• Experience building and leading creative teams, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically with developer tools, SaaS platforms, or B2B technology products.

• A portfolio that spans both brand identity and detailed product design.

• Familiarity with building brand systems that scale effectively.

• Experience working closely with engineering and product management teams.

• A natural ability to connect with and understand the developer mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with "range" (brand systems and product design) and "receipts" (proven track record) is critical. The ability to "open the file and do the work" alongside strategic leadership is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse portfolio showcasing a strong range of work, including comprehensive brand identity systems, marketing collateral, and detailed product design (UI/UX for web applications).

• Case studies demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the creative process from concept to execution.

• Evidence of building and evolving brand systems for technology products, particularly those targeting developers.

• Examples of direct design execution, highlighting hands-on proficiency in tools like Figma.

• Demonstrations of how design decisions contributed to business objectives, user adoption, or brand perception. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation might not be a primary deliverable from day one, candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to:

  • Creative brief development and interpretation.

  • Design system implementation and maintenance.

  • Cross-functional collaboration workflows with product and engineering.

  • User research and feedback integration into design iterations.

  • Establishing and maintaining brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "receipts" requirement for the portfolio implies a need for detailed case studies that not only show the final output but also the strategic thinking and execution process behind it. For a "build-it-yourself" role, demonstrating the ability to establish processes is as important as executing within them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Creative Director/Head of Design role with 5-10 years of experience in San Francisco, California, focusing on a tech startup environment, the estimated annual salary range is $170,000 - $230,000 USD. This range accounts for the strategic importance of the role, the hands-on execution required, and the high cost of living in San Francisco.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Stock options or equity in a high-growth startup.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Professional development budget for conferences, workshops, and learning resources.

• Opportunity to shape the creative direction of a rapidly scaling technology company.

• In-office perks and team events. Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected due to the startup environment and the nature of creative work. A hybrid work arrangement is in place, requiring in-office presence in San Francisco.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area, considering the experience level and the startup context. Benefits are typical for early-stage tech companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software Development Tools / Cloud Infrastructure / Backend Platforms. Convex operates in a highly technical space, providing a platform that simplifies backend development for creators and LLMs.

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized Startup (likely < 50 employees, based on the description of building a team from scratch). This size implies a dynamic, agile environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Convex was founded to address the complexity of building scalable software without dedicated backend teams. The company emphasizes a "point of view and an obsession with craft," aiming to build a product that is both technically robust and a pleasure to use.

Team Structure:

• The core team likely consists of experienced founders and early engineers with deep expertise in building large-scale platforms.

• The creative function is currently lean, possibly relying on freelancers, and the Head of Design will be instrumental in shaping its future structure.

• Collaboration is emphasized as "in-person together in our office in San Francisco," fostering a tight-knit, communicative environment.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected, particularly between creative, product, and engineering. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's focus on building a platform suggests an underlying appreciation for data informing product decisions.

• Iterative Design & Development: The fast-paced startup nature implies an iterative approach to both product and brand development.

• Focus on Craft & Authenticity: A core ethos is to avoid "marketing BS" and to build products and brands that are honest, thoughtful, and trusted by developers.

Company Website: https://convex.dev

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as collaborative, passionate, and in-person focused in San Francisco. A strong emphasis is placed on "craft," "taste," and "honesty," particularly as it pertains to developers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within a larger organization, but within a startup context, it's a foundational creative lead role. It's a "build-it-yourself" position before it's a "manage-it" role, demanding both strategic vision and hands-on execution.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Director/Head of Design will report directly to one of the company's founders, likely the CEO or CTO, given the strategic importance of this function to the company's identity and product perception.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Convex's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by shaping how the company is perceived by its target audience (developers). Effective creative direction can influence developer adoption, brand loyalty, and ultimately, revenue growth by building trust and communicating the value proposition clearly and compellingly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Team Building & Leadership: The primary growth opportunity is to build and scale a world-class creative team from the ground up, defining its structure, processes, and culture.

• Strategic Influence: Deep involvement in shaping the company's overall brand narrative and product direction, offering significant strategic influence.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to broaden expertise across brand systems, product design, marketing, and potentially even contributing to front-end code.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into a VP of Marketing or Chief Creative Officer role as the company scales, with equity appreciation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a significant opportunity for an individual to establish and grow a creative function within a promising tech startup, offering both broad strategic influence and hands-on contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a physical office in San Francisco, emphasizing an in-person work environment. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for team interaction and focused work.

Office Location(s): Convex's office is located in San Francisco, California. Specific details on accessibility or amenities are not provided but are typical for a tech company office in a major urban center.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "working in-person together" indicates a culture that values face-to-face interaction, brainstorming, and spontaneous collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially development tools or environments, given the nature of the product.

• Team Interaction: Close proximity to founders and engineering teams will facilitate direct feedback loops and integrated creative processes.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work model is in place, with a requirement for in-office presence in San Francisco. Standard full-time hours are expected, but flexibility for creative workflows and project deadlines is likely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and emphasis on in-person collaboration suggest a structured yet flexible work environment tailored for creative and technical teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements and Convex's aesthetic.

2. Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A deep dive into your portfolio with founders or senior team members, focusing on your strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and understanding of the developer audience. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, your role, the challenges, and the outcomes.

3. Creative Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to tackle a specific creative problem or brief relevant to Convex, demonstrating your strategic approach, conceptual thinking, and design execution. This could involve brand exploration, product UI mockups, or messaging concepts.

4. Cultural Fit & Team Interaction: Interviews designed to assess your alignment with Convex's values (taste, craft, honesty, energy, simplicity) and your ability to collaborate effectively in an in-person, fast-paced startup environment.

5. Founder/Final Round: A meeting with the founding team to discuss vision, strategy, and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase projects that demonstrate both brand systems and product design. Select pieces that highlight your understanding of a technical audience and your ability to execute with high craft.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions, the tools and processes used, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight "Receipts": Be ready to defend your design decisions with clear reasoning grounded in strategy, user understanding, and brand objectives.

• Showcase Execution: Include examples of hands-on work, demonstrating proficiency in Figma and your ability to bring concepts to life.

• Address Developer Nuances: Explicitly discuss how your work resonates with developers—their skepticism, their need for clarity, and their appreciation for elegant solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Convex: Research Convex's product, mission, and current brand presence thoroughly. Identify opportunities and potential areas for creative improvement.

• Developer Mindset: Immerse yourself in developer communities or content to better understand their language, pain points, and aesthetic preferences.

• Strategic Framework: Prepare to outline a framework for approaching creative challenges, emphasizing prioritization, strategic alignment, and iterative execution.

• Brand Voice: Consider how to articulate a brand voice that is authentic, knowledgeable, and engaging for a developer audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio review and the ability to articulate strategic thinking behind creative execution, especially for a developer audience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design system development. Proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely required for broader graphic design needs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially After Effects for motion graphics.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial for specific use cases.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts key metrics (e.g., website conversion rates, product engagement, brand sentiment) is crucial. Familiarity with web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) and product analytics tools is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design function, but awareness of how marketing automation and CRM platforms are used to deliver brand messaging can be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in Figma and the broader Adobe Creative Suite, with an understanding of how design integrates with product and marketing analytics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Taste & Craft: A fundamental belief in the importance of high-quality design and execution across all touchpoints.

• Honesty & Authenticity: A commitment to clear, truthful communication, especially avoiding "marketing BS" that can alienate developers.

• Simplicity: A preference for clear, elegant solutions that make complex ideas feel obvious.

• Energy & Positivity: A constructive, enthusiastic approach to problem-solving and building, essential for a startup environment.

• Developer Empathy: A deep understanding and respect for the developer audience, shaping all creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Person & Direct: Emphasis on face-to-face collaboration within the San Francisco office, fostering strong working relationships.

• Cross-Functional: Close partnership with founders, product managers, and engineers to ensure creative vision is aligned with business and technical realities.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values open, honest, and positive feedback to drive continuous improvement in both product and brand.

• Hands-on & Iterative: A willingness to roll up sleeves and work directly on creative tasks, with an iterative approach to design and brand development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by a specific set of values that prioritize quality, authenticity, and a positive, collaborative spirit, particularly in serving the developer community.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Brand: Establishing a distinct and trustworthy creative identity for a relatively new company in a competitive developer tools market.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Effectively switching between high-level strategic thinking and hands-on design execution in a fast-paced environment.

• Developer Audience Nuance: Capturing the trust and attention of a technically savvy and often skeptical audience.

• Prioritization: Ruthlessly prioritizing design initiatives across a broad surface area (brand, product, marketing, events) with limited initial resources.

• Building a Team: Transitioning from an individual contributor role to a team builder and leader.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Building: Gaining invaluable experience in establishing and scaling a brand for a B2B SaaS/developer tools company from the ground up.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepening understanding of product development, engineering, and Go-To-Market strategies through close collaboration.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by building and mentoring a creative team.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the cutting-edge realm of developer platforms and LLM-powered applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to brand definition and audience targeting, but these are balanced by substantial growth opportunities in leadership and strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a brand identity for a technical product targeting developers. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on authenticity, clarity, and avoiding jargon.)

• "How do you balance strategic brand vision with hands-on design execution? Provide an example from your portfolio." (Highlight your ability to "open the file and do the work.")

• "Walk us through a project where you had to prioritize design efforts across multiple channels (e.g., brand, product, marketing). How did you make your decisions, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize strategic judgment and impact.)

• "What is your point of view on 'good taste' in design, particularly for a developer audience?" (Be specific, thoughtful, and articulate your reasoning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Convex's mission and product?" (Show you've researched and understand the company.)

• "How do you ensure a brand feels honest and avoids 'marketing BS'?" (Connect this to your experience and philosophy.)

• "Describe a time you had to push back on a creative direction or idea. How did you handle it constructively?" (Assess your communication and conviction.)

• "What kind of team culture do you envision building for the creative function at Convex?" (Demonstrate leadership aspirations and alignment with company values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure with Purpose: Organize your portfolio around key projects, with clear sections for problem, strategy, execution, and results.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that directly address brand systems, product design, and appeal to a technical audience.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your design initiatives (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, positive brand sentiment).

• Articulate Your Role: Be precise about your specific contributions, especially if projects involved team collaboration.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your process, decision-making, and the "why" behind your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, hands-on execution capability, a deep understanding of the developer audience, and alignment with Convex's core values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Director / Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases a strong range of work (brand and product design), and includes detailed case studies with strategic context and "receipts." Tailor it to highlight experience with developer-focused products if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize leadership experience, strategic creative direction, hands-on design skills (mentioning Figma prominently), and any experience within the tech or developer tools industry. Use keywords like "Creative Strategy," "Brand Identity," "Product Design," and "Developer Audience."

• Interview Practice: Prepare to articulate your creative vision, strategic approach, and past project successes. Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to discuss your philosophy on taste, craft, and authenticity for a technical audience.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Convex, its product, mission, and target market. Understand their current brand presence and identify areas where your creative leadership can make a significant impact.

⚠️ 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.

---