Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: AICPA

Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular, Standard

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: June 05, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the Association's design team, establishing a clear creative vision, robust standards, and an efficient operating model to ensure high-quality design execution at scale.

• Drive cohesive storytelling and impactful brand expression across all visual assets by partnering closely with Brand, Multimedia, and Writing leadership.

• Foster a high-performing design team environment, encouraging professional growth, innovation, and adherence to best practices in design and technology.

• Oversee both in-house and freelance design resources, optimizing their utilization to meet organizational priorities and project demands effectively.

• Ensure continuous improvement in design processes and technology adoption to accelerate the content lifecycle and speed to market for all creative deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Sr. Manager level, indicated by the 8+ years of professional experience and 2+ years in an Art Director/Lead role, with an emphasis on leadership and strategic vision setting within the design function. The hybrid work model signifies a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and champion the Association's overall design vision, strategy, and operational standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across all visual touchpoints and brand communications.

• Define and refine cost-effective design execution workflows, roles, required tools, and quality assurance standards to support internal teams and optimize the content lifecycle, thereby improving speed to market.

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Graphic Designers and Senior Graphic Designers, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture in alignment with the Association's Management Charter.

• Provide senior-level creative direction and strategic oversight, ensuring all design outputs align with brand architecture, usability, accessibility standards, audience needs, and overarching campaign strategies.

• Collaborate closely with Writing, Multimedia, and Brand leadership to develop integrated creative strategies, ensuring cohesive storytelling and unified brand expression across diverse campaigns and communication channels.

• Act as a design advocate, championing brand alignment and design thinking principles with internal Experience collaborators and external partners, effectively communicating the value of design and demonstrating best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize strategic leadership, team management, cross-functional collaboration, and process optimization within a creative context, aligning with a senior-level design director role focused on operationalizing creative excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a design- or art-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible design leadership experience.

Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in design or visual communication roles, with a minimum of 2 years in an Art Director or Lead capacity within an agency, in-house, or multinational environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to establish and lead a design vision, strategy, and standards for an organization.

• Demonstrated experience in managing and mentoring design teams, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.

• Expertise in providing senior-level creative direction and ensuring brand alignment across all visual touchpoints.

• Strong understanding of usability and accessibility standards in design.

• Experience in developing and refining design workflows, roles, tools, and quality standards for efficient execution at scale.

• Demonstrated success in creative communications that achieve market results, including collaboration with marketing communications strategists to develop effective creative briefs.

• Proficiency in directing design and publication processes for multiple content types.

• Strong leadership skills in design, advertising, or marketing contexts. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with integrated creative strategy development and cohesive storytelling.

• Familiarity with the accounting and finance profession or similar regulated industries.

• Experience working with both in-house and freelance design resources.

• Demonstrated ability to champion design thinking and best practices across an organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership, team management, process optimization, and practical design execution experience, typical for a Design Director role responsible for scaling creative output and impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of work demonstrating strategic design leadership, including examples of establishing design vision, standards, and operating models for scaled execution.

• Case studies that highlight successful collaborations with brand, multimedia, and writing teams to achieve cohesive storytelling and brand expression across various assets and campaigns.

• Examples showcasing the development and implementation of efficient design workflows, roles, tools, and quality standards, ideally with demonstrable improvements in speed to market or cost-effectiveness.

• Demonstrations of leadership in managing design teams, including examples of mentorship, performance management, and fostering a positive team culture.

• Evidence of creative direction and oversight, ensuring design alignment with brand architecture, usability, and accessibility standards. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented and improved design workflows, detailing the process from brief to final asset delivery, with a focus on efficiency and scalability.

• Case studies on implementing design systems, style guides, or other standardization methods to ensure brand consistency and streamline content creation.

• Documentation of how you have assessed and recommended design tools or technologies to enhance team productivity and output quality.

• Evidence of how you have tracked and reported on design team performance, process efficiency, and the impact of design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating strategic leadership, process optimization, and team management within a design context is essential for this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they have operationalized creative excellence and driven impactful design at scale.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $105,000 - $136,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare options.

• Retirement savings plans.

• Generous paid time-off (PTO).

• Parental leave benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support services.

• Resources and programs supporting mental health and well-being.

• Flexible benefits options to cater to individual and family needs.

• Investment in continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work schedule that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a standard estimate for a Design Director role with 10+ years of experience in the Durham, NC area, considering the stated salary band of $105,000 - $136,000. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, well-being, and professional growth, which are key attractors for senior operations and creative professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Accounting & Finance Education and Resources. AICPA is transforming the accounting and finance profession by empowering accountants with education, resources, and training.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify exact company size, but it's implied to be a significant organization given the scope of its mission and its "Great Place to Work-Certified" status.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, AICPA is a long-standing professional organization. The "Association" refers to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a team comprising Graphic Designers and Senior Graphic Designers, managing both in-house and freelance talent.

• This role reports to the Senior Director - Creative Content & Publishing, indicating a clear hierarchy within the creative content division.

• Close partnership is expected with leaders of Writing, Multimedia, and Brand teams, fostering a collaborative, cross-functional environment for integrated creative strategy. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are integral, with a focus on refining processes and leveraging technology to enhance speed to market and efficiency.

• Emphasis on brand consistency, usability, and accessibility standards in all visual touchpoints.

• A commitment to fostering a positive, high-performing team culture that values inclusion and belonging.

Company Website: https://www.aicpa.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a "Great Place to Work-Certified" company, AICPA likely fosters an inclusive and supportive culture. The focus on transforming the accounting and finance profession suggests an innovative and forward-thinking environment. The hybrid work model is a key aspect of their contemporary work environment strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Sr. Manager or Director level within the creative and design function, responsible for strategic vision, team leadership, and operational excellence in design execution at scale.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director - Creative Content & Publishing, with direct management of Graphic Designers and Senior Graphic Designers. Collaboration with cross-functional leadership is a key aspect of the role's influence.

Operations Impact: The Design Director plays a critical role in shaping the visual identity and brand expression of the Association, directly impacting how the organization communicates its value and engages its audience. Effective design leadership drives cohesive storytelling, enhances brand perception, and supports the achievement of organizational priorities and strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to shape and evolve the design function and its operating model within a recognized professional organization.

• Potential to lead significant creative initiatives that impact the accounting and finance profession globally.

• Development of leadership and strategic management skills through managing a diverse team and cross-functional partnerships.

• Access to continuous learning and development resources to stay abreast of evolving design practices and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for a seasoned design leader looking to make a strategic impact. The emphasis on continuous learning and development aligns with career progression in the creative and operations fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Durham, North Carolina, with potential for remote work within the US (excluding California).

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting designed to foster teamwork and cross-functional interaction among design, brand, multimedia, and writing teams.

• Access to necessary design tools and technologies, with an emphasis on optimizing the technology stack for efficient creative production.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with design team members and leadership, facilitating mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) with flexibility, accommodating the hybrid work model and the need for focused work time alongside collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Durham, NC, offers a blend of flexibility and in-person collaboration, which is becoming standard for many creative and operations-focused roles. The company's commitment to a "Great Place to Work" implies a positive and supportive office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on strategic design leadership, team management, process optimization, and impactful creative work.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews with hiring managers, cross-functional partners (e.g., Brand, Multimedia, Writing leads), and potentially senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, leadership style, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential design challenge or presentation may be required to evaluate problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to articulate design strategy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to specifically showcase experience in leading design teams, establishing design strategy, and optimizing creative processes.

• Prepare detailed case studies that highlight your role in developing integrated creative strategies, ensuring brand consistency, and driving results.

• Be ready to discuss your approach to managing designers, fostering team culture, and collaborating with other departments.

• Quantify achievements whenever possible, using metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design initiatives (e.g., improvements in speed to market, efficiency gains, brand reception).

• Clearly articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with the Association's mission. Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions related to creative direction, team leadership, process improvement, brand management, and stakeholder communication.

• Practice articulating your strategic approach to common design challenges, such as scaling content creation, ensuring brand consistency across diverse platforms, or managing competing creative priorities.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific design tools and technologies and how you leverage them for efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio and the ability to articulate strategic thinking, leadership, and process optimization are crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their impact through concrete examples and data.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Expertise in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and potentially Figma or Sketch for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or similar platforms for workflow management, task assignment, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace for communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of design analytics and reporting tools to measure the effectiveness of visual communications and inform future strategies.

• Ability to interpret data from web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) and marketing platforms to assess audience engagement with design assets. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms and CRM systems to support GTM strategies is beneficial.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for publishing and managing digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list tools, a Design Director is expected to be proficient in industry-standard design software and project management tools. A forward-thinking approach to technology adoption for design efficiency is also implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design that upholds brand integrity and meets audience needs.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with cross-functional teams to achieve integrated creative strategies and cohesive brand expression.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a forward-thinking approach to design practices, technologies, and workflows to drive efficiency and stay ahead of industry trends.

• Inclusivity & Belonging: Promoting a diverse and inclusive team environment where all members feel valued and respected.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on how design contributes to organizational goals and the transformation of the accounting and finance profession.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with Brand, Multimedia, and Writing leaders to ensure unified messaging and storytelling.

• Proactive in communicating the value of design and advocating for best practices across the organization.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes, facilitating smooth project flow and stakeholder alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Great Place to Work-Certified" status and emphasis on diversity and inclusion suggest a positive and supportive team culture. The core values likely revolve around professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: Evolving the design team's operating model to efficiently deliver high-quality creative assets at scale for a large organization.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and consistent brand identity across a wide range of internal and external communications and touchpoints.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively partnering with diverse teams (e.g., Brand, Marketing, Content) to integrate design into broader communication strategies and achieve shared objectives.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with and integrating new design tools, technologies, and methodologies to maintain efficiency and creative output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to continuous learning resources, workshops, and potential certifications to enhance design leadership and operational skills.

• Opportunities to lead strategic initiatives and influence the direction of creative content within the accounting and finance profession.

• Mentorship and professional development programs offered by AICPA, a Great Place to Work-Certified company.

• Potential for career advancement within the Creative Content & Publishing division or broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges in creative scaling and process optimization, while offering significant avenues for professional growth and strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and evolving a design vision and standards for an organization. How do you ensure buy-in and consistent application?"

• "How have you led and mentored design teams to foster a high-performing and inclusive culture? Provide an example of a time you addressed team performance."

• "Walk me through a process you've developed or refined to improve the efficiency and speed to market of creative deliverables. What were the key components and outcomes?"

• "How do you partner with brand, multimedia, and writing leadership to ensure cohesive storytelling and integrated creative strategy? Describe a successful collaboration." Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AICPA and our mission to transform the accounting and finance profession?"

• "How would you contribute to our 'Great Place to Work' culture and foster a sense of belonging within your design team?"

• "Describe your experience with hybrid work models and how you ensure effective collaboration and productivity in such an environment." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your portfolio presentation around key themes: strategic leadership, team management, process optimization, and impact.

• For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results achieved.

• Be prepared to discuss the operational aspects of your work, such as how you managed workflows, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured quality and consistency.

• Highlight examples where you’ve influenced design strategy or implemented significant process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate strategic thinking, operational acumen, and leadership capabilities. Your portfolio should serve as evidence of your ability to translate creative vision into scalable, impactful design operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the AICPA's Taleo career portal via the provided job link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in design leadership, strategic vision setting, team management, and process optimization relevant to scaling creative operations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8+ years of design experience and 2+ years in a leadership role, using keywords from the job description such as "creative direction," "design strategy," "workflow management," and "team leadership."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to interview questions, especially those concerning strategic design, team leadership, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on operational impact and results.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AICPA's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand their commitment to being a "Great Place to Work" and how that influences their culture and operational practices.

⚠️ 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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