Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Jack Morton Worldwide

Location: Bulloch County, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Experiential Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-09-04T18:46:24

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of award-winning environmental designs for impactful brand experiences.

• Drive innovative experiential marketing solutions that redefine client brand engagement.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.

• Translate bold design concepts into compelling, tangible live experiences that resonate with target audiences.

• Oversee the entire design process from ideation through to final production, ensuring alignment with brand objectives and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly positioned within the experiential marketing and brand activation sector, focusing on the creation of physical and immersive brand environments. The "Design Director" title, coupled with responsibilities like "environmental design," "live experiences," and "stage and event experience," indicates a need for a candidate with a strong portfolio in physical space design for events, trade shows, and brand activations, rather than digital design or purely graphic design. The emphasis on leading a team and client interaction suggests a senior role requiring both creative vision and strong leadership capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design immersive, compelling 3D environments that serve as the foundation for unique branded experiences.

• Develop and present innovative design concepts to clients and internal stakeholders, clearly articulating the strategic vision and creative rationale.

• Conduct in-depth brand and audience research to inform design direction and ensure authentic representation.

• Lead and mentor a team of designers, fostering their professional development and ensuring accountability for their work.

• Understand and apply knowledge of materials, building techniques, and construction drawing best practices to ensure feasibility and quality.

• Create comprehensive control packages for estimation and budgeting purposes, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

• Operate within defined budgets and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance and financial responsibility.

• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to team members to foster continuous improvement and professional growth.

• Collaborate effectively with the broader Creative department and across various organizational functions to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Maintain a high standard of communication, demonstrating clarity, confidence, professionalism, and authenticity in all interactions.

• Stay current with evolving design trends and technologies, strategically applying them to enhance creative output and client solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative leadership, strategic client engagement, and team management within the context of physical brand experiences. The mention of "control packages for estimation," "materials, building techniques," and "construction drawings" points to a need for practical, production-oriented design skills, not just conceptualization. Experience with stage and event design is explicitly mentioned as a plus, reinforcing the focus on live, physical environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design, Architecture, Scenic Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant design experience, with a significant portion focused on experiential marketing, environmental design, or live event production.

• Proven track record of developing award-winning environmental designs.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a team of designers. Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing immersive and compelling 3D environments for branded experiences.

• Strong conceptualization and creative thinking abilities to generate thoughtful and impactful design ideas.

• Proficient in presenting design concepts clearly and persuasively to clients and stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of brand strategy and audience engagement principles within experiential marketing.

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a design team, fostering accountability and professional development.

• Solid understanding of materials, building techniques, and the creation of construction drawings.

• Proficiency in budget management and working within financial constraints.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present effectively to diverse audiences.

• Ability to interpret and apply technical procedures and governmental regulations.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret various forms of instructions (written, oral, diagram, schedule).

• Familiarity with MS Dynamics Accounting software and the Microsoft Office suite. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with stage and event design.

• Experience working with pharmaceutical clients or brands.

• Familiarity with advanced design and visualization software beyond standard office suites.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive and ambitious approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a BA/BFA or 10+ years of experience signifies a senior-level position. The emphasis on "environmental design," "branded live experiences," and "stage and event experience" clearly places this role within the experiential marketing and event design domain, distinguishing it from typical graphic or digital design roles. The mention of "MS Dynamics Accounting software" is unusual for a design role and might indicate a need for basic understanding of project cost tracking or integration with financial systems within the agency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 significant experiential design projects, with a strong emphasis on environmental and 3D spatial design for live events, brand activations, or trade shows.

• Detailed case studies for at least 2-3 key projects, illustrating the design process from initial concept development to final execution and impact.

• Visualizations and renderings that demonstrate proficiency in 3D modeling and design software.

• Examples of construction drawings, technical specifications, or material boards that highlight practical design knowledge.

• Evidence of successful client presentations and stakeholder engagement within the portfolio. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the end-to-end design process for experiential marketing projects, from brief to build.

• Showcase how you translate client objectives and brand narratives into cohesive spatial and environmental designs.

• Provide examples of how you manage design timelines, budgets, and team workflows to ensure efficient project delivery.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, account management, creative directors) throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role in experiential marketing, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond mere aesthetics and demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to translate concepts into buildable, impactful physical spaces. The inclusion of construction drawings and budget-related documentation is crucial for a role that bridges creative vision with practical execution in a live event context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director with 10+ years of experience in experiential marketing and team leadership in the Georgia region, the estimated annual salary range is $120,000 - $160,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the specialized nature of experiential design, and the cost of living in Georgia.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for senior-level design and creative director roles in experiential marketing agencies in major US metropolitan areas, adjusted for the specific location in Georgia. Factors considered include required experience (10+ years), leadership responsibilities, and the specialized nature of environmental and live event design.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Opportunities for creative growth and advancement within a leading experiential marketing agency.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. However, the nature of experiential marketing often requires flexibility and occasional work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during project deadlines and event execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The note on working hours is critical for this industry. Experiential marketing roles, especially at a director level, frequently demand extended hours and weekend work during critical project phases and live events.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing & Brand Experience Design. Jack Morton Worldwide is a globally recognized agency specializing in creating impactful brand experiences that connect with audiences on an emotional level. They focus on live events, digital integrations, and immersive environments to drive engagement and achieve client objectives.

Company Size: Over 500 employees globally, with multiple offices across different regions. This indicates a well-established, sizable organization with robust processes and a broad client base.

Founded: 1902. With a long history, Jack Morton likely boasts a strong legacy, established methodologies, and a deep understanding of the industry, while also embracing modern approaches to brand experience.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will likely be part of a larger Creative department, potentially alongside other design disciplines, creative directors, and strategists.

• They will directly manage a team of 1-5 designers, overseeing their day-to-day work and professional development.

• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with account management, production, strategy, and technology teams to deliver integrated experiential solutions. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are used to inform creative strategy and design execution, ensuring experiences are not only engaging but also measurable and effective.

• A strong emphasis on collaboration, both internally and with clients, to co-create impactful brand moments.

• Focus on turning bold ideas into meaningful connections through meticulous planning and execution of physical and digital experiences.

• Commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what experiential marketing can achieve.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's history and focus on "brand experience," the culture likely values creativity, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a strong work ethic. The mention of "Experience Without Limits" in the intro suggests an environment that encourages ambitious thinking and professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role within the creative and design function, positioned at a Director level. It involves significant responsibility for creative output, team management, and client-facing strategy. The role requires seasoned professionals with a proven track record in designing and executing large-scale experiential projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director, Executive Creative Director, or a senior leader within the agency's creative or experiential division. They will, in turn, supervise a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly influences the success of client brand campaigns and activations. Their ability to create compelling, on-brand experiences is crucial for achieving client objectives, driving audience engagement, and contributing to the agency's reputation for delivering high-impact solutions. This role is central to translating creative strategy into tangible, memorable brand interactions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Executive Creative Director or similar senior leadership roles within the agency.

• Opportunity to lead larger, more complex global projects and client accounts.

• Specialization in specific types of experiential design (e.g., large-scale events, immersive installations, retail experiences).

• Potential to contribute to the agency's new business pitches and thought leadership.

• Development of strategic client advisory skills beyond pure design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Director" title implies a significant level of autonomy and strategic contribution. Growth opportunities would naturally involve expanding scope of influence, managing larger teams, and taking on more strategic client advisory roles within the experiential marketing domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site, likely within a dynamic agency office environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. This would typically include design studios, meeting rooms, and common collaborative spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary location is listed as Bulloch County, Georgia. This suggests a presence in or near a community within that county, which may be a more suburban or semi-rural setting compared to a major metropolis, but Jack Morton's broader operations are global.

Workspace Context:

• A creative and collaborative office space designed to encourage idea-sharing and cross-disciplinary work.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially fabrication resources or partnerships for prototyping and execution.

• Opportunities for interaction with diverse teams, including account managers, strategists, producers, and other creative professionals.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, client-focused, and deadline-driven, typical of a leading experiential marketing agency.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the demands of experiential marketing projects and client events often necessitate flexibility, including potential evening, weekend, and holiday work. This is a common characteristic of agency life in this sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is key here. Given the nature of physical design and team leadership, this role necessitates a physical presence to collaborate, mentor, and oversee the design process directly. The specific location in Bulloch County, Georgia, might indicate a unique operational hub or a specific project focus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess overall fit and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design philosophy, and leadership approach. This is a critical step to evaluate creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Design Director's direct manager (likely a Creative Director) to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, and strategic alignment.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and representatives from other departments (e.g., Production, Account Management) to assess collaboration potential and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior agency leader to discuss overall fit with the company's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in environmental design, experiential marketing, and team leadership. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the creative solution, your specific role, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly demonstrate your experience in leading design teams, mentoring designers, and managing projects from concept to completion.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of sketches, mood boards, 3D renderings, technical drawings, and material selections to illustrate your design process.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., audience engagement, client satisfaction, awards).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure a smooth, confident, and concise delivery. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions and leadership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve a hypothetical client brief. Focus on your strategic thinking, creative concept development, and ability to articulate your ideas under pressure.

• Consider how you would approach a project with specific constraints (budget, timeline, brand guidelines).

• Think about how you would present your concept and justify your design decisions to a client and internal team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part of the application for this role. Candidates must be ready to not only show their work but also to defend their creative decisions, explain their process, and demonstrate their leadership capabilities through their project examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• 3D Modeling & Rendering: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, SketchUp, or similar for creating detailed environmental designs and visualizations.

• CAD Software: Experience with AutoCAD or similar for developing technical drawings, construction plans, and specifications.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Strong command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for concept development, mood boards, presentations, and graphic elements.

• Prototyping/Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like VR/AR platforms or real-time rendering engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) could be a significant advantage for immersive experiences.

Project Management & Collaboration:

• MS Dynamics Accounting: While primarily an accounting software, familiarity may be required for project cost tracking and financial reporting integration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Comprehensive knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, presentations, and communication.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for task management and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the Design Director, an understanding of how design impacts audience engagement metrics and client ROI is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms used for live events or digital integrations may be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "MS Dynamics Accounting software" is unusual for a design role and might suggest a need for basic financial oversight or integration with the agency's financial systems at a project level. The core requirement will be proficiency in 3D design and visualization tools essential for environmental and experiential design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Boldness & Curiosity: Encouraging innovative thinking and a willingness to explore new ideas and challenge conventions in brand experience design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a "one team" mentality where ideas are built upon, and successes are shared across departments and with clients.

• Ownership & Accountability: Expecting individuals to take responsibility for their work, deliver high-quality results, and be accountable for their team's performance.

• Passion & Authenticity: Valuing genuine enthusiasm for creating impactful experiences and conducting business with integrity and transparency.

• Excellence & Impact: A commitment to delivering exceptional work that not only meets but exceeds client expectations and drives measurable results.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close partnerships with account management, strategy, production, and other creative disciplines.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to refine designs and ensure cohesive project delivery.

• A team-oriented approach where collective problem-solving and shared creativity lead to superior outcomes.

• Emphasis on client-centric collaboration to deeply understand their needs and translate them into effective brand experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's introductory statement about "bold, curious, and acts as one" provides direct insight into the desired culture. The values emphasize innovation, teamwork, and a strong sense of responsibility, all crucial for a senior role in a client-facing agency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Practical Constraints: The primary challenge will be translating innovative and ambitious design concepts into buildable realities within strict budgets, timelines, and technical limitations.

• Leading and Motivating a Diverse Design Team: Effectively managing, mentoring, and inspiring a team of designers with varying skill sets and personalities to achieve consistent high performance.

• Client Expectations and Stakeholder Management: Navigating diverse client needs, managing expectations, and presenting designs persuasively to secure buy-in from various stakeholders.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technologies: Continuously learning and integrating new design approaches, materials, and technologies into experiential marketing solutions to maintain a competitive edge.

• Adapting to Evolving Brand Experience Landscape: Keeping pace with changes in consumer behavior, digital integration, and immersive technologies that shape how brands connect with audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized 3D modeling, rendering, or VR/AR tools.

• Industry Conferences and Workshops: Attending leading events in experiential marketing, design, and brand strategy to gain insights and network.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training or mentorship focused on enhancing team management, strategic planning, and client advisory skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning from other departments within the agency to gain a holistic understanding of the experiential marketing process.

• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Guidance from executive creative directors and agency leaders to foster career growth and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dual nature of the role: being a creative visionary while also being a practical leader and manager. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership scope and strategic influence within the experiential marketing field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a highly creative design concept with significant budget or production constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and compromise.)

• "How do you inspire and mentor junior designers to produce their best work? Can you provide an example of a time you successfully developed a team member's skills?" (Focus on leadership, mentorship, and team development.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a 3D environmental design for a major brand activation, from initial brief to final presentation." (Focus on your systematic approach, creative thinking, and communication skills.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how have you incorporated new technologies or approaches into your past projects?" (Focus on continuous learning and innovation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Jack Morton Worldwide's approach to 'Experience Without Limits,' and how does your design philosophy align with this?" (Research the company's mission and values.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your design team and with other departments like production and account management?" (Demonstrate your teamwork and communication style.)

• "What do you believe are the key elements of a successful branded live experience, and how do you ensure your designs contribute to those elements?" (Show your strategic understanding of experiential marketing.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your strategy, your role and process, the solution, and the results. Use a consistent storytelling framework.

• Highlight Leadership: When discussing team projects, clearly articulate your specific contributions, leadership role, and how you guided the team's efforts.

• Show Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your design tools, techniques, and how you translated concepts into technical drawings or production-ready assets.

• Demonstrate Client Acumen: Explain how you understood client needs, managed feedback, and presented solutions effectively.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Aim for clarity and impact. Practice your timing to ensure you cover your most important points efficiently. Be prepared for in-depth questions on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic design thinking, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the experiential marketing landscape. The portfolio presentation is the most crucial element, requiring candidates to articulate their process and impact effectively.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase relevant experiential and environmental design projects. Highlight your leadership experience and ability to translate concepts into tangible live experiences.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, and specific achievements in experiential marketing and design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, leadership approach, and ability to articulate strategic thinking. Prepare answers for common behavioral and situational interview questions related to design leadership and client management.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jack Morton Worldwide's work, client portfolio, and company culture. Understand their philosophy of "Experience Without Limits" and how your skills and approach align with their values.

⚠️ 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.