Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: The Mint Agency

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative Direction & Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-05-14

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and elevate the visual output across all client brand, campaign, and digital projects, ensuring exceptional creative excellence.

• Translate strategic insights into compelling, ownable visual ideas and robust design systems with a focus on brand love.

• Provide strong creative direction and mentorship to a team of designers, fostering a culture of innovation and high-quality execution.

• Drive the conceptualization and hands-on refinement of design work, ensuring strategic alignment and strong visual craft from concept to completion.

• Act as a key collaborator with Creative, Strategy, and Account teams, presenting design solutions confidently to clients and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on creative execution, emphasizing the ability to both mentor a team and personally contribute to high-caliber design output. The focus on "brand love" and "culture creatures" suggests an agency that values deep client partnerships and a modern, human-centered approach to branding and marketing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the design process for a diverse range of client projects, including brand identity development, integrated campaigns, and digital experiences.

• Define, implement, and champion high standards for visual craft, typography, layout, and overall creative excellence across all design deliverables.

• Translate complex strategic briefs and consumer insights into innovative, ownable visual concepts and scalable design systems.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration, working closely with strategy, account management, and other creative disciplines to ensure integrated and impactful client solutions.

• Provide clear, constructive feedback and mentorship to junior and senior designers, supporting their professional growth and the overall quality of the design team's output.

• Engage in hands-on design work as needed, refining concepts, executing key visuals, and ensuring the highest level of polish and strategic alignment.

• Confidently present design concepts, strategies, and final work to internal teams and external clients, articulating rationale and building consensus.

• Champion design thinking methodologies and encourage experimentation with new creative tools and emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role requiring both strategic vision and tactical execution. The emphasis on "translating strategic insights" and "defining and upholding a high standard of visual craft" indicates a need for a leader who can bridge the gap between business objectives and creative output, ensuring design serves a strategic purpose.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is highly recommended, complemented by a robust portfolio.

Experience: 6–10+ years of progressive experience in design roles, with a significant emphasis on agency-side experience being preferred. This should include demonstrated experience in leading design initiatives and mentoring design talent.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead design across brand systems, integrated campaigns, and digital projects from initial concept through to final execution.

• Exceptional command of visual craft, including advanced skills in typography, layout composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Strong conceptual thinking and the ability to develop unique, ownable creative ideas that align with strategic objectives.

• Demonstrated experience in translating strategic insights and client briefs into compelling visual narratives and design solutions.

• Proficiency in presenting design work confidently and persuasively to diverse audiences, including clients and executive stakeholders.

• Experience in mentoring, guiding, and developing the skills of a design team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design principles and software (e.g., After Effects).

• Familiarity with 3D design software and applications.

• Skills in interactive design, prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), and UI/UX principles.

• Experience building and evolving comprehensive brand identity systems from the ground up.

• A keen understanding of current cultural trends, emerging creative technologies, and their application in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement leans towards seasoned professionals who have navigated the agency landscape. The preference for agency experience suggests familiarity with client-service models, fast-paced environments, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating leadership in brand identity development, campaign creative, and digital design projects.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each case study, highlighting strategic thinking, conceptual development, and hands-on design execution.

• Include examples of how you translated strategic insights into visual systems and ownable creative ideas.

• Demonstrate exceptional visual craft across typography, layout, and visual storytelling within your portfolio pieces.

• Present evidence of your ability to mentor and guide other designers, perhaps through examples of team-led projects where your direction was instrumental.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from brief interpretation and conceptualization to execution, refinement, and final delivery.

• Outline your approach to defining and upholding design standards and ensuring creative excellence within a team environment.

• Explain how you collaborate with strategy, account, and other teams to integrate design into broader client initiatives.

• Discuss your methods for receiving and providing constructive feedback to elevate design work.

• Be ready to articulate your approach to presenting design solutions and defending creative decisions to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's creative vision, strategic acumen, and hands-on capabilities. It should not only display beautiful work but also a clear understanding of how design drives business objectives and brand perception.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $155,000 CAD. This range is determined by job-related factors such as experience, skills, level of responsibility, internal equity, and business needs.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing (details not specified).

• Inclusion in a creative and collaborative agency culture with regular team events.

Working Hours: The standard work week is 40 hours, typically Monday through Friday. While the role is on-site, the agency may offer some flexibility for focused work or specific project needs, subject to team and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Design Director role in Toronto, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities. The benefits listed are standard but should be confirmed for specifics. The emphasis on "total rewards program" suggests that beyond base salary, other compensation elements might exist.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Design & Branding, Strategy, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Content Creation, Experiential Marketing, Public Relations, and Talent & Influencer Management. This multidisciplinary approach means the Design Director will interact with a broad spectrum of marketing disciplines.

Company Size: The description implies a growing, independent agency rather than a large conglomerate. The mention of building "bespoke teams" suggests a flexible structure that scales with client needs, likely indicating a mid-sized agency with around 50-150 employees.

Founded: Founded on principles of empathy, optimism, audaciousness, progressiveness, and kindness, Mint Agency positions itself as a modern, human-centered creative partner. The agency's ethos is built around deep client partnerships and creating work that positively impacts culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a team of designers, working within a larger Creative department that includes copywriters, art directors, and potentially strategists.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with close partnerships expected with Strategy, Account Management, and other specialized teams (Social, Digital, PR, etc.).

Methodology:

• Mint Agency emphasizes a partnership model, acting as an extension and advisor to clients.

• They build bespoke teams tailored to individual client business problems, fostering agility and specialized expertise.

• A strong focus is placed on understanding human behavior and cultural impact to drive brand love and positive influence.

• Data-driven insights are likely integrated into their strategic and creative processes to inform decision-making.

Company Website: themintagency.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is clearly defined by its five core values, which should be a significant consideration for candidates. The agency's approach to client partnerships and team structure suggests a collaborative and adaptive work environment, ideal for individuals who thrive on diverse projects and cross-functional teamwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Head of Design within an agency setting. It involves significant responsibility for creative output, team management, and client-facing strategy. The scope includes shaping the agency's creative reputation and contributing to its business growth.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or Chief Creative Officer (CCO) and will directly manage a team of designers. They will also have strong dotted-line reporting relationships with Account Directors and Strategists for project-specific collaboration.

Operations Impact: The Design Director has a direct impact on client success by delivering high-quality, strategically sound creative solutions that enhance brand perception, drive engagement, and achieve business objectives. Their leadership influences the agency's creative output, client satisfaction, and overall market reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Creative Director or Chief Creative Officer role, overseeing larger creative departments and influencing agency-wide creative strategy.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to play a more significant role in agency new business pitches, client strategy development, and shaping the agency's overall creative vision.

• Specialization/Expansion: Possibility to develop expertise in emerging areas like motion graphics, interactive design, or AI-driven creative tools, potentially leading new service offerings.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop a talented team, contributing to the agency's talent pipeline and fostering a strong design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a creative agency environment, moving from leading design execution to shaping broader creative strategy and agency direction. The emphasis on impact and influence suggests opportunities for significant professional development and recognition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a physical office presence is required. This suggests a traditional agency environment designed for collaboration, brainstorming, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Toronto, ON, Canada. This vibrant city offers a rich cultural landscape and a strong talent pool, providing a dynamic backdrop for a creative agency. Accessibility within Toronto would be a practical consideration for daily commuting.

Workspace Context:

• The on-site environment is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous interaction and team brainstorming sessions.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology, including a robust Adobe Creative Suite setup, is expected.

• Proximity to colleagues across various departments (Strategy, Account, Social, PR) facilitates cross-functional teamwork and integrated campaign development.

• The agency's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility suggests a supportive and accommodating workspace.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, the agency may offer some flexibility for focused work or specific project needs, subject to team and client requirements, aligning with a dynamic agency pace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the agency's value for in-person collaboration and team synergy, which is common in creative environments where spontaneous idea generation and direct feedback are crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the Design Director role, experience level, and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing key case studies, their role, strategic thinking, and design process.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Creative Directors, Strategy leads, Account Directors, and potentially other senior team members to assess collaboration style, leadership approach, and cultural fit.

• Creative Challenge (Potential): A practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate problem-solving skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to translate strategy into design under a given timeframe.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., CCO, CEO) to finalize decisions, discuss compensation, and confirm alignment with agency vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your leadership capabilities, strategic approach, and breadth of experience (brand, campaign, digital).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic insight, your role and process, and the measurable impact of the design solution.

• Showcase Craft: Ensure your portfolio is impeccably designed, showcasing strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples or discussions of how you've mentored, guided, or led design teams.

• Be Prepared to Defend: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, rationale, and how you handled feedback or challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Mint Agency's values, client work, and industry positioning.

• Practice articulating your design process and strategic thinking concisely.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge for a client in one of Mint's service areas.

• Prepare questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and interest in the agency's culture and client partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative output and leadership potential. A strong portfolio is non-negotiable, and candidates must be prepared to articulate their strategic thinking, process, and ability to lead teams effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, and layout. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a baseline requirement.

• Prototyping & Design Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is highly desirable for digital design and collaboration.

• Motion Graphics Software: Experience with Adobe After Effects is a plus, as indicated by "motion experience."

• 3D Software: Familiarity with 3D design tools would be advantageous, aligning with "3D experience" preferences.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for this role, a Design Director often needs to understand how design impacts metrics. Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics to interpret design performance would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to a Design Director's core responsibilities, but understanding how marketing automation tools might influence design asset creation or digital campaign execution could be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is foundational. The "nice to have" skills in motion, 3D, and interactive design suggest the agency is looking for a forward-thinking designer who can adapt to evolving creative technologies and client demands.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empathy: Understanding client needs and target audiences through their perspectives to create resonant design.

• Optimism: Maintaining a positive and solution-oriented approach to creative challenges and client relationships.

• Audaciousness: Being brave and innovative in design concepts, pushing boundaries while ensuring follow-through.

• Progressiveness: Challenging the status quo, embracing new tools, and evolving design practices to stay ahead.

• Kindness: Fostering a respectful, honest, transparent, and inclusive environment for colleagues and clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Focused: Working closely with clients and internal teams as an integrated extension of their efforts.

• Bespoke Team Building: Assembling and leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams tailored to specific project needs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Seamless collaboration with Strategy, Account, Social, Digital, and PR teams to ensure cohesive campaign development.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive dialogue and iterative refinement of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agency's values are central to its identity and should be a key consideration for candidates. Demonstrating alignment with these values during the interview process will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Demands: Effectively translating strategic client objectives into compelling designs that also push creative boundaries.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Stakeholders: Juggling diverse client needs, timelines, and feedback loops from various internal and external parties.

• Mentoring and Developing a Diverse Design Team: Providing effective guidance and growth opportunities for designers with varying skill sets and experience levels.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technologies: Continuously adapting to new tools, platforms, and creative approaches in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Tool Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in motion graphics, 3D design, or emerging AI creative tools.

• Strategic Leadership Workshops: Development programs focused on advanced creative strategy, client advisory, and business development.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in leading design and advertising conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leadership for guidance on career progression and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior design leadership role in an agency, requiring strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability skills. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with advancing a career in creative leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a client's strategic brief into a unique visual concept. Can you walk us through a specific example?"

• "How do you ensure that design work not only looks good but also achieves specific business objectives for the client?"

• "What is your approach to building and mentoring a design team? How do you foster creative excellence and professional growth?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Mint Agency's core values (Empathy, Optimism, Audaciousness, Progressiveness, Kindness) resonate with your personal work philosophy and leadership style?"

• "Based on your understanding of Mint, what do you believe are our key strengths as an agency, and where do you see opportunities for design to further enhance our client partnerships?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by client type, project scope, or by demonstrating your core competencies (Brand Systems, Campaigns, Digital).

• Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the objective, your strategic approach, your specific role and contributions, the design process, and the results achieved. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Leadership: When discussing team projects, clearly articulate your role in directing, mentoring, and refining the work.

• Be Concise: Respect the time allotted for your presentation. Focus on the most impactful projects and insights.

• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, process, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic mindset, strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of design principles, and alignment with the agency's core values. Be ready to 'show, don't just tell' through your portfolio and case study discussions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and readily accessible.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best showcase your leadership in brand systems, campaign creative, and digital design, aligning with The Mint Agency's service offerings.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize quantifiable achievements, leadership experience, and specific design skills relevant to agency work, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling of your strategic process, creative execution, and team leadership. Prepare to answer questions related to the agency's values and collaborative approach.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Mint Agency's website, client work, and recent news to understand their culture, methodologies, and market positioning. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and vision align with their goals.

⚠️ 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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