Design Director, Experience Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Experience Design

Company: Circa - IPG DXTRA

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Experience Design / Creative Direction

Date Posted: 2026-06-22T15:21:19

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the strategic development and execution of holistic brand experiences, integrating consumer insights into tangible design outcomes.

• Manages and mentors a multidisciplinary design team, fostering a collaborative environment for innovative problem-solving and creative output.

• Drives the conceptualization and realization of immersive brand activations across digital, physical, and environmental touchpoints.

• Cultivates strong client relationships through compelling presentations and a deep understanding of brand strategy and competitive landscapes.

• Stays ahead of industry trends and best practices in Experience Design to ensure cutting-edge and impactful client solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within the Experience Design function, requiring a blend of strategic vision, creative execution, team management, and client-facing skills. The focus on "holistic journey" and "immersive experiences" suggests a need for architects of brand interaction, not just visual designers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative concepts into detailed design development, overseeing the entire process from ideation through to final execution.

• Apply an analytical and strategy-focused lens to all projects, ensuring design solutions are rooted in client objectives and consumer understanding.

• Develop a profound understanding of client brands, their competitive positioning, and market dynamics to inform design strategy.

• Champion and apply all facets of Experience Design, including but not limited to architecture, environmental, interior, retail, graphic, and motion design.

• Proactively research and integrate emerging industry trends and innovative practices into design methodologies and client proposals.

• Manage multiple complex projects concurrently, demonstrating agility and effectiveness in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

• Lead and inspire the multidisciplinary experience design team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Continuously monitor the competitive design landscape, identifying opportunities to enhance brand objectives and target audience engagement.

• Present design concepts and strategies internally to stakeholders and collaboratively build relationships with cross-functional leads.

• Articulate design rationale and deliverables effectively to clients, building trust and establishing strong, long-term partnerships.

• Mentor and guide junior design team members, fostering their professional growth and skill development in Experience Design.

• Uphold and embody the company's core values in all professional interactions and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior leadership role focused on client delivery, team management, and strategic design thinking. The emphasis on "holistic journey" and "Total Brand Experience" implies a need for a candidate who can orchestrate multiple design disciplines to create cohesive and impactful brand interactions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Experience Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a closely related creative field. Experience:

• 10-12+ years of progressive experience in Experience Design, Brand Experience, or a similar creative leadership role, with a proven track record of delivering impactful projects.

• Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing complex, multi-faceted projects from concept to completion. Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing passion for design, with a significant emphasis on experiential, environmental, retail, and digital design projects. Portfolio should demonstrate mastery of the full design process.

• Design Fundamentals: Exceptional skill in layouts, typography, line composition, color theory, sketching, visualization, mood boards, material application, spatial diagrams, user journeys, and core graphic design principles.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro) and other relevant design and visualization software.

• Communication: Natural and articulate communicator with outstanding visual and verbal presentation skills, capable of engaging both internal teams and high-level clients.

• Strategic Acumen: Ability to approach projects with an analytical and strategy-focused lens, understanding client objectives, competitive landscapes, and consumer behavior.

• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, adapting to rapidly changing priorities and client needs.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and mentor junior team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented design culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D modeling and rendering software.

• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and user-centered design methodologies.

• Knowledge of production processes for physical installations and experiential activations.

• Understanding of analytics and data interpretation to inform design decisions and measure impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating your passion for design and experiential" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that go beyond traditional graphic design, highlighting their ability to craft end-to-end brand experiences. The "hustler at heart" description implies a need for self-starters who are proactive and resilient.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Holistic Journey Mapping: Showcase projects that illustrate the end-to-end customer journey and how design elements integrate across various touchpoints (digital, physical, environmental).

• Conceptualization & Execution: Provide examples of how you've taken abstract creative concepts and translated them into tangible, well-executed designs, demonstrating the full design lifecycle.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Highlight projects where you've successfully integrated multiple design disciplines (e.g., graphic, environmental, digital, motion) into a cohesive brand experience.

• Problem/Solution Framework: Clearly articulate the client's business challenge or objective for each project and how your design solutions addressed it, focusing on measurable outcomes where possible.

• Client Presentation Examples: Include examples or descriptions of how you've presented complex design strategies and solutions to clients, demonstrating your communication and persuasion skills.

Process Documentation:

• Design Strategy Development: Document your approach to understanding client needs, conducting research, and developing a strategic design framework.

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in establishing and refining design workflows to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and timely delivery of projects.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Outline how you facilitate collaboration between design teams and other departments (e.g., strategy, production, analytics) to ensure integrated project success.

• Mentorship & Skill Development Processes: Describe your methods for mentoring junior designers, fostering their growth, and developing team-wide design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should serve as a tangible demonstration of the candidate's ability to orchestrate complex design projects and lead a team. Emphasis should be placed on the strategic thinking behind the design, not just the aesthetic output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $165,000 annually.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is competitive for a senior Design Director role in New York City, reflecting the experience level and leadership responsibilities. The final salary will be determined by factors including candidate experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Time Well Taken: A flexible benefits plan allowing employees to take the time they need for personal well-being and rejuvenation.

• Hybrid Work Model: Offers flexibility to work from home or the office, promoting a balanced work-life integration.

• Holidays and Winter Break: Agency-wide closure between Christmas and New Year's holidays, providing extended time off.

• No Meeting Fridays: Dedicated time for focused work, creative thinking, and project execution without scheduled meetings.

• DE&I Programs and Initiatives: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through curated programs and ongoing initiatives.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to support employee health and wellness.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and Long-term disability coverage for income protection.

• Retirement Savings: 401(K) plan with a company match to support long-term financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.

• Work from Home Stipend: Support for setting up an effective home office environment.

• Referral Bonuses: Incentives for referring successful candidates to the company.

• Training and Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax-advantaged savings account for healthcare expenses (often paired with high-deductible health plans).

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility often afforded through the hybrid model and "No Meeting Fridays."

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour week is implied, the emphasis on "Time Well Taken" and a hybrid model suggests a results-oriented culture that values employee well-being and autonomy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising; Experiential Marketing; Brand Experience Design.

Company Size: IPG DXTRA is a large, global network of marketing services agencies. Momentum Worldwide, as part of this network, operates with significant resources and a broad client base.

Founded: Momentum Worldwide was founded in 1999.

Team Structure:

• Multidisciplinary Experience Design Team: The Design Director will lead a diverse team comprising specialists in various design fields (graphic, environmental, digital, motion, interior, retail, etc.).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with strategy, analytics, consulting, and production teams within Momentum Worldwide to deliver integrated "Total Brand Experiences."

• Reporting: The Design Director will likely report to a senior creative lead or head of the Experience Design department, with direct reports being the design team members.

Methodology:

• Total Brand Experience: The agency's core philosophy, focusing on creating disruptive, entertaining, and shareable experiences that connect people to what they love.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasizes using consumer insights, behaviors, and data to inform creative and strategic decisions.

• Agile & Dynamic: The environment is described as energetic and fast-paced, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach.

• Sustainability Focus: Commitment to sustainable practices in design and production, aiming for ISO certifications.

Company Website: https://www.ipgdxtra.com/ (IPG DXTRA network), https://www.momentumww.com/ (Momentum Worldwide)

📝 Enhancement Note: Momentum Worldwide positions itself as an "agency of doers" focused on creating unforgettable, disruptive experiences. The culture is described as value-driven, emphasizing collaboration, personal growth, and a commitment to sustainability and employee well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, equivalent to a Director or Senior Manager level within a creative agency's Experience Design department. It requires a significant depth of experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage both projects and people.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will lead a team of designers and likely report to a VP or Chief Creative Officer/Head of Experience Design. They will collaborate closely with leads from other disciplines (Strategy, Analytics, Production).

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is central to the agency's ability to deliver on its promise of creating "disruptive, entertaining, shareable, unforgettable experiences." Their work directly influences client satisfaction, brand perception, and the agency's reputation for innovation and excellence in experiential design. Success in this role contributes directly to revenue generation through successful client projects and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into VP-level creative roles, overseeing larger teams or broader creative functions within the agency or network.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of Experience Design or to become a thought leader in emerging experiential trends.

• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in high-level client strategy development and new business pitches.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to shape and grow design talent within the organization.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to contribute to award-winning work and gain industry recognition for innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for seasoned designers to move into leadership, impacting high-profile client work and shaping the future of brand experiences. The connection to IPG DXTRA suggests potential for broader career opportunities within a large agency network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, meaning a blend of in-office and remote work. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): Primarily New York City, a major hub for advertising and design.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and project spaces designed to encourage interaction and idea-sharing among design teams and other departments.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and potentially prototyping tools necessary for developing cutting-edge experiential designs.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct collaboration with designers, strategists, account managers, and production teams, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the culture emphasizes results and flexibility. "No Meeting Fridays" are a key feature, allowing for focused work and deep creative thinking. The hybrid model also offers flexibility in daily scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and "No Meeting Fridays" are significant indicators of a culture that prioritizes work-life balance and efficient, focused work. Candidates should be comfortable with a collaborative office setting for key meetings and team interactions, while also valuing independent work time.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for alignment with requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation (Internal): A session with the hiring manager and potentially other senior creative leaders to present a curated selection of work, discuss design philosophy, and demonstrate strategic thinking.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers and collaborators from strategy, account management, and production teams to assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

• Client Simulation/Case Study: Potentially a presentation or a simulated client brief to assess problem-solving, strategic approach, and presentation skills.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership (e.g., CCO, Head of IPG DXTRA) for final evaluation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight experiential design, leadership, and strategic impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, your strategic approach, the design process, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples where you led a team, mentored junior members, or drove a project from concept to execution.

• Highlight Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to work across various design disciplines (digital, environmental, physical, graphic, motion).

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, your approach to problem-solving, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of current industry trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Agency: Research Momentum Worldwide and IPG DXTRA's work, clients, and values. Be prepared to articulate how your style and approach align with their "Total Brand Experience" philosophy.

• Experiential Design Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in experiential marketing, immersive technology, sustainable design, and how brands are creating memorable interactions.

• Client-Centric Thinking: Practice framing your experience and ideas in terms of client business objectives and ROI.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've managed difficult team dynamics, navigated client challenges, and mentored junior talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "experiential" and "holistic journey" means candidates must go beyond showcasing beautiful visuals. They need to demonstrate how their designs solve business problems and create meaningful connections for consumers.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, layout, image editing, and motion graphics (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for internal and client presentations.

• Prototyping Tools: Potentially tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for digital interface design aspects, or more specialized software for 3D modeling and rendering (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender, SketchUp).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing workflows and deadlines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics, event ROI metrics) to inform design and measure impact is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an awareness of how design integrates with CRM strategies or marketing automation platforms in a broader sense may be useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with an added advantage for candidates familiar with 3D modeling, rendering, and potentially UX/UI tools, reflecting the diverse nature of "Experience Design."

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be One: Emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and a unified approach to achieving client goals.

• Do Great Work: A commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering impactful, memorable experiences.

• Have Fun: Fostering a positive, energetic, and enjoyable work environment.

• Give Back: Commitment to community, sustainability, and making a positive impact.

• Grow: Encouraging continuous learning, professional development, and personal growth for all employees.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Highly collaborative, requiring seamless interaction between design, strategy, account, and production teams to deliver integrated "Total Brand Experiences."

• Open Communication: Encourages direct and honest feedback, creating an environment where ideas can be challenged and refined.

• Proactive & Agile: Team members are expected to be proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.

• Mentorship Culture: Senior members are expected to actively mentor and develop junior talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are deeply integrated into its operational philosophy, emphasizing collective success, high-quality output, positive employee experience, social responsibility, and continuous development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Objectives: Ensuring innovative and disruptive designs remain strategically aligned with client business goals and budgets.

• Managing Diverse Design Disciplines: Effectively leading and integrating a team with varied specializations to produce cohesive experiences.

• Navigating Fast-Paced Environments: Adapting to rapidly changing client needs, project priorities, and market trends with agility.

• Demonstrating ROI for Experiential Design: Quantifying the impact and value of experiential campaigns to clients who may be accustomed to more traditional metrics.

• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Continuously learning and integrating new technologies and platforms into experiential design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading events in design, marketing, and technology to stay current.

• Internal Training Programs: Access to IPG DXTRA and Momentum Worldwide's professional development resources, including leadership training and skill-specific workshops.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working closely with strategy, analytics, and production teams provides broad exposure to the entire marketing and brand experience ecosystem.

• Mentorship: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within the agency and network.

• Exposure to Global Brands: Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of high-profile national and international clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior creative role in a dynamic agency, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are robust, leveraging the scale of IPG DXTRA.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex experiential or brand experience project you led from concept to execution. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your strategic approach, leadership, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance creative innovation with client business objectives and budget constraints?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and client management.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a holistic brand experience strategy for a new client or product launch." (Highlight your methodology, research, and integration of design disciplines.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Momentum Worldwide's 'Total Brand Experience' philosophy and this specific role?" (Show you've researched and understand their core offering.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inspiring environment within a multidisciplinary design team?" (Address your leadership and team-building approach.)

• "Describe a time you had to present a challenging design concept to a client. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, persuasion, and client relationship skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: Structure your presentation around compelling stories for each project, not just a showcase of visuals.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem and the tangible results or impact of your design solutions. Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Your Role: Define your specific contributions, especially if you led a team or managed client interactions.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your selected projects demonstrate your range across different design disciplines relevant to experiential marketing.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your process, tool choices, and how you handle feedback or creative disagreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of how design drives business outcomes in the context of experiential marketing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your 10-12+ years of experience, leadership roles, and specific achievements in experiential and brand experience design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that showcase your strategic thinking, leadership, and ability to create holistic brand experiences across various disciplines. Ensure it's easily navigable and tells a compelling story for each project.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio to effectively communicate your process, strategy, and results. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and leadership approach.

• Research Momentum Worldwide: Understand their work, clients, values, and the "Total Brand Experience" philosophy to tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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