Founding Brand Designer & Storyteller (Switzerland or Denmark)

Bifrost Studios
Full-timeGeneva, Switzerland

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Founding Brand Designer & Storyteller

Company: Bifrost Studios

Location: Geneva, Switzerland or Copenhagen, Denmark

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Brand Design & Storytelling (GTM Support)

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Spearhead the visual identity and brand narrative for a stealth applied AI venture, acting as the sole brand guardian from inception.

  • Drive the end-to-end design and content strategy for all external touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence.

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive brand system, including logo usage, typography, color palettes, and layout guidelines, to scale with future team growth.

  • Own the creation and management of marketing collateral, digital assets, and communication materials to support Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a foundational role within a stealth startup, implying significant autonomy and direct impact on the company's external perception. The emphasis on "founding" and "owning" suggests an expectation for proactive leadership and self-direction in brand development. The role bridges creative design with strategic storytelling to support the GTM strategy of an applied AI venture.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and meticulously maintain the complete visual identity and brand system, encompassing logo guidelines, typography, color schemes, layout principles, and overall brand tone.

  • Design, build, and manage the company website, including writing and integrating compelling copy that aligns with the brand's narrative and value proposition.

  • Produce high-impact pitch decks, client-facing materials, and collateral for the Applied AI Accelerator program using Figma.

  • Manage and execute the social media strategy across platforms like LinkedIn, creating engaging copy, graphics, and establishing a consistent posting cadence.

  • Design and implement visual templates for email campaigns, newsletters, and outreach sequences to support lead generation and nurturing efforts.

  • Write compelling case studies and long-form content that effectively showcase member outcomes and the impact of the applied AI solutions.

  • Oversee and produce all other external-facing artifacts, ensuring brand consistency and quality across all company communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on, "doer" role with end-to-end ownership. The "first year" breakdown provides a clear roadmap of expected deliverables and milestones, emphasizing the rapid development and establishment of the brand's foundational elements. This role is critical for establishing credibility and driving inbound interest for the applied AI venture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While a specific degree is not mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of design principles and storytelling is paramount. Candidates with formal education in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or related fields will be at an advantage.

Experience: Minimum of three years of in-house experience within a technology company is a non-negotiable requirement. Agency experience alone will not be considered. This ensures practical understanding of fast-paced tech environments and in-house brand management.

Required Skills:

  • Figma fluency is mandatory for all design and collateral creation tasks.

  • Proven ability to own and execute a full visual identity and brand system from concept to implementation.

  • Exceptional copywriting skills with the ability to craft engaging content for diverse external touchpoints.

  • Demonstrated experience in designing and managing websites.

  • Proficiency in creating compelling pitch decks and client presentation materials.

  • Experience in managing social media channels, including content creation and scheduling.

  • Ability to work independently and lead creative initiatives without direct oversight.

  • Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and layout design principles. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with web design platforms such as Webflow or Framer.

  • Basic video editing capabilities for multimedia content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "non-negotiable Figma fluency" and the strict requirement for in-house tech experience highlight the company's immediate needs and operational focus. The emphasis on self-sufficiency ("You do not need a creative director above you") points to a lean, startup environment where initiative and execution are highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A visible portfolio showcasing shipped brand work across multiple formats, demonstrating a track record of successful brand development and execution.

  • Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the tangible business outcomes achieved.

  • Examples of a comprehensive brand system, including visual identity guides and brand asset libraries.

  • Demonstrations of website design and content integration, highlighting user experience and brand consistency.

  • Samples of collateral created for pitch decks, client presentations, or marketing campaigns. Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of established processes for brand asset management and version control.

  • Examples of how you've translated strategic objectives into visual and narrative brand elements.

  • Documentation or examples of content strategy frameworks and channel playbooks developed.

  • Demonstrated ability to document workflows for design requests and brand approvals to ensure scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "founding" nature of this role, the portfolio is crucial. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to build a brand from scratch and manage all its facets. The emphasis on "shipped work" and "member outcomes" suggests a results-oriented approach to design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For Geneva, Switzerland: CHF 90,000 - CHF 120,000 annually.

For Copenhagen, Denmark: DKK 700,000 - DKK 950,000 annually.

These estimates are based on mid-level designer roles with significant brand ownership responsibilities in high-cost-of-living European tech hubs, considering the "founding" aspect and equity inclusion. The exact compensation will be determined by experience, skill level, and final negotiation.

Benefits:

  • Founding equity: A significant stake in the company, reflecting the foundational role and expected contribution.

  • Competitive salary: To be determined based on experience and market rates.

  • Full creative authority: The opportunity to shape the brand's identity from day one.

  • Operational Support: Backing from Bifrost Studios in areas like operations, sourcing, and access to an operator network.

  • Work that compounds: Building a brand that scales with the company's growth and client base.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected given the startup environment and the need to establish foundational elements rapidly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are estimated based on regional market data for experienced designers in tech companies within Switzerland and Denmark, adjusted for the "founding" role and inclusion of equity, which significantly adds to the total compensation. The benefits highlight the unique advantages of a startup founding position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Venture, operating within the technology and consulting sectors. The company aims to be a long-term applied AI partner for mid-market and enterprise leaders, focusing on practical outcomes and practitioner-led solutions.

Company Size: Stealth startup, likely small and lean initially, with plans to scale. As a "founding" role, this implies direct interaction with senior leadership and a close-knit team environment.

Founded: The company is a Bifrost Studios company, indicating a connection to an established entity or incubator. The specific founding date of this venture is not provided but implied to be recent given the "stealth" status and "founding" roles.

Team Structure:

  • The Brand Designer & Storyteller reports directly to the Founder & CEO, signifying a high level of visibility and direct influence.

  • The initial team will be small, likely comprising founders and early hires in key functional areas.

  • Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, particularly with product development, sales enablement, and leadership teams, to ensure brand consistency across all business functions. Methodology:

  • Data-driven approach to brand strategy, informed by market insights, customer profiles (ICP), and performance metrics.

  • Practitioner-first and operator-led philosophy, emphasizing real-world impact and actionable solutions.

  • Iterative development and continuous improvement of brand assets and communication strategies based on feedback and results.

  • Focus on building a scalable brand system that supports future team expansion and diverse service offerings.

Company Website: https://bifroststudios.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "stealth" nature and "applied AI venture" context suggest an innovative, fast-paced, and potentially high-growth environment. The company's focus on "real outcomes" and "practitioner-led" solutions indicates a culture that values pragmatism, expertise, and tangible results.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Founding" level position, signifying a senior individual contributor role with significant strategic input and ownership. It is the primary brand and storytelling expert within the company.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Founder & CEO. This provides unparalleled visibility into executive decision-making and strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer & Storyteller will have a direct and profound impact on the company's market perception, inbound lead generation, credibility with enterprise clients, and overall GTM success. Their work will be instrumental in defining the company's identity and communicating its value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Track: Potential to build and lead a future design and content team as the company scales.

  • Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the company's brand strategy, messaging, and market positioning at the highest level.

  • Skill Expansion: Deepen expertise in applied AI, B2B tech marketing, and growth strategies by working closely with founders and operators.

  • Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain invaluable experience in launching and scaling a venture from its inception.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for significant growth, moving beyond pure design execution to strategic brand leadership within a burgeoning AI company. The direct reporting line to the CEO is a powerful catalyst for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with the option to be based in either Geneva, Switzerland, or Copenhagen, Denmark. This implies a collaborative, in-person work environment essential for founding team cohesion and rapid iteration.

Office Location(s):

  • Geneva, Switzerland: A global hub for business and innovation, offering a sophisticated and international work environment.

  • Copenhagen, Denmark: Renowned for its design-centric culture, innovation, and high quality of life. Workspace Context:

  • Highly collaborative environment with direct access to the Founder & CEO and other founding team members.

  • Access to modern design tools and technology, with Figma as the non-negotiable primary platform.

  • Opportunities for deep immersion in the applied AI product and its market positioning.

  • A dynamic startup atmosphere focused on rapid execution and tangible results in the applied AI space.

Work Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, the nature of a founding role in a startup may require flexibility and dedication beyond standard hours during critical launch phases and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The choice between Geneva and Copenhagen offers candidates flexibility while emphasizing the company's European roots and commitment to a physical presence. The environment is geared towards intense collaboration and fast-paced execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Application Submission: Submit CV and a compelling portfolio that showcases shipped brand work across multiple formats relevant to a tech/consulting venture.

  • Screening Interview: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's scope.

  • In-depth Interview: Deeper dive into design philosophy, brand strategy experience, storytelling capabilities, and problem-solving approaches.

  • Psychometrics and Case Assessment: Evaluation of cognitive abilities, personality traits relevant to a startup environment, and a practical design/storytelling challenge.

  • Final Stages & Offer: Discussion of terms, references, and final offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Showcase Impact: Prioritize case studies that demonstrate tangible results and business impact, not just aesthetic appeal. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., improved engagement metrics, successful campaign launches).

  • Brand System Depth: Clearly present your approach to building a scalable brand system, from foundational elements to application guidelines.

  • Storytelling Integration: Highlight how you weave narrative into your design work, showing a cohesive approach to visual and textual communication.

  • Figma Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio examples clearly reflect your advanced skills in Figma.

  • Self-Sufficiency: Demonstrate examples of projects where you operated autonomously and took full ownership from concept to completion.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a design and copywriting challenge that assesses your ability to quickly grasp a concept (applied AI) and translate it into compelling brand elements and messaging.

  • Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and how you would establish and evolve a brand for a stealth AI venture.

  • Prepare to discuss how you would balance creative vision with business objectives and operational constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to thoroughly assess both creative and strategic capabilities, as well as the candidate's fit for a high-autonomy founding role. The emphasis on a practical case assessment underscores the company's focus on execution and results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Non-negotiable, primary tool for all visual design, brand system development, and collateral creation (pitch decks, client materials, social graphics). Expectation of advanced proficiency.

  • Webflow/Framer: Preferred tools for website design and development. Experience with at least one is highly advantageous for website ownership.

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects): While not explicitly stated, these are industry-standard and may be utilized for specific tasks, especially if advanced video editing or complex graphic manipulation is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Google Analytics (or similar): For website performance tracking and understanding user behavior.

  • Social Media Analytics: Tools integrated within platforms like LinkedIn for tracking engagement and reach.

  • Email Marketing Platform Analytics: For monitoring campaign performance (open rates, click-through rates).

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a direct responsibility, understanding how brand assets and content integrate with CRM systems (e.g., for lead nurturing sequences) and marketing automation platforms would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as non-negotiable, alongside preferred web design tools, indicates the core technical requirements. Understanding how design and content support GTM operations through CRM and analytics platforms is a valuable, though not strictly required, asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality, considered work across all external touchpoints. Every artifact should reflect deep thought and meticulous execution.

  • Autonomy & Ownership: Expectation that individuals take full responsibility for their domain and drive initiatives forward independently.

  • Pragmatism & Outcome-Focus: Emphasis on delivering tangible results and practical solutions that directly support business objectives, particularly in the applied AI space.

  • Collaboration & Support: While individual ownership is key, the role is supported by Bifrost Studios' broader network, fostering a collaborative spirit.

  • Innovation & Vision: A forward-thinking approach to brand building, aligned with the cutting-edge nature of applied AI.

Collaboration Style:

  • Direct and transparent communication with the Founder & CEO.

  • Close collaboration with other founding team members to ensure brand alignment across product, sales, and operations.

  • A culture that values proactive contribution and the ability to translate strategic goals into creative execution.

  • Openness to feedback and iterative improvement of brand assets and messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of high standards for creative output with a pragmatic, results-driven approach typical of successful tech startups. The "practitioner-first" ethos will likely permeate the company culture, valuing expertise and practical application.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Establishing Brand Identity from Scratch: Building a compelling and scalable brand for a stealth venture in a competitive AI landscape.

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Business Needs: Ensuring brand consistency while meeting rapid GTM demands and evolving product offerings.

  • Sole Ownership: Managing all aspects of brand design and storytelling independently without immediate team support.

  • Stealth to Launch Transition: Navigating the critical phase of building initial brand assets and communications before a public launch.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep Dive into Applied AI: Gaining specialized knowledge in a rapidly evolving technological field.

  • Startup Launch Experience: Invaluable experience in building a company's brand and market presence from its earliest stages.

  • Strategic Brand Leadership: Developing skills in high-level brand strategy, positioning, and executive communication.

  • Potential Team Building: Opportunity to build and mentor a future design and storytelling team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the inherent pressure and responsibility of a founding role, requiring a high degree of self-motivation and resilience. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a fast track to strategic brand leadership and entrepreneurial experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach building a brand identity for a stealth applied AI venture from the ground up, considering our target audience of mid-market and enterprise leaders?" (Focus on process, research, and strategic pillars.)

  • "Describe a time you had to create a comprehensive brand system and visual identity guide. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure scalability?" (Highlight your systematic approach and foresight.)

  • "How do you balance creative execution with rapid product development cycles and the need for immediate GTM collateral?" (Demonstrate your ability to be agile and results-oriented.)

  • "Given our focus on 'applied AI for real outcomes,' how would you translate this into compelling visual narratives and storytelling across our website, social media, and client materials?" (Showcase your understanding of B2B tech marketing and narrative construction.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you most about working in the applied AI space, and what do you see as the biggest communication challenges for companies in this sector?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and industry insight.)

  • "How do you see your role contributing to the overall Go-To-Market strategy of Bifrost Studios?" (Connect your design and storytelling efforts directly to business objectives.)

  • "Describe your ideal working relationship with a Founder & CEO, especially in a startup environment." (Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively at the executive level.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio by case study, clearly outlining the challenge, your role, process, solution, and impact.

  • Visual Storytelling: Use your presentation to tell the story of your design journey for each project. Don't just show images; explain the 'why' behind your decisions.

  • Figma Demos: Be prepared to walk through specific Figma files to showcase your proficiency and workflow.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your brand work (e.g., website traffic, engagement rates, lead generation impact).

  • Tailor to Bifrost: Emphasize projects that align with B2B tech, SaaS, or consulting services, and highlight your ability to create professional, corporate-level branding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to operate autonomously in a high-stakes startup environment. Connecting your work directly to business outcomes will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this founding Brand Designer & Storyteller position:

  • Submit your CV and a strong portfolio through the provided application link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant in-house tech experience, emphasizing brand system development, website design, and B2B marketing collateral. Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to drive tangible business outcomes.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 3+ years of in-house tech experience, Figma fluency, and your capacity for independent ownership of brand and storytelling initiatives. Use keywords such as "Brand Identity," "Visual Systems," "Storytelling," "Figma," "B2B Marketing," and "GTM Support."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and how you would build and scale a brand for a stealth AI venture. Prepare specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to create impactful external touchpoints.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Bifrost Studios, their applied AI focus, and their "practitioner-led" philosophy. Understand their target market and the challenges of building a brand in the AI sector.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires three or more years of in-house experience at a tech company and non-negotiable fluency in Figma. Must possess a strong portfolio of shipped brand work and the ability to handle both design and copywriting independently.