Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: T&P

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media, Art & Design, Marketing, Management & Leadership

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative development and hands-on design of social-first content, digital campaigns, and brand storytelling for a prominent entertainment brand.

• Drive the strategic vision and execution of engaging visual content strategies that foster conversation and connection across diverse digital platforms.

• Uphold the highest standards of design craft and visual execution, ensuring all deliverables are strategically sound and visually compelling.

• Act as a master visual storyteller, adept at crafting narratives that resonate with target audiences in fast-paced digital environments.

• Collaborate closely with client stakeholders and internal teams to translate business objectives into impactful and innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Director" title, combined with responsibilities for "social-first content," "digital campaigns," and "brand storytelling," clearly positions this role within the GTM (Go-To-Market) and creative operations functions. The emphasis on "craft," "visual execution," and "design leadership" indicates a senior role requiring both hands-on design skills and strategic oversight. The mention of "entertainment brand" and "media and entertainment space" suggests a focus on consumer-facing marketing and brand development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on design for social-first content, digital campaigns, and brand storytelling, maintaining the highest standards of craft across all touchpoints.

• Develop and lead the creative development of engaging, social-first visual content strategies that drive conversation and connection.

• Maintain a close working relationship with the client to understand business critical needs and provide expert design counsel on all initiatives.

• Translate client briefs and business objectives into impactful visual solutions and innovative design concepts.

• Collaborate with ECD, Account, and Business & Operations Leads to ensure remarkable and innovative ideas are generated, with a strong emphasis on design-driven concepts.

• Work closely with creative and production teams to ensure a high standard of design output that delivers against key objectives, setting the benchmark for design quality.

• Drive strategically sound design solutions with a deep passion for the craft and a keen eye for modern marketing trends.

• Help drive 'idea-led' digital design solutions that reflect modern marketing, with a focus on how visual stories captivate audiences in fast-paced digital environments.

• Provide leadership in the design and production process to ensure best-in-class design delivery from concept to execution.

• Stay abreast of relevant developments in design tools and techniques, particularly motion graphics and AI, and their application in cutting-edge design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of individual contribution ("execute hands-on design") and leadership ("lead the creative development," "provide leadership"). The focus on "social-first content," "digital campaigns," and "brand storytelling" indicates a strong GTM and marketing operations alignment, requiring a deep understanding of consumer engagement strategies and digital channel optimization. The mention of "client relationships," "briefs," and "business objectives" highlights the need for strong operations and strategic thinking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Advertising, or a related creative field is highly recommended.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in design, with a significant portion focused on digital-first creative leadership roles within advertising agencies or in-house creative studios.

• Proven track record of leading and building high-performing digital design teams.

Required Skills:

• Deep and proven expertise in graphic design craft and execution, demonstrated through a portfolio showcasing foundational design skills and sophisticated visual problem-solving.

• Mastery of branding and typography with the ability to set design standards and guide creative direction.

• Instinctive digital-first thinking with strong experience across social media, content creation, and brand storytelling.

• Proven expertise in developing and executing highly engaging social media campaigns and storytelling initiatives.

• Ability to translate strategy into impactful visual solutions and effectively communicate design rationale and vision.

• Strong visual storytelling capabilities, adept at crafting compelling narratives for diverse digital platforms.

• Experience running a modern creative team of 'digital first' thinkers, with a focus on nurturing design talent.

• Persuasive and articulate communication skills for directing, presenting, and inspiring confidence in colleagues and clients.

• Proven confidence in negotiating with and influencing peers and senior clients.

• Ability to hold the position of trusted partner and advocate to clients, providing expert design counsel.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of supporting channels such as performance marketing and CRM.

• Experience with motion graphics design and AI tools for creative applications.

• Familiarity with iterative design processes and A/B testing for digital content optimization.

• Experience in production workflows for digital and traditional channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "digital-first thinking," "social media campaigns," "brand storytelling," and "visual content strategies" aligns this role with marketing operations and GTM functions. The requirement for a strong portfolio, design craft, and leadership experience underscores the need for candidates with a proven ability to manage creative output and drive strategic marketing initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing mastery of branding, typography, and visual storytelling across various digital platforms (social media, digital campaigns, OOH, email marketing).

• Demonstrations of hands-on design execution and leadership in creative development for social-first content.

• Case studies highlighting the development and execution of engaging social media campaigns and visual content strategies.

• Examples of translating client business needs and briefs into impactful visual solutions.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of design and production workflows, particularly for digital and social-first content.

• Experience in managing the end-to-end content development and production process for a brand is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Portfolio Essentials" section is critical for this role, requiring candidates to showcase their ability to execute and lead design initiatives within a GTM context. The emphasis on "social-first content," "digital campaigns," and "brand storytelling" highlights the need for a portfolio that reflects current digital marketing best practices and creative execution capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000 per year

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed, as part of T&P and WPP, candidates can expect a comprehensive benefits package typically including:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
  • Professional Development opportunities
  • Potential for performance-based bonuses

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role's hybrid nature suggests a flexible schedule with days split between office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, and the note about "local cost of labor" indicates that compensation may be adjusted based on New York City's cost of living. This is standard practice for roles in high-cost urban areas. The mention of "hybrid" work arrangement also suggests a degree of flexibility, which is a common benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing, Media & Entertainment (Client's industry)

Company Size: T&P is part of WPP, a global leader in marketing and communications services. WPP has over 100,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established corporate structure with a network of specialized agencies. T&P itself operates with an "energy and agility of a partner-owned business."

Founded: T&P is part of WPP, founded in 1982.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director reports into the ECD (Executive Creative Director).

• The team comprises over 50 creative and production professionals, including copywriters, designers, video editors, and production artists.

• The core team is based on the East Coast (NYC), with some production roles in South America hubs.

Methodology:

• T&P emphasizes "The Power of &," bringing diverse talent together to transform brands.

• A "performance mindset" is applied to optimize for business outcomes, fueled by AI innovations.

• The company values the craft as much as the concept, encouraging deep design expertise and hands-on involvement.

• Teams challenge and champion each other to achieve the best possible results.

• The client's content studio focuses on building future-facing content by combining hybrid creative talent with innovative production technologies.

Company Website: https://careers.tandpgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections highlight a collaborative and innovative environment. The emphasis on "The Power of &" and diverse talent suggests a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration, which is key in GTM and marketing operations for integrating creative, media, and technology. The client's operations within the media and entertainment space also influence the team's focus on content creation and production technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role (Director level) within the creative and design function, requiring significant experience and strategic oversight. It is a key position within the GTM and marketing operations structure for the client.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the ECD (Executive Creative Director). Will likely manage a team of designers and work closely with account management, production, and client-side teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts the client's brand perception, campaign effectiveness, and customer engagement across all digital and traditional channels. This role is crucial for translating marketing strategies into compelling visual executions that drive business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into higher leadership roles within T&P or WPP, such as Creative Director or Head of Design, overseeing larger teams and broader creative portfolios.

• Strategic Influence: Deeper involvement in client strategy development and expanding the scope of creative operations.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in emerging areas like AI-driven design, motion graphics, and advanced content production technologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working across different client accounts and marketing disciplines within the T&P/WPP network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section clearly links the Design Director's role to measurable business outcomes through effective GTM execution. The "Growth Opportunities" are framed within the context of creative leadership and operational expansion within a large global network like WPP.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a significant presence expected in the New York City office. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): 72 Spring St, New York, NY 10012. This is a prime location in Soho, known for its creative industries.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment with over 50 creative and production professionals.

• Direct interaction with client marketing, events, programming, and content teams.

• Access to a network of specialists across T&P and WPP.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (approximately 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement, allowing for flexibility in how days are structured between office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key aspect for operations professionals, balancing in-person collaboration essential for creative ideation and client management with the flexibility often sought in modern roles. The NYC office location is typical for agencies serving major clients in the media and entertainment sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, design craft, and leadership capabilities.

• Creative Assessment (Portfolio Review): In-depth discussion of past work, design rationale, strategic thinking, and ability to articulate design vision. Candidates will be expected to walk through key projects, highlighting their role, process, and impact.

• Leadership & Strategy Interview: Conversation with ECD and potentially other senior leaders to assess leadership style, team management approach, client relationship skills, and strategic thinking.

• Client-Facing Simulation (Potentially): May involve presenting work or strategy to client stakeholders to assess communication and influencing skills.

• Final Round: May include a broader team or HR interview to assess cultural fit and alignment with T&P/WPP values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase mastery of branding, typography, social-first content, and digital campaign execution. Highlight work for entertainment or media brands if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your hands-on design process, and the measurable impact of your work. Emphasize the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples where you led a team, mentored talent, or influenced client strategy through design.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of work across different digital channels (social, OOH, email, digital ads) and demonstrate adaptability.

• Highlight Innovation: Feature projects that show innovative thinking, particularly regarding social-first content, visual storytelling, and the use of emerging technologies like AI or motion.

• Be Prepared to Roll Up Sleeves: As the role requires hands-on design, be ready to discuss your personal design process and potentially present some of your individual design work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a social-first content strategy for an entertainment brand.

• Anticipate questions about managing creative teams, driving design innovation, and handling client feedback or negotiations.

• Think about how you would measure the success of design initiatives and their impact on business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Interview Process" and "Portfolio Review Tips" are tailored to a senior creative role that requires both individual design excellence and strategic leadership, common in GTM and marketing operations interviews. The emphasis on demonstrating strategic thinking, client management, and the ability to translate business needs into design solutions is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is essential, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and potentially After Effects for motion graphics.

• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for digital design and user experience considerations.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in Keynote, PowerPoint, or Google Slides for creating compelling client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Emerging Technologies:

• Interest and potential experience with AI tools for creative ideation and execution.

• Proficiency or strong interest in motion graphics and animation software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section highlights the standard creative software expected for a Design Director. The mention of "motion and AI" reflects the forward-looking nature of the role and the evolving landscape of creative operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship: A deep respect for design quality, attention to detail, and aesthetic excellence.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, creative approaches, and forward-thinking design solutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within diverse teams, fostering open communication, and valuing collective input.

• Client Partnership: Acting as a trusted advisor and advocate for clients, understanding their business needs and delivering exceptional value.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on design that achieves measurable business outcomes and drives brand growth.

• Continuous Learning: Staying curious and committed to developing skills and knowledge in a rapidly evolving industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with ECD, account teams, business leads, and production specialists to ensure holistic project success.

• Client-Centric Approach: Maintaining open dialogue and a partnership mentality with clients to co-create successful campaigns.

• Mentorship and Empowerment: Fostering a supportive environment where design talent is nurtured, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback to elevate creative output and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" and "Collaboration Style" emphasize a professional environment that values both creative excellence and strategic partnership, crucial for effective GTM and marketing operations. The focus on "craft," "innovation," and "client partnership" are key indicators of the desired team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Craft and Speed: Delivering exceptional design quality while meeting the fast-paced demands of social media and digital campaigns.

• Driving Innovation: Consistently pushing creative boundaries and integrating new technologies (AI, motion) effectively into design strategies.

• Client Management: Navigating client expectations, feedback, and negotiations to ensure strategic alignment and design integrity.

• Team Leadership: Motivating and managing a diverse team of creatives, fostering individual growth while achieving collective goals.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design work and demonstrating its contribution to business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering New Technologies: Deepening expertise in AI-powered design tools, advanced motion graphics, and immersive content creation.

• Strategic Brand Development: Gaining deeper insights into brand strategy, consumer behavior, and market positioning within the media and entertainment sector.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in team management, client relations, and strategic creative direction through mentorship and specialized training.

• Industry Exposure: Attending industry conferences, workshops, and leveraging WPP's extensive network for continuous learning and trendspotting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section highlights common operational hurdles in creative roles, such as balancing quality with speed and demonstrating ROI. The "Learning & Development Opportunities" align with the need for continuous upskilling in creative operations, particularly with emerging technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a social-first visual content strategy for a major entertainment brand. How would you ensure it drives conversation and connection?"

• "Walk us through a project where you led a design team to deliver a complex digital campaign. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you balance maintaining the highest standards of design craft with the fast-paced demands of digital and social media production?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about T&P's 'The Power of &' philosophy and WPP's broader mission?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within a creative team?"

• "Describe your experience managing and mentoring design talent. How do you inspire a team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your strategic approach, your hands-on design contribution, the team's execution, and the results.

• Quantify impact: Wherever possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, brand lift, conversion improvements).

• Showcase leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, mentored junior designers, or influenced client strategy.

• Explain your 'why': Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, demonstrating strategic thinking beyond aesthetics.

• Highlight digital-first thinking: Emphasize projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of social media platforms, digital user journeys, and modern visual storytelling techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: These "Interview Preparation" questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and hands-on design expertise, all critical for a Design Director role in a GTM context. The focus on social-first content and measurable impact is particularly relevant.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position at T&P:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the T&P careers website.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your expertise in branding, typography, social-first content, and digital campaign leadership. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the challenge, your strategic approach, your design execution, and the measurable results.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, focusing on leadership roles, digital design expertise, team management, and experience with entertainment or media clients. Integrate keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare your presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design rationale, leadership approach, and understanding of brand strategy and GTM objectives. Be ready to discuss your hands-on design process.

• Research T&P and WPP: Understand their values, culture, and recent work. Familiarize yourself with their approach to client partnerships and creative innovation.

⚠️ 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.