Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Okta

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States; Chicago, Illinois, United States; Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Art & Design / Marketing / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ years (with 3+ years leadership)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of 3-5 talented designers across multiple web properties (okta.com, auth0.com, oktane.com) to deliver high-impact creative marketing solutions.

• Drive conceptual development, design execution, and storytelling for key marketing briefs, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to project KPIs.

• Partner closely with the Digital Creative Director, Copy Manager, and cross-functional marketing leads to present and sell creative concepts and strategic solutions to all organizational levels.

• Uplevel the design team's capabilities by providing dedicated one-on-one support, fostering personal growth, and ensuring the highest quality of design deliverables.

• Integrate AI tools into the creative process, experimenting with prompting for creative output and staying ahead of digital design and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Okta's internal agency, focusing on bringing the brand and marketing to life on their core web properties. The emphasis on "career-defining work," "speed and urgency," and "building a world where Identity belongs to you" suggests a dynamic, mission-driven environment. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Digital Creative Director, designers, and copywriters on the ideation, design, and execution of creative marketing briefs for digital experiences on okta.com.

• Develop innovative creative ideas that meet and exceed project Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with a willingness to test and iterate based on performance data.

• Manage, mentor, and upskill three Senior Designers, providing dedicated one-on-one support and guidance to foster their professional development and enhance the overall design team's capabilities.

• Partner with the Copy Manager to lead productive brainstorm sessions and insightful project critiques, ensuring cohesive messaging and design.

• Present creative concepts and strategic solutions confidently to key marketing leads, digital partners, and the Studio, effectively selling ideas and gaining buy-in from cross-functional stakeholders and executives.

• Ensure the absolute consistency of Okta's brand identity and maintain the highest standards of design quality across all digital projects and platforms.

• Cultivate a deep understanding of and passion for digital design and emerging industry trends, actively sharing insights with the team and integrating new approaches.

• Actively contribute to creative ideation, inspire team members, and "roll up their sleeves" to bring creative concepts to life, demonstrating the ability to both deliver and receive direct, clear feedback.

• Think strategically at a high level ("think big") while also demonstrating meticulous attention to detail at the execution level ("operating at the lowest level of detail").

• Act as a self-starter, comfortable guiding teams, freelancers, agencies, and production partners to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Provide high-level art direction and oversee the entire creative process, from concept to final design deliverable, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution ("roll up their sleeves"), team leadership, strategic thinking, and strong stakeholder management. The emphasis on "selling ideas confidently" and presenting to executives indicates a high level of influence expected from this role. The inclusion of AI tools in the creative process is a forward-looking requirement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of comprehensive experience in art direction and design, preferably within a creative agency or a client-side internal creative group.

• At least 3 years of proven experience in leading and managing a creative team, ideally within a similar agency or internal creative group environment; global experience is a plus.

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in marketing-focused work, supported by a robust portfolio showcasing a breadth of digital, print, interactive, website/mobile design, and video projects.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Art Direction and Design Skills: Proven ability to conceptualize and execute visually compelling and strategically sound designs.

• World-Class Portfolio: A strong, curated portfolio demonstrating exceptional design talent, creative problem-solving, and successful campaign execution across various platforms.

• Outstanding Presentation & Storytelling Skills: Proven ability to produce and pitch world-class strategic presentations to diverse audiences, from junior team members to executive leadership.

• Expertise in Creative Process & Digital Software: Expert knowledge of the creative process and proficiency in industry-standard digital creative software, including Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc.), and Framer.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and mentor design teams, fostering growth, providing constructive feedback, and driving high performance.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to work seamlessly and effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and other creative stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• B2B/Tech Industry Experience: Prior experience working within the B2B or technology sector, understanding its unique marketing and design challenges.

• Global Experience: Experience working on global campaigns or with global teams, understanding cultural nuances in design and communication.

• AI Tools Integration: Experience implementing AI tools within the creative process, including proficiency in prompting for creative output and exploring AI-driven design solutions.

• Interactive & Web Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user experience (UX) principles and best practices for website and mobile design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "world-class portfolio" and "outstanding presentation skills" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase not just the final output but the strategic thinking, process, and results behind their work. The explicit mention of Figma, Adobe CC, and Framer indicates the expected technical proficiency. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a company that values innovation and forward-thinking approaches.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 comprehensive case studies that detail the problem, your strategic approach, the creative process, execution, and measurable results (KPIs, ROI). Highlight projects for websites (okta.com, auth0.com, oktane.com) or similar B2B tech platforms.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Include examples demonstrating your ability to maintain and evolve brand identity across diverse digital touchpoints and campaigns.

• Leadership & Mentorship Examples: If possible, provide examples or descriptions of how you've mentored junior designers, led creative teams, or managed agency partners.

• Process & Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate the tools used (Figma, Adobe CC, Framer, AI tools) and the specific design processes followed for each project.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you design and optimize creative workflows to ensure efficiency, collaboration, and timely delivery of high-quality assets. This includes managing creative briefs, feedback loops, and stakeholder approvals.

• System Implementation & Integration: Demonstrate understanding of how design integrates with various digital systems and platforms, ensuring seamless implementation across web properties.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Articulate how you use data, KPIs, and performance metrics to inform design decisions, iterate on creative solutions, and demonstrate the impact of design work on business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio must not only showcase aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the creative process within a marketing and web design context. The emphasis on B2B tech, multiple web properties, and AI tools means candidates should tailor their portfolio to highlight relevant experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• United States (California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Washington): $180,000 - $198,000 USD per year (base salary).

• Canada (Ontario): $155,000 - $170,500 CAD per year (base salary).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are for base salary only. Okta's total rewards package also includes equity, bonus, and comprehensive benefits. The ranges are competitive for a Design Manager role in these tech hubs, reflecting the experience and leadership required. The methodology for these estimates is based on the provided salary data for the specified regions and the typical compensation for a Design Manager role in the tech industry with 8+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision needs.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan in the US, with RRSP with a match in Canada, to support long-term financial planning.

• Financial Flexibility: Flexible spending account (US) and healthcare spending (Canada) for eligible expenses.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid leave for vacation, personal time, and sick days.

• Parental Leave: Paid leave to support new parents.

• Equity: Opportunity to own a part of Okta through stock options or grants (where applicable).

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Telemedicine: Access to remote medical consultations (Canada).

• Total Rewards Program: Access to a comprehensive program that outlines all aspects of compensation and benefits, with specific details available at rewards.okta.com/us and rewards.okta.com/can.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement, requiring a balance of in-office and remote work. Flexibility is expected to meet project demands and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, covering health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, which are key considerations for experienced professionals. The mention of equity and bonus underscores the performance-driven nature of the role and company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Identity and Access Management (IAM) / Cloud Security / SaaS. Okta is a leader in providing identity solutions that enable secure access to technology for individuals and organizations, playing a critical role in the modern digital landscape, especially as AI adoption accelerates.

Company Size: Okta is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees globally. This implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: Okta was founded in 2009. With over a decade of growth, it has established itself as a significant player in the tech industry, known for its innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• Internal Agency Model: The role sits within an internal creative agency, reporting to the Digital Creative Director. This structure suggests a dedicated team focused on brand and marketing initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Design Manager will work closely with various marketing departments (e.g., content, digital marketing), product teams, and potentially executive leadership.

• Designer Management: Direct management of 3-5 Senior Designers, with a focus on mentorship, skill development, and performance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using project KPIs and performance data to inform creative decisions and demonstrate impact.

• Agile/Iterative Approach: The mention of "test and iterate" suggests a willingness to adapt creative solutions based on feedback and results.

• Brand-Centric Execution: A strong focus on maintaining brand consistency and quality across all visual communications.

• AI Integration: A forward-thinking approach to incorporating AI tools into the creative workflow.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Okta's mission to "Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human" positions it at the forefront of digital transformation and AI adoption. The company culture is described as fast-paced, mission-driven, and values diverse perspectives. The internal agency model suggests a professional creative environment with clear brand objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior management position within the creative and marketing function, specifically focused on digital design leadership. It requires significant individual contributor experience (8+ years) combined with demonstrated people management and strategic oversight (3+ years).

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Digital Creative Director. They, in turn, manage a team of Senior Designers. This structure provides clear lines of reporting and team leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences Okta's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and user experience across its primary web properties. Their contributions are critical for communicating Okta's value proposition, driving demand, and supporting business growth, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into higher levels of creative leadership, such as Group Design Manager, Creative Director, or Head of Design, overseeing broader scopes of work or larger teams.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape Okta's visual brand strategy and contribute to high-level marketing initiatives, impacting company-wide goals.

• Skill Specialization & Expansion: Deepen expertise in digital design, AI integration in creative processes, B2B tech marketing, and team leadership through challenging projects and continuous learning.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain exposure to various facets of Okta's business through collaboration with marketing, product, and executive teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a significant leadership role with clear progression paths within a growing, innovative tech company. The emphasis on AI and digital transformation offers opportunities to develop cutting-edge skills and contribute to high-impact projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Okta embraces a hybrid work model, meaning employees will split their time between working remotely and from one of their designated office locations.

Office Location(s): Bellevue, Washington; Chicago, Illinois; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. These are major technology and business hubs, offering a vibrant work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are likely equipped with modern collaborative spaces designed to facilitate brainstorming, team meetings, and cross-functional interactions, essential for the hybrid model.

• Technology & Tools: Access to up-to-date design software (Figma, Adobe CC, Framer) and potentially other internal tools and platforms necessary for creative execution and team communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person collaboration with direct reports and cross-functional colleagues during office days, fostering team cohesion and idea exchange.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing work location, but requires consistent communication and coordination with the team and stakeholders, adhering to project timelines and meeting schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-discipline, communication skills, and the ability to manage a team effectively across different work locations. The choice of major metropolitan areas for the office locations suggests access to talent and a dynamic professional ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios, focusing on alignment with core requirements and the quality of work presented.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Digital Creative Director to assess leadership style, strategic thinking, creative vision, and cultural fit. This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your portfolio.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with other designers, copywriters, and marketing leads to evaluate collaboration skills, technical proficiency, and ability to integrate into the existing team structure.

• Presentation/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio and potentially a specific case study or respond to a hypothetical creative brief. This is crucial for demonstrating your strategic thinking, storytelling, and leadership capabilities.

• Executive Interview (Potentially): For senior roles, an interview with a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Marketing, CMO) may occur to assess strategic alignment and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your art direction, leadership, and digital marketing design expertise, especially for B2B tech and web properties.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges faced, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable business impact (KPIs, ROI).

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, showcase projects where you led a team, mentored designers, or managed external agencies. Describe your role in guiding the creative direction.

• Demonstrate Process & Tools: Be explicit about the tools used (Figma, Adobe CC, Framer, AI tools) and the methodologies employed.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a confident, clear, and concise delivery, staying within allocated timeframes. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Creative Brief Analysis: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical marketing brief for a web property (okta.com, auth0.com, or oktane.com) and outline your strategic approach and initial creative concepts.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would handle common design team challenges, such as managing conflicting feedback, motivating a team, or meeting tight deadlines.

• AI Integration Discussion: Be ready to discuss your experience and ideas for integrating AI tools into the creative process for design and content generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and strategic thinking. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just "what" they did, but "why" and "how," demonstrating their leadership and problem-solving acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected for collaborative UI/UX design, prototyping, and design system management.

• Adobe Creative Suite (CC): Essential for graphic design, illustration, photo editing, and video production (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).

• Framer: Potentially used for advanced prototyping and interactive web design.

• AI Tools: Explicitly mentioned as a requirement; candidates should be familiar with prompt engineering and utilizing AI for creative ideation, content generation, or design assistance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics): Familiarity with understanding website performance metrics to inform design decisions.

• Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency in presenting data visually would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how design assets are used within marketing automation and CRM platforms.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com): Essential for managing team workflows, tasks, and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline expectation. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach and a requirement to be knowledgeable about integrating these technologies into creative workflows. Familiarity with web analytics and project management tools will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Identity-Centric: A core value, reflecting Okta's mission to secure digital identities and empower users. This translates to a focus on user experience and trust.

• Innovation & Speed: The company culture emphasizes embracing new technologies (like AI), operating with urgency, and driving innovation.

• Builder Mentality: A drive to create, improve, and own projects, tackling complex challenges with a proactive approach.

• Collaboration & Positivity: Fostering a supportive, positive, and collaborative environment where team members share knowledge and uplift each other.

• Excellence & Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality work and executing projects with precision and professionalism.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with various departments, including marketing, product, and leadership, to achieve shared goals.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging direct, clear, and constructive feedback, both given and received, to foster continuous improvement and high-quality output.

• Open Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication to ensure alignment, share insights, and navigate challenges effectively within a hybrid work setting.

• Team Empowerment: Empowering designers to take ownership, contribute ideas, and grow their skills, fostering a sense of collective achievement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Okta's culture values individuals who are proactive, innovative, and collaborative. The "builder" mentality and focus on AI integration suggest an environment for those who enjoy tackling new challenges and contributing to cutting-edge solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining Okta's established brand identity across multiple web properties while simultaneously pushing creative boundaries and integrating new technologies like AI.

• Managing a Hybrid Team: Effectively leading and motivating a team of designers who work remotely and in-office, ensuring consistent performance and strong team cohesion.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders across marketing, product, and executive levels to gain buy-in for creative strategies.

• Pace of Technological Change: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in digital design, AI tools, and industry trends to ensure Okta's web presence remains cutting-edge and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Creative Workflow: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI tools for design ideation, content generation, and workflow optimization, becoming a leader in AI-driven creative processes.

• B2B Tech Marketing Mastery: Gain advanced insights into effective marketing strategies and design principles for the B2B technology sector.

• Leadership Development: Enhance management and mentorship skills through hands-on experience leading a talented design team and contributing to Okta's creative strategy.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay abreast of the latest design trends and technologies.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from the Digital Creative Director and potentially other senior leaders, fostering professional growth and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities to shape the future of Okta's digital brand presence, particularly in the evolving landscape of AI. The challenges are framed as growth opportunities for individuals eager to innovate and lead.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with the need for innovative creative execution. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and brand stewardship.)

• "How would you approach developing a creative strategy for a new AI-focused marketing campaign for okta.com? Walk us through your process from brief to execution." (Demonstrates strategic planning, understanding of AI, and creative process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Okta's mission, and how do you see your role as Design Manager contributing to it?" (Tests understanding of the company's vision and personal alignment.)

• "How do you foster a positive and collaborative culture within a hybrid design team, especially when managing junior designers?" (Evaluates leadership style and team-building approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly define the problem, your strategic role, the creative process, key decisions, challenges, and quantifiable results.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, mentored designers, or managed external partners. Explain your contribution to the overall vision and execution.

• Emphasize B2B Tech & AI: Tailor your examples to showcase experience relevant to Okta's industry and its focus on AI. Discuss how you've integrated AI tools or anticipate doing so.

• Concise & Engaging Delivery: Practice presenting your work within the allotted time, maintaining enthusiasm and clarity. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your creative choices and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of the design process, and a proactive approach to innovation, particularly concerning AI. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and their business impact is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through Okta's careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your most relevant projects, focusing on B2B tech, web design (especially for properties like okta.com), art direction, team leadership, and any experience with AI tools in the creative process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 8+ years of design experience and 3+ years of leadership experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Art Direction," "Design Management," "Figma," "Adobe CC," "AI Tools," and "Cross-functional Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice your presentation for the portfolio review, focusing on storytelling, strategic rationale, and articulating your leadership approach. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Okta's mission and the identity security space.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Okta's products, brand, recent initiatives (especially around AI), and company culture. Understand their key web properties (okta.com, auth0.com, oktane.com) and the role design plays in their GTM strategy.

⚠️ 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.