Lead Designer, Global Brand Experience, Converse

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer, Global Brand Experience Company: Converse (Nike) Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Brand Experience Design / Creative Date Posted: 2026-01-13 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for bringing the Converse brand to life through immersive physical and digital brand experiences, focusing on environmental and experiential design.
• The Lead Designer will translate the Converse brand narrative and the voice of creators into tangible, impactful brand environments, retail concepts, and pop-up activations.
• Responsibilities include leading design projects from initial concept and research through to final execution, ensuring creative excellence and brand consistency.
• This position requires a blend of strong design craft, storytelling ability, and proficiency in advanced 3D and 2D design software to create compelling brand touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a design role, the emphasis on "Brand Experience" and "Environments" positions this within a broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and marketing operations context, focusing on the physical manifestation of brand strategy. The role requires translating marketing and brand objectives into spatial and experiential designs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative and engaging global brand experiences, including retail environments, pop-up shops, brand activations, and internal build-outs.
• Collaborate closely with Directors of Global Brand Experience, Brand Creative, and Global Brand Marketing to ensure design concepts align with overarching brand strategy and marketing objectives.
• Partner with Regional Creative and Global Direct teams to bring key brand-defining moments and experiences to life.
• Lead and manage external agencies and creative partners throughout the design and execution phases of projects, ensuring quality and adherence to brand standards.
• Develop and present compelling design narratives and proposals to leadership and external partners, clearly articulating the strategic thinking and creative rationale behind design solutions.
• Oversee the development of environmental toolkits, material palettes, and graphic applications to ensure a cohesive and elevated brand presence across all touchpoints.
• Translate digital concepts into physical realities, managing the design exploration, development, and execution process for large-scale brand environments.
• Stay abreast of current and emerging design trends, technologies, materials, architecture, and cultural movements to inform and inspire innovative design solutions.
• Ensure designs are feasible, within budget, and meet project deadlines while maintaining a high standard of creative excellence.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, embracing diverse perspectives to drive creative problem-solving and enhance team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for project management and cross-functional leadership, typical of senior roles in GTM or Brand Operations, where the focus is on delivering strategic initiatives through creative channels.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive, technically sophisticated design experience in architectural, experiential, or brand creative fields.
• Demonstrated ability to apply design skills to elevate brand excellence and create impactful consumer experiences.
• Understanding of the retail marketplace, store construction, and the store development process.

Required Skills:

• Environmental Design & Experience Design: Proven ability to design compelling physical spaces and immersive brand experiences.
• 3D Modeling & Rendering Expertise: High proficiency in software such as Rhino, Sketch-up, Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar.
• 2D Design & Presentation Proficiency: Expert level in Keynote, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Miro, and Figma.
• Design Craft & Material Knowledge: Deep understanding of design principles, material palettes, and the application of environmental toolkits.
• Narrative Development & Storytelling: Strong ability to craft and communicate compelling brand stories through design.
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking: Tenacity in finding creative solutions to design challenges and aligning them with business objectives.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively independently and guide teams, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Trend Awareness: Passion and understanding of current and emerging design trends, visual culture, and youth culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading design projects from concept to execution.
• Familiarity with sports, art, and the pulse of youth culture.
• Experience working with global brands and diverse markets.
• Understanding of sustainability in design and material selection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software proficiency (Rhino, Cinema 4D, Adobe Suite) and a strong portfolio is key. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their design process leads to measurable brand outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a variety of design projects that demonstrate a strong, effective methodology for research, inspiration, design development, problem-solving, process, and final execution.
• The portfolio should highlight expertise in environmental and experiential design, with clear examples of how designs translated brand narratives into physical spaces.
• Evidence of skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and 2D presentation tools must be clearly visible.
• Projects should demonstrate an understanding of material palettes, graphic integration, and overall design craft.
• Showcase examples of translating digital concepts into physical realities.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly detail the candidate's design process, including:
  • Research & Inspiration: How insights are gathered and translated into design concepts.
  • Design Development: Iterative design stages, concept exploration, and refinement.
  • Problem-Solving: How challenges were identified and resolved through design solutions.
  • Execution: The process of bringing designs to life, including collaboration with external partners.
  • Impact: Any measurable outcomes or qualitative feedback on the executed experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about aesthetics but about demonstrating a structured, problem-solving design process that drives brand impact. Candidates should be ready to walk through their portfolio, explaining their role, the challenges, and the outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Salary: $102,800.00 - $210,000.00 annually.
• Note: The actual salary will vary based on the candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience. The provided range reflects the lowest and highest geographic markets for this position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits information is available via the provided link: https://careers.nike.com/total-rewards
• Expected benefits for a Nike/Converse role at this level often include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
  • Employee Discounts on Nike and Converse products
  • Parental Leave
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Professional Development and Training Opportunities
  • Wellness Programs

Working Hours:

• The role is Full-Time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week.
• Given the nature of design and project-based work, occasional overtime or flexible scheduling may be required to meet project deadlines, especially during key brand moments or activation periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad due to geographic variations. For Boston, MA, the salary would likely fall in the mid-to-upper end of this range, reflecting the cost of living and competitive market for design talent. Candidates should research Boston-specific salary benchmarks for similar roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories / Retail / Brand Marketing Company Size: Nike is a large, global corporation (over 80,000 employees worldwide). Converse operates as a subsidiary but maintains its distinct brand identity and culture within the larger Nike ecosystem. Founded: Converse was founded in 1908. Nike acquired Converse in 2003.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Converse Brand Experience team, part of the Global Brand Team.
• This team collaborates closely with Brand Creative, Global Brand Marketing, and Regional Creative teams.
• The Lead Designer will work with Directors and collaborate with various internal departments and external agencies.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving teams responsible for marketing strategy, retail operations, product design, and global brand initiatives.

Methodology:

• Brand Storytelling: A core methodology involves translating the Converse brand narrative and the "voice of Creators" into tangible experiences.
• Design Thinking: Employs a structured approach to problem-solving, starting with research and empathy, moving through ideation and prototyping, to final execution and iteration.
• Collaboration & Integration: Focuses on seamless integration of design with marketing, retail, and global brand strategies, often leveraging external partnerships.
• Trend Integration: Actively incorporates current and emerging trends in design, culture, and technology into experiential concepts.

Company Website: https://www.converse.com/ (Converse) | https://www.nike.com/ (Nike)

📝 Enhancement Note: Converse maintains a distinct cultural identity focused on creativity, music, and street culture, while benefiting from Nike's operational scale and resources. The Brand Experience team is central to embodying this unique identity in physical spaces.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead Designer role, typically representing a senior individual contributor or early-stage leadership position within a creative function. It requires significant experience and the ability to guide projects and external partners. Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will report to Directors within the Global Brand Experience or Brand Creative team. They will collaborate extensively with peers across marketing and regional teams. Operations Impact: This role directly influences how consumers and creators perceive and interact with the Converse brand in physical spaces. Successful execution translates directly into enhanced brand equity, consumer engagement, and potentially, sales through compelling retail and experiential environments. The designs created will support broader GTM strategies by creating memorable brand moments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into senior design leadership roles, managing larger teams or more complex global initiatives.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like retail design, event design, or digital-physical integration.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience within Nike's marketing, product, or retail divisions.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future of Converse's physical brand presence globally.
• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through exposure to cutting-edge design trends, technologies, and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a pathway into senior creative leadership within a major global brand, with opportunities to influence global brand strategy through experiential design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Converse Headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, indicating a corporate office environment. This environment is likely designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Office Location(s): Converse Headquarters, Boston, Massachusetts. This central location provides access to a vibrant urban setting and a hub for creative industries.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect a dynamic workspace that includes areas for brainstorming, team meetings, and individual deep work.
• Design Tools & Technology: Access to advanced design software, hardware, and potentially prototyping facilities, reflecting the company's commitment to design excellence.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, marketers, and brand strategists, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
• Brand Immersion: The workspace itself is likely an extension of the brand, designed to inspire creativity and reflect Converse's aesthetic and values.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.
• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, particularly for major launches, events, or activations, which might involve working beyond standard hours or on weekends occasionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site at Converse HQ means being at the heart of brand development, with ample opportunities for direct collaboration and immersion in the brand's creative culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their portfolio to the hiring manager and potentially design leadership. This will involve discussing design process, problem-solving, and impact.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a hypothetical solution to a brand experience challenge.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders and team members to assess collaboration style, technical skills, and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview: Discussions with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase environmental/experiential design, 3D modeling, and storytelling.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process (research, ideation, problem-solving), the tools used, and the final outcome/impact.
• Highlight Methodology: Emphasize your systematic approach to design, from initial concept to final execution.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your use of 3D modeling and rendering software is evident and well-explained.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs.
• Tailor to Converse: If possible, subtly align your portfolio examples with Converse's brand ethos and aesthetic.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Deeply research Converse's current brand positioning, target audience (creators, youth culture), and recent brand activations.
• Scenario-Based Thinking: Prepare to address hypothetical scenarios related to designing for specific events, retail spaces, or pop-up activations.
• Focus on Process: If given a challenge, articulate your step-by-step approach, even if you don't have a fully rendered solution. Demonstrate your thinking process.
• Material & Environmental Considerations: Be ready to discuss material choices, spatial flow, and the sensory experience of a designed environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio presentation. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their design journey and strategic rationale clearly and confidently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling & Rendering:
  • Rhino: Essential for complex 3D form development.
  • Sketch-up: Useful for quick modeling and conceptualization.
  • Cinema 4D / Blender: Advanced rendering and animation capabilities for high-fidelity visualizations.
• 2D Design & Presentation:
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign for graphic elements, mockups, and final presentations.
  • Keynote: Standard for executive presentations and visual storytelling.
  • Miro / Figma: Collaborative digital whiteboarding and design tools for ideation, mood boards, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how to interpret data (e.g., foot traffic, engagement metrics for activations) to inform design decisions might be beneficial. This could involve familiarity with analytics platforms or reporting dashboards used by marketing and retail teams.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how brand experiences integrate with broader marketing automation or CRM strategies could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in 3D modeling software like Rhino and rendering tools is a critical technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills with these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and develop unique brand experiences.
• Brand Authenticity: Commitment to embodying and elevating the core values and aesthetic of the Converse brand.
• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a team environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: Dedication to high standards in design execution, attention to detail, and material quality.
• Passion for Culture: An understanding and appreciation for sports, art, music, and youth culture that informs design decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Works closely with marketing, brand, and retail teams to ensure holistic brand experiences.
• Agency Partnership: Manages and collaborates effectively with external design agencies and fabricators.
• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive feedback and iterative design processes.
• Shared Vision: Focuses on building consensus and aligning diverse stakeholders around a common creative vision.
• Inspirational Leadership: The Lead Designer is expected to inspire and guide junior team members and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative freedom and strategic alignment, driven by a passion for the Converse brand and its connection to culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Relevance: Designing experiences that resonate across diverse international markets while maintaining a unified brand identity.
• Translating Abstract Concepts into Tangible Experiences: Effectively bridging the gap between brand messaging and physical/digital execution.
• Managing Multiple Competing Priorities: Juggling various projects, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations in a fast-paced environment.
• Incorporating Evolving Trends & Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve in design, materials, and experiential technology.
• Leading External Partners: Ensuring external agencies deliver on brand vision and quality standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Access to events focused on experiential design, retail innovation, and branding.
• Internal Nike/Converse Training: Opportunities for skill development in areas like project management, leadership, and emerging design technologies.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced directors and leaders within the Converse and Nike organizations.
• Exposure to Global Projects: Gaining experience with large-scale international brand initiatives.
• Material & Technology Exploration: Opportunities to research and experiment with cutting-edge materials and digital integration in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for growth for designers passionate about brand building through physical and experiential means, with direct exposure to global marketing and retail strategies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process for creating a global brand activation from concept to execution. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on methodology, problem-solving, and project management).
• "How do you ensure a brand's core values and narrative are authentically represented in a physical space?" (Focus on brand understanding and storytelling).
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance creative vision with practical constraints (budget, timeline, feasibility)." (Focus on problem-solving and execution).
• "How do you collaborate with marketing teams and external agencies to achieve a unified brand experience?" (Focus on collaboration and stakeholder management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about the Converse brand and its connection to culture?" (Demonstrate passion and research).
• "How do you stay current with design trends and translate them into relevant brand experiences?" (Focus on innovation and trend awareness).
• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach due to changing project requirements or feedback." (Focus on adaptability and resilience).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, with clear introductions and conclusions for each project.
• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals and concise text. Let your designs speak, but guide the narrative.
• Be Specific About Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially if it was a team project.
• Focus on Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: Explain how you arrived at your solutions.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical challenges, and how your work aligns with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical workflows and demonstrate a deep understanding of how design contributes to broader marketing and business goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided Nike careers portal link and complete the online application.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is polished, up-to-date, and clearly showcases your expertise in environmental and experiential design. Tailor it to highlight relevant projects demonstrating 3D modeling, rendering, and storytelling capabilities.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize quantifiable achievements, relevant experience (minimum 5 years), and proficiency in the required design software. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to articulate your design process, present your portfolio effectively, and discuss your understanding of the Converse brand and its cultural relevance. Practice answering common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Converse's current brand initiatives, recent campaigns, and their overall market position. Understand their connection to youth culture, music, and sport to better align your responses with their strategic direction.

⚠️ 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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