Product Designer II, Growth - Acquisition

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II, Growth - Acquisition

Company: Warner Bros. Discovery

Location: New York, NY, United States (with options in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / Growth Design / Ad Tech

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Experience Level: Mid-level (2+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user experience and product innovation within CNN's advertising platforms, focusing on acquisition and growth strategies.

• Conceptualize and develop user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes for a premium ad experience across desktop, mobile web, and app surfaces.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and data scientists to translate business needs into user-centric design solutions.

• Contribute to the evolution of CNN's design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all digital products.

• Champion design principles and product roadmaps, balancing user needs with business objectives in the ad tech and monetization space.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the CNN Ad Experience team, indicating a strong focus on the intersection of user experience and revenue generation through advertising. The "Growth - Acquisition" title suggests a strategic imperative to attract and retain users via optimized ad interactions and product features. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Evolve CNN's advertising products and digital footprints across desktop web, mobile web, mobile app, and video surfaces, with a focus on acquisition channels.

• Design intuitive user flows, compelling mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively conceptualize and communicate new product features and ad formats.

• Actively participate in and contribute to user research sessions and usability testing to gain deep insights into consumer behavior and preferences related to ad engagement.

• Create, contribute to, and maintain components within CNN's design system, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and design principles for scalable and consistent user experiences.

• Champion the company's design principles, design systems, and product roadmap, while effectively serving the needs of editorial teams and business stakeholders.

• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, researchers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to brainstorm, envision, and validate new ad products and growth strategies that enhance monetization.

• Analyze data and user feedback to identify areas for improvement and innovation in ad experience, directly impacting user acquisition and retention metrics.

• Ensure ad experiences are relevant, timely, and respectful, aligning with first-party data strategies and best-in-class UX standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on product design role with a strategic growth-oriented mandate. Emphasis on "evolving CNN's advertising products" and "shaping the future of CNN's monetization" highlights the business impact expected from this position. The inclusion of "first-party data" points to a modern, data-informed approach to user experience and ad personalization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 2+ years as a product designer, with a strong preference for experience in ad tech, marketing tech, or growth design. Experience working on consumer-facing products within large-scale organizations is highly valued, with bonus points for experience in the news/media industry.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Figma, including advanced use of variables, components, styles, and shared libraries for efficient design workflow and system maintenance.

• Proven track record of product thinking, demonstrating the ability to help teams understand and prioritize the problems they are solving as part of the design effort.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder presentations.

• Proficiency in utilizing design system components to create scalable, delightful, and consistent user experiences.

• Demonstrated ability to manage design tasks effectively and a strong record of working cross-functionally with engineers, product managers, and researchers.

• Developing strengths in best practices of user experience design, including usability principles, user research methodology, testing techniques (A/B, Multi-Variant), design theory, and interaction design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in ad tech or marketing tech environments.

• Experience with growth design strategies and user acquisition funnels.

• Familiarity with news/media industry products and user behaviors.

• Experience with data analysis and translating insights into design decisions.

• Understanding of first-party data strategies and their impact on user experience.

• Knowledge of web and mobile development processes to facilitate effective collaboration with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for strong Figma skills, particularly with advanced features, indicates a need for efficiency and mastery of the tool. The emphasis on "product thinking" and "prioritizing problems" suggests the company values designers who contribute strategically beyond just visual execution. Experience in ad tech or growth design is a significant plus, highlighting the specialized nature of this role within a media company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant product design projects, ideally within the ad tech, growth, or consumer-facing digital product space.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process followed, and the final solution for each project.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, highlighting the creation and utilization of components, styles, and design system elements within your work.

• Present user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate your design solutions.

• Include evidence of user research, usability testing, and how you incorporated feedback to iterate on designs.

• Highlight contributions to or experience with design systems and their application in creating consistent experiences.

• Quantify impact where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, conversion rates, or other growth-oriented KPIs. Process Documentation:

• Within project case studies, detail the steps taken to understand user needs and business objectives, particularly concerning user acquisition and monetization.

• Explain how you collaborated with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, data science) throughout the design process, illustrating workflow integration.

• Describe your approach to user research and usability testing, including methodologies used and insights gained.

• Document how you leveraged design systems or contributed to their development to ensure scalability and consistency.

• Illustrate how data (user feedback, A/B tests, analytics) informed your design decisions and iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centric design principles applied to growth and monetization challenges. Highlighting experience with design systems and data-informed decision-making will be key. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and the impact of those decisions is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $88,900.00 - $165,100.00 salary per year.

Benefits:

• Health insurance coverage

• Employee wellness program

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement savings plan

• Paid holidays

• Sick time

• Vacation

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility inherent in a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, reflecting variations based on experience level within the "2+" year requirement, specific skills, and location (New York City typically commanding the higher end). The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large media and entertainment organization like Warner Bros. Discovery, and aligns well with supporting a productive and healthy workforce.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, Digital Content, News, Technology. Warner Bros. Discovery is a global leader in creating and distributing premium content across all genres and platforms. The CNN Ad Experience team specifically operates at the nexus of content delivery, user engagement, and digital advertising monetization.

Company Size: Large enterprise (estimated 35,000+ employees globally based on publicly available information). This size offers stability, resources, and significant opportunities for impact and career growth.

Founded: Warner Bros. Discovery was formed in 2022 through the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., building upon legacies dating back many decades. This history brings a deep understanding of content creation and audience engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer II will be part of the CNN Ad Experience team, which sits within a larger product and technology organization.

• This team likely comprises Product Managers, Engineers (frontend, backend), UX Researchers, Data Scientists, and other Product Designers.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Design Lead or Director, with close collaboration expected with Product Management and Engineering leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core expectation, with designers frequently partnering with various departments, including editorial, marketing, sales, and data analytics teams, to align on product strategy and execution. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone, with a focus on analyzing user behavior, A/B testing results, and market trends to inform product development.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed for iterative product development, allowing for flexibility and rapid response to market changes.

• A strong emphasis on user-centric design, balancing user needs with business objectives, particularly in the context of monetization and user acquisition.

• Design system governance and contribution are crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency across platforms.

Company Website: https://www.wbd.com/ & https://www.cnn.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Warner Bros. Discovery's culture is characterized by a blend of creative storytelling and technological innovation. For operations professionals, this means working in a dynamic environment where data informs creative output, and strategic initiatives like optimizing ad experiences directly contribute to the company's financial success. The scale of WBD offers significant career development potential.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Mid-level Product Designer (Product Designer II). It signifies a transition from junior-level execution to more independent problem-solving and strategic contribution. The designer is expected to take ownership of features, drive design thinking for new initiatives, and mentor junior designers or interns. In an operations context, this level often involves owning specific operational workflows, optimizing processes, or managing key systems within a department.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer II will report to a Design Lead or Manager within the CNN Ad Experience team. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on specific product initiatives. This structure allows for guidance and mentorship while fostering autonomy in design execution and problem-solving.

Operations Impact: The "Growth - Acquisition" focus means this role directly impacts user acquisition funnels and the overall monetization strategy of CNN's digital products. By optimizing the ad experience, the designer contributes to increased user engagement, higher conversion rates for ad campaigns, and ultimately, revenue growth. This is a critical area for a media company reliant on advertising revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in ad tech, growth design, or user acquisition strategies within the media landscape.

• Leadership: Potential to become a Senior Product Designer, leading larger initiatives, mentoring junior designers, or specializing in a specific product area.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to work on different product lines within CNN or explore roles in other WBD divisions, leveraging gained experience in product strategy and user experience.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in UX research methodologies, A/B testing, data analysis, and emerging design tools and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a pathway to specialize in growth-focused product design that has a tangible impact on revenue. The growth opportunities are aligned with developing specialized operational skills in user acquisition and monetization optimization, with potential for leadership within product design or related operational functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This typically means a mix of remote work and in-office days, allowing for flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration. The specific arrangement may involve designated office days per week or month.

Office Location(s): Primary location is New York, NY (30 Hudson Yards), with alternative locations in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, DC. Candidates may be expected to work from one of these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be modern and collaborative, designed to foster teamwork and innovation.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping and research.

• Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, engineers, and researchers.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, characteristic of a leading news organization, requiring adaptability and efficiency.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often afforded through the hybrid model. The nature of digital product development may sometimes require occasional adjustments to meet project deadlines or urgent needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-discipline and effective communication skills. Operations professionals in such an environment must be adept at managing their time and workflow independently while also being prepared for collaborative sessions and team meetings in the office. Proactive engagement with colleagues, whether remote or in-person, is key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter review of application and resume to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, motivation, and cultural fit. May include initial questions about design philosophy and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: This is a critical stage. Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing 1-2 key projects in detail. A design challenge (e.g., a take-home assignment or a live whiteboarding session) may be given to assess design thinking, problem-solving skills, and Figma proficiency.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders such as Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other Designers or Researchers to evaluate collaboration skills and domain understanding.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Director of Product or Design) to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your approach, the solutions, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thought process, not just the final visuals. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to show the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction).

• Figma Mastery: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflow, component usage, and how you leverage its features for efficiency and scalability.

• Ad Tech/Growth Context: If possible, tailor your presentation to highlight relevant experience in ad tech, growth, or user acquisition, demonstrating an understanding of the business context.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and key learnings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Goal: For any design challenge, clarify the objective and any constraints.

• Think Out Loud: If it's a live session, verbalize your thought process. This is more important than a perfect solution.

• Prioritize: Demonstrate your ability to make trade-offs and prioritize features or solutions based on user needs and business goals.

• Use Figma Effectively: If a Figma challenge, leverage your skills in creating components, using styles, and building quick prototypes.

• Ask Clarifying Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure you understand the problem thoroughly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration abilities, and problem-solving aptitude within the specific context of growth and ad monetization. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful approach to any design challenge will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. High proficiency required.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like InVision, Principle, or similar for more advanced interactive prototypes may be beneficial.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior on web platforms.

• Data Visualization Tools: Exposure to tools like Tableau, Looker, or internal dashboards for interpreting data and presenting insights.

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms for designing and analyzing A/B tests (e.g., Optimizely, VWO, Google Optimize).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and utilized (potentially via CRM or CDP) is beneficial for designing personalized ad experiences.

• Familiarity with ad tech platforms and their underlying data structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Beyond that, demonstrating an understanding of how to leverage data and analytics tools to inform design decisions and measure impact is highly valued. This role requires a designer who can effectively translate insights from these tools into actionable design improvements for user acquisition and ad monetization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of analytics, user research, and A/B testing to inform design choices and measure success. Operations professionals are expected to bring data to the table.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring that product decisions prioritize their needs and experience, even within a monetization context.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication, teamwork, and the ability to work effectively across diverse teams (product, engineering, editorial, business).

• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging experimentation, embracing new technologies, and adapting quickly to market changes and user feedback.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, from ideation through implementation and post-launch analysis.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be integral members of product teams, working hand-in-hand with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the development lifecycle.

• Iterative Design Process: Embracing feedback loops, conducting regular design reviews, and being open to refining designs based on input from various stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing insights from research or design explorations, and contributing to a collective understanding of user needs and product strategy.

• Focus on Impact: A shared goal of delivering measurable results, particularly in user acquisition, engagement, and revenue generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding these values means demonstrating a mindset that prioritizes data, user needs, and collaborative problem-solving. The ability to articulate how one's work contributes to measurable business outcomes is key. The fast-paced nature of media often necessitates a proactive and agile approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Experience with Monetization: A primary challenge will be designing ad experiences that are effective for advertisers and revenue-generating for CNN, while remaining respectful and non-disruptive to the user.

• Platform Fragmentation: Designing cohesive experiences across diverse platforms (desktop, mobile web, app, video) requires careful consideration of platform-specific constraints and user behaviors.

• Evolving Ad Tech Landscape: Staying abreast of new advertising technologies, privacy regulations, and industry best practices to ensure designs are compliant and innovative.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Gaining consensus and effectively communicating design vision and rationale across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Data Interpretation: Translating complex user data and A/B test results into actionable design insights can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in ad tech, growth hacking, user acquisition funnels, and advanced UX research methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Access to attend relevant events focused on product design, digital advertising, and media technology.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers and product leaders within WBD, fostering career development and skill enhancement.

• Exposure to Diverse Products: Working on CNN's wide range of digital products offers broad exposure to different user segments and content verticals.

• Design System Advancement: Contributing to and learning from the evolution of a large-scale design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals can frame their experience in overcoming similar challenges related to balancing competing priorities, navigating complex data, and driving efficiency in cross-functional environments. Growth opportunities should be viewed through the lens of developing specialized operational expertise in digital product monetization and user acquisition strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user experience needs with business objectives, particularly in a monetization context. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, data-driven decisions, and ability to find solutions.)

• "How do you approach designing for user acquisition? What key metrics do you focus on, and how do you measure success?" (Prepare to discuss your understanding of growth funnels, conversion optimization, and relevant KPIs.)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a new ad format or feature. What steps do you take from ideation to launch, and who do you involve?" (Highlight your collaborative approach, research methods, and iterative design process.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Warner Bros. Discovery and specifically the CNN Ad Experience team?" (Research WBD's mission, CNN's role, and the team's focus on premium ad experiences. Connect your interests to their strategic goals.)

• "How do you stay updated on trends in ad tech, UX design, and the media industry?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.)

• "Describe your experience working within a design system. What are the benefits, and how do you contribute to or leverage one?" (Highlight your understanding of design system principles and practical application.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career, then dive into 1-2 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (growth, ad tech, user acquisition).

• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the context, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the impact/results. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Figma Deep Dive: Be prepared to show specific Figma work, demonstrating your proficiency with components, styles, auto-layout, and prototyping.

• Metrics & Data: Emphasize how data informed your decisions and how you measured the success of your designs. Quantify outcomes whenever possible.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: To excel in this interview, operations professionals should focus on demonstrating their ability to apply design thinking to operational problems that drive business outcomes. Emphasize quantitative results, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills, framing design challenges as operational optimization opportunities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer II, Growth - Acquisition position:

• Submit your application through the Warner Bros. Discovery careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in product design, ad tech, growth design, user acquisition, and proficiency with Figma. Use keywords from the job description like "user experience," "design systems," "prototyping," "A/B testing," and "cross-functional collaboration." Quantify achievements with relevant metrics where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in user-centric design for growth and monetization. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your process, Figma usage, and any measurable impact. Be ready to present these projects effectively.

• Prepare for design challenges: Practice solving design problems under time constraints and articulating your thought process, especially concerning user acquisition and ad experience optimization.

• Research WBD and CNN: Understand the company's mission, its position in the media landscape, and the specific goals of the CNN Ad Experience team. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.