Senior Brand & Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand & Marketing Designer

Company: Empathy

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-24T14:45:27

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of creative concepts that elevate the Empathy brand across diverse marketing channels, including digital campaigns, social media, presentations, web, and print collateral.

• Collaborate closely with marketing and content teams to craft cohesive, high-impact visual storytelling that consistently aligns with brand identity and strategic business objectives.

• Maintain and evolve comprehensive brand guidelines, ensuring unwavering consistency and integrity across all visual communications and touchpoints.

• Design compelling marketing materials that effectively communicate Empathy's mission and value proposition while upholding brand standards.

• Utilize data-driven insights and an understanding of industry trends to inform creative decisions, optimize brand impact, and enhance campaign performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Brand & Marketing Designer, implying a need for strategic thinking beyond pure execution. The emphasis on collaborating with marketing and content teams, leveraging data, and evolving brand guidelines suggests a role that influences brand strategy and requires a strong understanding of Go-To-Market (GTM) principles from a design perspective. The "hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills in addition to in-office presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative creative concepts that enhance Empathy's brand presence across a wide spectrum of marketing touchpoints, including digital advertising, social media content, investor and client presentations, website assets, and print materials.

• Partner strategically with marketing leadership, product marketing, and content strategists to produce visually compelling and cohesive narratives that reinforce brand identity, communicate key messages, and support overarching business goals.

• Actively contribute to the maintenance and evolution of Empathy's brand guidelines, ensuring adherence and consistency in all visual outputs and providing guidance to internal and external stakeholders.

• Design a variety of marketing collateral, from campaign assets to sales enablement materials, that effectively articulate Empathy's unique value proposition and resonate with target audiences.

• Integrate market research, user feedback, and performance analytics into the design process to inform creative direction, optimize the effectiveness of visual communications, and drive measurable improvements in brand engagement and conversion rates.

• Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and freelancers, providing clear direction and oversight for the execution of large-scale design projects and ensuring alignment with brand standards and project timelines.

• Translate complex ideas, product features, and service benefits into clear, engaging, and visually appealing designs that are easily understood by diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand development and tactical design execution. Emphasis on "high-impact visual storytelling" and "aligns with business objectives" points to a role that is not just creative but also results-oriented, aligning with GTM strategies. The mention of external vendors suggests project management and vendor oversight responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication, Graphic Design, or a related field from a recognized institution. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in brand design, with a significant portion preferably within fast-paced tech companies, startups, or agency environments focused on B2C or B2B2C services.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in visual storytelling, with a strong portfolio showcasing a deep understanding of typography, layout design, color theory, and composition across both digital and print mediums.

• Proficiency in creating impactful visual assets for marketing campaigns, social media content, presentations, web interfaces, and print collateral.

• Proven ability to maintain and evolve brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and coherence across all brand touchpoints.

• Strong command of industry-standard design software, including expert-level proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently take projects from initial concept through to final execution, developing creative solutions that meet defined business goals and audience needs.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities, capable of clearly articulating design rationale, translating complex concepts into engaging visuals, and providing/receiving constructive feedback to foster collaboration and continuous improvement.

• A growth-oriented mindset, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a versatile approach to tackling diverse brand challenges.

• Solid understanding of web design principles, including responsive design techniques and best practices for digital user experiences.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring pixel-perfect execution in all design deliverables. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for a mission-driven company or within the health-tech or end-of-life services sector.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or basic animation principles for digital content.

• Understanding of UX/UI design principles and their application in marketing contexts.

• Experience working with A/B testing for creative assets to optimize performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4+ years of experience, a strong portfolio, and expertise in specific design tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) positions this as a mid-to-senior level role. The "growth-oriented" and "adaptability" traits are crucial for startup environments, indicating a need for candidates who can evolve with the company. The emphasis on problem-solving and communication highlights the strategic and collaborative nature of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of professional brand and marketing design work, with a clear emphasis on visual storytelling and impactful campaign execution.

• Demonstration of expertise in transforming complex ideas or data into clear, compelling visual narratives across various mediums (digital, print, social).

• Examples of evolving or maintaining brand guidelines, illustrating an understanding of brand consistency and strategic brand development.

• Projects that highlight proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, showcasing advanced design techniques and workflow efficiency.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate problem-solving capabilities, demonstrating how design decisions aligned with specific business objectives or audience needs.

• Evidence of strong web design skills, including responsive design principles and user-centered visual communication. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, including concept development, iteration, feedback integration, and final asset creation.

• Documentation or presentation of how design choices were informed by data, user insights, or market trends to achieve specific campaign or brand objectives.

• Examples of collaboration with marketing, content, or other cross-functional teams, showcasing effective communication and integration within a broader GTM strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to translate business needs into effective visual solutions. Demonstrating an understanding of brand systems and collaborative workflows is key for this level.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Approximately $130,000 base salary per year.

• This is a base salary estimate. Actual compensation will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, candidate skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. Benefits:

• Equity: Opportunity to own a stake in Empathy's growth and success.

• Premium Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample time for rest, rejuvenation, and personal pursuits.

• Flexible Parental Leave: Supportive policies for new parents.

• Bereavement Care: Premium access to the Empathy platform and support services for employees and their families during difficult times.

• Financial Wellness: Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a competitive employer match of up to 4%.

• Stock Options: Potential for further financial growth and alignment with company performance.

• Team Engagement: Annual company retreats and regular team lunches (for NYC office employees) to foster camaraderie and collaboration.

• Remote Employee Stipend: Support for remote work setups and productivity.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary of $130,000 base is a strong indicator for a Senior Designer in New York City. The comprehensive benefits package, including equity, stock options, and unique offerings like bereavement care and a remote stipend, reflects a competitive startup environment. The estimated working hours are standard, but the hybrid nature suggests some flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Health Services, End-of-Life Planning & Support. Empathy operates within a sensitive and critical sector, aiming to provide compassionate and efficient solutions during challenging life events. This context necessitates a design approach that is empathetic, clear, and trustworthy.

Company Size: Empathy is a growing startup, likely between 50-200 employees based on funding and stage. This size offers opportunities for significant impact and direct influence on brand direction, while also requiring adaptability and a willingness to wear multiple hats.

Founded: Empathy was founded in 2020. This relatively recent founding means the company is agile, innovative, and likely has a dynamic culture focused on rapid growth and iteration.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Brand & Marketing Designer will likely be part of the Marketing team, reporting to a Marketing Director or Head of Marketing.

• This role will involve close collaboration with content creators, digital marketers, product marketers, and potentially product designers.

• The structure is likely lean and collaborative, typical of a growth-stage startup, where cross-functional teamwork is essential for achieving GTM objectives. Methodology:

• Empathy emphasizes combining technology with human care, suggesting a data-informed yet deeply human-centered approach to product and marketing development.

• Design decisions are expected to be data-driven, leveraging user feedback and campaign performance metrics to iterate and improve.

• The company culture likely values innovation, compassion, efficiency, and a strong sense of mission.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Empathy's mission in the end-of-life support space is crucial. The design role must reflect empathy, clarity, and trustworthiness. The company's startup nature implies a need for candidates who thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments where their contributions have a direct impact on GTM strategy and brand perception.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Senior, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond an entry-level or mid-level designer. It requires not just execution but also strategic input, mentorship potential, and the ability to lead design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand & Marketing Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director. They will collaborate closely with other marketing functions and potentially product teams, playing a key role in translating GTM strategies into visual assets.

Operations Impact: The visual design and brand execution directly impact how Empathy is perceived by its target audience (families navigating difficult transitions, and B2B partners). High-quality, empathetic, and clear design can significantly influence lead generation, conversion rates, brand trust, and overall GTM success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Brand Design Lead or Art Director role as the company scales, overseeing a team and shaping broader brand strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital campaign design, brand system development, or marketing automation visual integration.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Ability to influence GTM strategy by providing design perspectives on marketing campaigns, product launches, and overall brand positioning.

• Mentorship: Chance to mentor junior designers or interns, contributing to the development of the design function within Empathy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a path toward leadership or specialized expertise within the design function. The role's impact on GTM is significant, as brand perception is critical in Empathy's sensitive industry. Growth opportunities are tied to the company's scaling and the candidate's ability to take on more strategic responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Empathy offers a hybrid work environment. This typically involves a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work, allowing for flexibility while maintaining team connection.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is New York, NY. This means candidates should be willing to commute to the New York office for designated in-office days.

Workspace Context:

• The New York office likely provides a collaborative workspace designed to foster team interaction, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings essential for GTM initiatives.

• Employees can expect access to necessary design tools and technology, both in the office and for remote work, supported by stipends.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of a growing startup, with opportunities for direct interaction with various team members and leadership.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with the hybrid model offering flexibility in how and where some of those hours are spent. This schedule needs to accommodate collaboration needs, project deadlines, and potentially client/partner interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in New York City requires a candidate who can effectively balance independent work with in-person collaboration. This setup is common for roles requiring creative synergy and team cohesion, while also acknowledging the benefits of remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Empathy's mission.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely Marketing Director) and potentially a senior member of the design or marketing team. This stage will focus heavily on reviewing your portfolio, discussing your design process, and assessing your strategic thinking. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects that best showcase your brand and marketing design expertise.

• Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a small, focused design challenge to assess their creative problem-solving skills, design execution, and ability to work within brand constraints. This is often a take-home assignment or a timed in-office exercise.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, content, or product teams to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and how you approach working with diverse teams on GTM initiatives.

• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Marketing, CEO) to discuss your overall fit with the company culture, long-term vision, and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in brand design, visual storytelling, marketing campaign execution, and your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Suite. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, key challenges, your creative solutions, and the measurable impact or outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Highlight Brand Systems: Showcase examples of how you've developed, maintained, or evolved brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency and strategic brand thinking.

• Demonstrate GTM Alignment: If possible, include projects that directly contributed to marketing campaigns, lead generation, or brand awareness initiatives, highlighting how your design supported business objectives.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your problem-solving approach, and your experience working in collaborative, fast-paced environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, read the brief carefully and ask clarifying questions.

• Focus on demonstrating your core strengths: creative concepting, clear visual execution, and alignment with brand principles.

• Outline your approach and rationale clearly, even if you can't complete every aspect within the given time.

• Be prepared to present your challenge work and explain your decisions concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skill but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is essential. The potential for a design challenge means candidates should be ready to showcase their skills under pressure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design for web assets. Expertise is a key requirement.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of presentations, brochures, and other print collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, an understanding of how design impacts analytics is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude could be helpful for understanding campaign performance.

• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker) is a plus for understanding how data is presented, though not a direct requirement for this role. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) utilize visual assets and email templates can be advantageous for designing campaign materials that integrate seamlessly.

• Understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) can provide context for sales enablement collateral design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for this role. While the designer may not directly use analytics or CRM tools, understanding how their designs integrate with and impact these systems is a valuable asset for a Senior Designer contributing to GTM efforts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Compassion & Empathy: At its core, Empathy serves individuals in vulnerable moments. This value should permeate all design work, ensuring visuals are sensitive, respectful, and supportive.

• Clarity & Simplicity: In times of stress, clear communication is paramount. Designs should aim to simplify complex information and provide straightforward guidance.

• Innovation & Growth: As a startup, Empathy likely values forward-thinking and a continuous drive to improve its offerings and brand presence.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While creative, design decisions should be informed by performance data and user insights to ensure effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Team members are expected to work together effectively and take responsibility for their contributions to the company's mission and GTM success.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketing, content, and product teams.

• Open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to iterate are likely key aspects of the team's working style.

• The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and leveraging digital tools for seamless collaboration across locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission strongly influences its values. A candidate must demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly empathy and clarity, which are critical for effective design in this industry. Collaboration is key, especially in a hybrid setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Empathy with Brand Impact: Designing for a sensitive topic requires a delicate balance between conveying compassion and creating visually compelling marketing that drives engagement and business goals.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: The fast-paced nature of a startup means design needs to be adaptable, with the ability to pivot quickly based on market feedback or strategic shifts.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Channels: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a growing range of marketing materials and platforms requires rigorous attention to detail and strong brand stewardship.

• Translating Complex Services into Accessible Visuals: Communicating the value and process of Empathy's unique service offerings in a way that is easily understood by individuals during difficult times.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Development: Opportunity to play a significant role in shaping and evolving Empathy's brand identity and visual language as the company scales.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain deeper insights into marketing strategy, content creation, and product development by working closely with other departments.

• Industry Exposure: Develop a nuanced understanding of the health-tech and end-of-life services sector, a unique and growing market.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to grow into a leadership role, guiding design direction and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a mission-driven startup in a sensitive industry. Growth opportunities are tied to the company's trajectory and the candidate's ambition to contribute strategically to its GTM and brand development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a sensitive topic. How did you ensure your design was both empathetic and effective for marketing goals?" (Focus on balancing tone, audience consideration, and business objectives).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a visual concept for a new marketing campaign. How do you incorporate research and team feedback?" (Highlight your systematic approach, collaboration, and iteration).

• "How do you approach evolving a brand's visual identity while maintaining its core essence and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints?" (Showcase your understanding of brand systems and strategic brand management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Empathy's mission, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our unique value proposition?" (Research Empathy's mission, services, and target audience thoroughly).

• "How do you adapt your design style and approach when working with different teams (e.g., marketing, product, content) to achieve shared GTM goals?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit and ability to understand diverse stakeholder needs).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with remote and in-office team members?" (Be prepared to discuss your strategies for productivity and teamwork in a hybrid setup). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role, your process, key design decisions, and the outcome. Use slides or a digital platform that allows for clear visualization.

• Showcase Figma & Adobe Expertise: Be ready to discuss specific techniques, workflows, and how you leverage these tools for efficiency and advanced design capabilities.

• Highlight Brand & Marketing Impact: Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to create strong brand assets and designs that have driven marketing results or effectively communicated key messages.

• Be Ready for Live Critique/Challenge: If a live design exercise is part of the interview, focus on your thought process and how you approach problem-solving, even if you can't finalize a perfect design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also an understanding of Empathy's mission, the nuances of designing for sensitive topics, and the ability to operate effectively in a startup's hybrid GTM environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand & Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Comeet.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong brand design, visual storytelling, campaign execution, and proficiency with Figma and Adobe Suite. Prioritize examples that show strategic thinking and problem-solving relevant to Empathy's mission.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 4+ years of relevant experience, key skills (Figma, Adobe Suite, brand strategy, visual communication), and achievements that align with the responsibilities of a Senior Designer in a GTM context.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects with a focus on impact and strategy, and preparing thoughtful answers to questions about Empathy's mission and the challenges of designing for sensitive industries.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Empathy's website, mission, values, and recent news to understand their brand positioning, target audience, and the unique aspects of their service. Prepare questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.