Senior Brand & Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand & Marketing Designer

Company: Empathy

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Brand Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site presence in New York City expected)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand evolution and visual strategy through the creation of compelling marketing collateral and campaign assets.

• Champion brand consistency and integrity across all digital and print touchpoints by maintaining and updating brand guidelines.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, content, and product teams to develop cohesive visual narratives that support business objectives.

• Translate complex concepts into clear, engaging visual communications that resonate with target audiences.

• Utilize data insights and industry trends to inform creative decision-making and maximize brand impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Brand & Marketing Designer, indicating a need for significant experience in developing and executing brand strategies, not just execution of design tasks. The emphasis on "elevating our brand," "transforming complex ideas into impactful brand experiences," and "balancing big-picture concepts with hands-on execution" suggests a strategic component to the role, aligning it with a Brand Operations or Creative Operations function that supports broader marketing and GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a wide range of creative concepts for marketing campaigns, social media content, presentations, web assets, and print materials to enhance brand visibility and impact.

• Partner closely with marketing and content strategists to craft visually compelling storytelling that consistently aligns with Empathy's brand identity and overarching business goals.

• Maintain and actively evolve the company's brand guidelines, ensuring strict adherence and consistency across all internal and external visual communications.

• Design and produce high-quality marketing materials that effectively communicate Empathy's value proposition while upholding brand integrity and aesthetic standards.

• Integrate data analysis and current industry trends into the creative process to refine design strategies and amplify brand resonance.

• Manage relationships with external vendors and agencies to ensure successful execution of large-scale design projects and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic brand development and hands-on design execution. The mention of "transforming complex ideas into impactful brand experiences" and "leveraging data and industry trends to inform creative decisions" suggests a need for candidates who can think strategically about how design supports business outcomes, a key aspect of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in brand design, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within tech companies or dynamic startup environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in visual storytelling, demonstrating the ability to craft compelling narratives through design.

• Strong command of typography, layout design, and composition principles for both digital and print mediums.

• Proficiency in digital design, including UI/UX principles and creating engaging online assets.

• Demonstrated ability in print design, understanding production processes and best practices.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Expert-level skills in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Ability to act as an independent problem solver, taking projects from initial concept through to final delivery.

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, capable of articulating design rationale clearly and translating complex ideas into accessible visuals.

• Strong aptitude for receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster team collaboration and personal growth.

• A growth-oriented mindset, committed to continuous learning, adaptability in fast-paced environments, and a versatile approach to diverse brand challenges.

• Solid understanding of web design principles, including responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring pixel-perfect execution. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in marketing campaign development and execution.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and their design implications.

• Basic understanding of HTML/CSS for web design context.

• Experience managing external vendors or agency partners.

• Familiarity with A/B testing for design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4+ years of experience, a Bachelor's degree, and expertise in specific design tools like Figma and Adobe Suite, alongside soft skills like problem-solving and communication, sets a clear benchmark. The emphasis on "growth-oriented" and adaptability points towards a candidate who can contribute to an evolving operations landscape within a startup.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of professional brand design work, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling, typography, and layout.

• Demonstrations of digital design projects, including website elements, social media campaigns, and marketing collateral.

• Examples of print design work, highlighting application and production awareness.

• Case studies that illustrate the process of taking a project from concept to completion, detailing problem identification, creative solutions, and final outcomes.

• Evidence of maintaining and evolving brand guidelines across various applications.

• Projects that showcase an understanding of responsive design principles and web usability. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should ideally include a brief overview of the design process followed, including research, ideation, iteration, and final execution phases.

• Highlight how design decisions were informed by business objectives, audience needs, or data insights.

• Showcase the ability to manage multiple design projects concurrently, demonstrating organizational skills and project workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Brand & Marketing Designer role, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just aesthetic output but also strategic thinking, process adherence, and the ability to translate business needs into creative solutions. This aligns with operations expectations of structured problem-solving and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Equity: The position includes equity participation.

Benefits:

• Premium healthcare coverage.

• Comprehensive paid time off (PTO).

• Flexible parental leave policies.

• Bereavement care, including premium access to the Empathy platform and support for employees and their families.

• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan.

• Up to a 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions.

• Competitive stock options.

• Annual company retreats.

• Team lunches for the New York City office.

• Remote employee stipend to support home office setups.

Working Hours: Based on industry standards for a full-time role, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, flexibility may be offered within standard business hours, with an expectation of availability for key meetings and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary of $130,000 base for a Senior Brand & Marketing Designer in New York City aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced professionals in high-cost-of-living areas. The comprehensive benefits package, including equity and stock options, is typical for growth-stage tech companies aiming to attract and retain top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthtech / Insurtech / Fintech (focused on end-of-life planning and support services). Empathy operates at the intersection of technology and compassionate care, aiming to simplify complex life transitions for families.

Company Size: Empathy is a growth-stage startup, having raised significant funding ($160M+), suggesting a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving processes and a strong emphasis on scaling.

Founded: Empathy was founded to address a significant gap in support services during major life transitions, particularly after a loved one's death. This mission-driven approach likely permeates the company culture.

Team Structure:

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

• Collaboration will be essential with content creators, digital marketers, product managers, and potentially customer success teams.

• The structure is expected to be relatively flat, typical of a startup, allowing for direct interaction with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: Empathy emphasizes using data and industry trends to inform creative decisions, suggesting a blend of artistic vision and analytical thinking in their operations.

• Human-Centric Design: The company's core mission centers on providing compassionate support, implying a design philosophy that prioritizes user empathy, clarity, and emotional resonance.

• Agile Development & Marketing: As a tech startup, Empathy likely employs agile methodologies for product development and marketing, requiring adaptability and iterative processes in design.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Empathy's mission is unique and emotionally resonant. This suggests a company culture that values empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose. For a designer, this means understanding the emotional weight of the brand and translating it into visuals that are both professional and supportive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a need for a candidate who can work independently, mentor junior designers if applicable, and contribute significantly to strategic brand initiatives. It's beyond an entry-level or mid-level execution role and requires ownership.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand & Marketing Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, working closely with marketing specialists and content creators. There may be opportunities to collaborate with product and engineering teams on brand integration.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly influence Empathy's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and overall customer engagement. High-quality, strategically aligned visual assets are crucial for building trust and communicating value in a sensitive industry, directly impacting lead generation and customer acquisition efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Brand Lead or Art Director role, managing design projects and potentially a small team as the company scales.

• Strategic Contribution: Opportunity to shape the future visual identity of Empathy and influence marketing strategy through design expertise.

• Skill Expansion: Exposure to different facets of marketing operations, campaign management, and potentially product branding within a fast-growing tech company.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for sensitive industries, developing a niche skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies not just execution but also strategic input. Growth opportunities likely involve increased responsibility in strategy, mentorship, and potentially team leadership, aligning with typical career progression in Brand or Creative Operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Empathy maintains a physical office in New York City, indicating a hybrid work model. The office environment is likely collaborative and designed to foster team interaction.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY. Specific details about the office location and amenities would be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests a need for strong remote collaboration tools and in-office synergy. Expect opportunities for brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and design critiques.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Suite) and potentially other project management or communication tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with marketing, content, and potentially product teams will be expected to ensure cohesive brand messaging and visual execution.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with the expectation of hybrid work. This means a combination of in-office days (likely 2-3 days per week) and remote work days. Flexibility may be offered, but core business hours and availability for team collaboration are essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a New York City office suggests a dynamic work environment that balances in-person collaboration with remote flexibility. For operations roles, understanding how to maintain efficiency and collaboration across different work modes is key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and understanding of brand strategy. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise to assess your problem-solving skills, creative approach, and ability to execute within Empathy's brand context. This may involve adapting existing brand elements or developing new concepts for a specific marketing scenario.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with marketing team members and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in visual storytelling, brand development, and marketing design. Tailor your selection to highlight relevant experience for Empathy's industry and mission.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the creative process, key decisions, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to maintain and evolve brand guidelines across diverse applications.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, include examples where you collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams or stakeholders.

• Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your expertise in Figma and the Adobe Suite.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Empathy's Brand: Research Empathy's mission, values, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Understand the sensitive nature of their services.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Prepare to articulate your thought process for solving design challenges, focusing on clarity, creativity, and alignment with business goals.

• Articulate Value: Be ready to explain how your design solutions drive business outcomes, such as increased engagement, clearer communication, or stronger brand perception.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team, company culture, design challenges, and strategic priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just design skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cultural fit, which are crucial for operations roles. The portfolio review and design challenge are key opportunities to demonstrate operational capabilities in creative execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and creating design systems. Expect to use it daily for core design tasks and team collaboration.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), and InDesign (layout, print collateral). Advanced proficiency is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct design tool, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or similar tools to understand user behavior and design performance would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tools are listed as primary requirements for this design role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed and automated (e.g., email marketing platforms) will provide context for the marketing materials you create.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in Figma and the Adobe Suite is non-negotiable for this role. While direct analytics/CRM tool proficiency isn't stated as a requirement, an understanding of how design impacts marketing operations and user engagement is highly valuable for a senior-level position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empathy & Compassion: Aligned with the company's mission, this value translates to creating designs that are supportive, clear, and sensitive to the needs of users navigating difficult life events.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality, pixel-perfect design execution and a dedication to the craft of visual communication.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing ideas openly, and providing constructive feedback to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new design approaches, staying current with industry trends, and adapting quickly to the evolving needs of a startup environment.

• Data-Informed Creativity: Using insights and performance metrics to guide creative decisions and optimize design impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with marketing, content, and product teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and integrated campaign execution.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture of open feedback and iterative design processes to refine concepts and improve outcomes.

• Shared Ownership: Encouraging a sense of shared responsibility for the brand's success, with designers contributing to strategic discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's name, "Empathy," is a strong indicator of its core values. This role requires a designer who can translate this value into visual language, demonstrating an understanding of user psychology and emotional design principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Sensitivity: Creating visually appealing and effective marketing materials for a company that deals with sensitive life events requires a nuanced approach to balance professionalism with compassion.

• Balancing Brand Consistency and Campaign Needs: Ensuring all marketing materials align with established brand guidelines while also being creative and impactful for specific campaigns.

• Pace of a Startup: Adapting to a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and tight deadlines.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design vision and gathering input from diverse stakeholders with varying perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore cutting-edge design trends, tools, and methodologies within the tech and healthtech sectors.

• Strategic Brand Building: Gaining deeper experience in shaping brand strategy and its impact on business growth.

• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in designing for sensitive industries and the unique challenges they present.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced marketing leaders and contribute to the growth of a mission-driven company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique aspects of working in this industry and a startup environment. The growth opportunities focus on developing both technical design skills and strategic business acumen, common in senior operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business objective into a simple, compelling visual. What was your process?" (Focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple marketing channels and campaigns, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Focus on process, brand guideline adherence, and operational efficiency).

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance creative vision with specific stakeholder requirements or technical constraints." (Focus on collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Empathy's mission, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our purpose?" (Assess cultural fit and mission alignment).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate for a brand like Empathy?" (Assess growth mindset and strategic application of trends).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote team environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Assess adaptability and collaboration skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your presentation like a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates).

• Showcase Process: Clearly explain your design thinking, including research, ideation, and iteration. This demonstrates your operational approach.

• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with others and incorporated feedback.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and how you would approach future projects for Empathy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency in design execution, and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Brand & Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Comeet link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 4+ years of experience in brand design, specifically mentioning your expertise in visual storytelling, typography, layout, digital/print design, and proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it prominently features projects demonstrating your skills in visual storytelling, brand guideline adherence, digital and print design, and your process from concept to completion. Select 3-5 strong, relevant projects.

• Research Empathy: Thoroughly understand Empathy's mission, values, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Consider how your design approach aligns with their sensitive industry.

• Practice your narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work during interviews and portfolio reviews. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and strategic questions.

⚠️ 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.

---