Senior Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Brand Designer

Company: 23andMe

Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design (Focus on Brand Strategy and Creative Execution)

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: Senior

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual identity and narrative for the newly established 23andMe Research Institute, a nonprofit public benefit organization, focusing on brand campaigns, digital storytelling, and event activations.

• Drive the creative concepting and execution of integrated brand campaigns across diverse platforms including digital, web, social, print, and video, ensuring alignment with the Institute's mission.

• Develop compelling digital expressions of the brand through engaging web pages, microsites, social content, editorial features, and data visualizations that simplify complex scientific information.

• Define and evolve the Institute's visual identity system, encompassing typography, color palettes, imagery direction, motion principles, and scalable templates.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a founding creative position for a new nonprofit entity (23andMe Research Institute), built upon the established equity of the 23andMe brand. The focus is on brand building and storytelling rather than performance marketing, requiring a strong strategic and creative instinct to define the visual and narrative direction for years to come. The candidate will operate as a senior individual contributor with potential to lead external agencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design integrated brand campaigns that effectively communicate the Institute’s mission and research initiatives to various audiences.

• Create visually appealing and informative digital assets, including web pages, microsites, social media content, and data visualizations that translate complex scientific findings into accessible narratives.

• Develop the visual identity and creative assets for key Institute events, conferences, and donor engagements, including environmental graphics, stage design direction, presentations, and collateral.

• Design essential philanthropy and donor materials such as donor decks, case-for-support documents, and annual impact reports that reflect the considered nature of the scientific work.

• Articulate and produce creative assets for partnership pitches and co-branded campaigns, ensuring consistent brand representation across collaborations.

• Provide creative direction and manage external design and video agencies/freelancers, setting creative standards and guiding work through feedback loops.

• Collaborate closely with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership leads to translate strategic objectives into compelling creative briefs and high-quality design deliverables.

• Mentor more junior designers as the team grows and contribute to setting the overall creative bar for the Institute.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic creative leadership. The role requires the ability to manage multiple project types simultaneously, from broad campaign concepts to detailed donor materials, while also possessing the judgment to guide external creative partners and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is implied by the experience and portfolio requirements.

Experience: 6+ years of comprehensive brand or marketing design experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a senior individual contributor, design lead, or associate creative director capacity within a top-tier in-house brand team, agency, or nonprofit organization.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional graphic design fundamentals, including advanced typography, layout, color theory, and image direction, demonstrated across identity, campaign, and digital work.

• Proven ability in creative direction, including writing creative briefs, directing photographers, illustrators, motion designers, and external agencies.

• Strong storytelling instinct, with the ability to translate abstract or technical ideas into compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects concurrently and working independently with strong organizational and project management skills, including experience with Jira.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate a strong visual point of view and provide constructive feedback. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with AI-assisted design tools.

• Aptitude for directing video editors and integrating graphics into video content.

• Familiarity with data visualization techniques and best practices.

• Experience designing for nonprofit organizations or within the medical research/genetics space.

• Understanding of brand systems and scalable design guardrails.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio showcasing "exceptional graphic design fundamentals" and "creative direction" indicates that practical experience and demonstrable talent are paramount. Technical mastery of core design software, coupled with strategic thinking and leadership potential, are key differentiators for this senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 6 years of design work, with a significant focus on senior-level contributions and creative leadership.

• Demonstrations of exceptional graphic design fundamentals across identity, integrated campaigns, and digital design projects.

• Case studies highlighting creative direction capabilities, including examples of briefing and guiding external creative partners (agencies, freelancers).

• Examples of translating complex or technical ideas into accessible and engaging visual stories for various audiences.

• Work samples that illustrate a range of design applications, including brand identity, integrated campaigns, digital storytelling, event design, and presentation design. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of strong project management skills, potentially through examples of managing complex design workflows, timelines, and deliverables, with a mention of Jira proficiency.

• Demonstrations of cross-functional collaboration, showcasing how you've partnered with non-design teams (e.g., scientists, writers, communications) to develop creative solutions.

• Examples of evolving and extending visual identity systems, including the creation or refinement of typography, color palettes, and design guardrails.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design craft, creative leadership, and strategic thinking. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight projects that best represent their ability to drive brand narrative and manage complex creative initiatives within a nonprofit or research context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000 USD per year (San Francisco Bay Area Base Pay Range).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company matching.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for stock options or other equity (common in tech/biotech).

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and workshops.

• Employee assistance program.

• Potential for other perks such as commuter benefits, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and business needs. The role requires 3 days per week in the Palo Alto office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the San Francisco Bay Area and is determined by market conditions. The actual compensation will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and location. Benefits are standard for a company of 23andMe's stature in the tech/biotech industry, with an emphasis on professional growth, aligning with the senior nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology, Genetics, Healthcare, Consumer Technology, Non-profit Research.

Company Size: 23andMe is a well-established company, part of the larger 23andMe organization. The Research Institute is a new nonprofit entity, likely starting with a focused, agile team.

Founded: 23andMe was founded in 2006. The Research Institute is a new initiative.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Design Director and works closely with the Head of Brand for the Research Institute.

• The designer will be a dedicated member of the Brand Team, acting as the primary graphic designer for this initiative.

• Collaboration is expected with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership leads within the Institute.

• There's an expectation to potentially lead and manage external design and video agencies and freelancers. Methodology:

• Emphasis on translating complex science into accessible and engaging visual stories and narratives.

• Data-driven approach to research and design, utilizing genetic information and scientific findings.

• Focus on integrated brand campaigns and digital storytelling to build awareness and engagement for a new nonprofit.

• Collaborative approach to creative development, involving cross-functional input and feedback.

• Commitment to high creative standards and brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Company Website: https://www.23andme.com/research

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely blends the innovative, fast-paced environment of a biotech/tech company with the mission-driven purpose of a nonprofit research organization. The emphasis on scientific discovery, data integrity, and public benefit will shape the brand's communication and visual style.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC) within the Design function. This role is pivotal as a founding creative member of a new organization, offering significant opportunity to shape its visual identity and brand strategy from the ground up. The title may be adjusted based on experience, potentially leading to Associate Creative Director responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Design Director, with close collaboration with the Head of Brand. This structure suggests a focused creative leadership overseeing the brand's visual execution.

Operations Impact: The Senior Brand Designer will have a direct and significant impact on the perceived credibility, engagement, and philanthropic success of the 23andMe Research Institute. Their work will define how the organization communicates its mission, scientific advancements, and impact to consumers, scientists, donors, and partners. Strong brand design is crucial for attracting research participation, securing funding, and building public trust in a scientific and medical context.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Art Director role as the Research Institute team expands, taking on more direct management of junior designers and creative projects.

• Strategic Brand Development: Opportunity to influence and evolve the Institute’s long-term brand strategy and visual roadmap.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Deepen understanding of scientific research, philanthropy, and partnership development through close collaboration with subject matter experts.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to a high-profile nonprofit initiative that could lead to industry recognition for the brand and the design team.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like data visualization for science, environmental graphics for research events, or impact reporting design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique chance to build a brand from its nascent stages within a reputable organization. The growth potential is tied not only to typical career progression but also to the success and expansion of the Research Institute itself, providing a high-impact, high-visibility opportunity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days per week spent in the Palo Alto office. This suggests a collaborative, in-person environment conducive to team brainstorming and direct interaction.

Office Location(s): Palo Alto, California (HQ). This location places the designer within a hub of innovation and technology, offering access to resources and a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration with the Brand Team and other cross-functional colleagues, facilitating idea exchange and real-time feedback.

• Tools and Technology: Access to a standard professional design technology stack, including Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially AI-assisted design tools. Jira is mentioned for project management, indicating a structured workflow environment.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with scientists, writers, and leadership, fostering a deep understanding of the Institute's mission and scientific work, which informs design decisions.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility expected to manage project demands. The hybrid schedule requires dedicated days in the office, balancing remote work efficiency with in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is designed to balance the benefits of remote work flexibility with the necessity of in-person collaboration for creative ideation and team cohesion, particularly for a brand-building role in a new organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation: A likely presentation of candidate's portfolio to the hiring team, focusing on relevant projects, design process, and strategic thinking. Expect to discuss creative direction, problem-solving, and collaboration.

• Skills-Based Interviews: Discussions with Design Director, Head of Brand, and potentially other cross-functional leaders to evaluate technical skills, creative instincts, and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: A potential hands-on design exercise or case study to assess problem-solving abilities, design execution, and approach to translating complex information.

• Final Round: Interviews with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall alignment with the Institute's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in brand identity, integrated campaigns, digital storytelling, and creative direction, especially any relevant to science, health, or nonprofit sectors.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial brief to final execution, highlighting how you translated strategy into visual solutions. Include any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you provided creative direction, managed external partners, or influenced stakeholders.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics or outcomes related to your design work (e.g., engagement rates, campaign success, donor material effectiveness).

• Tailor to the Institute: Frame your work in the context of the 23andMe Research Institute's mission. Explain how your skills would contribute to their specific goals of scientific advancement and public engagement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research the Institute: Deeply understand the mission, goals, and target audiences of the 23andMe Research Institute.

• Anticipate Design Problems: Prepare to tackle design challenges related to explaining complex scientific concepts, creating compelling donor appeals, or designing for scientific conferences.

• Practice Articulating Strategy: Be ready to explain the strategic thinking behind your design choices and how they align with brand objectives and audience needs.

• Figma/Adobe Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable demonstrating your skills in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite, as these are core tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on portfolio review and practical demonstration of design and creative leadership skills. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process, strategic rationale, and ability to translate complex scientific information into impactful visual narratives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and building design systems. Expect proficiency in creating complex layouts, components, and interactive elements.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, compositing, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For editorial layouts, presentations, and print collateral.

• AI-assisted Design Tools: Aptitude and comfort with emerging AI tools for design ideation and efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms might be a plus for understanding audience interaction with designed content.

CRM & Automation: Not directly mentioned as a core tool for this role, but awareness of how brand assets integrate with marketing automation or CRM platforms for campaign deployment could be advantageous.

Project Management:

• Jira: Explicitly mentioned as a tool for project management, indicating a structured workflow for task tracking, sprints, and issue management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of Jira suggests a structured project management environment, common in larger organizations with established workflows. Familiarity with AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to advancing scientific discovery and improving health through genetic research, aligning with the nonprofit mission.

• Data Integrity & Scientific Rigor: Upholding the highest standards of accuracy and ethical practice in research and communication.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is essential for success.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a spirit of exploration, learning, and pushing the boundaries of genetic understanding.

• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on measurable outcomes and demonstrating the tangible benefits of research to individuals and society.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Deep partnership with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership teams to ensure design accurately reflects scientific content and strategic goals.

• Generous Feedback Culture: Encouraging open, direct, and constructive feedback to elevate creative work and foster continuous improvement.

• Shared Ownership of Brand: Working collaboratively to maintain a consistent and impactful brand identity across all Institute initiatives.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and frequent communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and ensure alignment throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely blend the scientific rigor and purpose of a research institute with the creative dynamism required for effective brand building and storytelling. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to operate in a collaborative, mission-focused environment where scientific accuracy and compelling communication are equally valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Brand: Establishing a distinct and compelling visual identity for a new nonprofit entity while leveraging the equity of an existing corporate brand.

• Communicating Complex Science: Translating intricate genetic research and scientific concepts into easily understandable and engaging visuals for diverse audiences.

• Balancing Mission and Brand: Ensuring all creative output authentically represents the nonprofit's mission while maintaining a high standard of brand aesthetic.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating feedback and requirements from various departments (science, philanthropy, communications) to deliver cohesive design solutions.

• Leading External Agencies: Effectively briefing, managing, and critiquing the work of external design and video partners to ensure quality and brand alignment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Scientific Immersion: Gaining a profound understanding of genetics, medical research, and the scientific process through daily interaction with experts.

• Philanthropic Design Expertise: Developing specialized skills in designing for fundraising, donor relations, and impact reporting within the nonprofit sector.

• Brand Strategy Development: Contributing to the foundational brand strategy and visual system of a new, high-profile organization.

• Creative Leadership Growth: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through agency management and potential mentorship of junior designers.

• Industry Engagement: Attending relevant conferences or events related to science communication, nonprofit branding, or design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to building a new brand in a specialized field. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to develop unique expertise in science communication and nonprofit branding while contributing to a meaningful mission.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a visual identity for a new nonprofit research institute that needs to feel both scientifically credible and accessible to the public?" (Focus on process, research, and audience considerations).

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical or scientific concept into a visual narrative. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight storytelling, simplification, and impact).

• "How would you ensure brand consistency across integrated campaigns, digital storytelling, event activations, and donor materials for the 23andMe Research Institute?" (Focus on systems thinking, templates, and brand guardrails). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about the mission of the 23andMe Research Institute, and how do you see design playing a role in achieving it?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and strategic alignment).

• "Describe your experience working with scientists or subject matter experts. How do you balance their technical input with creative direction?" (Showcase collaboration and communication skills).

• "How would you approach managing external design agencies to ensure they meet the Institute's creative standards and strategic objectives?" (Assess leadership, briefing, and critique abilities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by demonstrating your end-to-end process. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each case study. Walk through your thought process, design decisions, and how you addressed the brief.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality, clear visuals. Use mockups to show how your designs would be implemented in real-world contexts.

• Metrics: If possible, include quantitative results or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the impact of your work.

• Relevance: Prioritize projects that align with the requirements of the Senior Brand Designer role – brand identity, campaign design, digital storytelling, and creative direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative craft and strategic thinking, with an emphasis on translating complex information and managing creative processes. Articulating your design philosophy and how it aligns with the Institute's mission will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://23andme.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/23/job/Palo-Alto-HQ/Senior-Brand-Designer_2026039

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating exceptional graphic design fundamentals, creative direction, integrated campaign development, and digital storytelling, with a preference for any work related to science, health, or nonprofit initiatives.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates 6+ years of relevant design experience, emphasizing senior-level contributions, leadership in creative direction, and proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords such as "Brand Identity," "Creative Direction," "Digital Storytelling," and "Agency Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and ability to translate complex information. Prepare to discuss your approach to creative leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the 23andMe Research Institute's mission, values, and current initiatives to understand their strategic objectives and how your design expertise can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.