Vice President, Design Director, Experience Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Vice President, Design Director, Experience Design

Company: Momentum

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Experience Design / Creative Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-01-23T22:16:44

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of holistic brand experiences, integrating digital, environmental, physical, and graphic design pillars.

• Drive innovative experiential design solutions that connect target audiences with brands in memorable and impactful ways.

• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Apply a deep understanding of consumer insights, behaviors, and market trends to craft compelling brand journeys.

• Serve as a key liaison between creative concepts, client objectives, and final design execution for high-profile projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, titled Vice President, Design Director, Experience Design, is positioned at a senior leadership level within a creative agency. The focus is on strategic oversight of the entire brand experience lifecycle, from initial concept to final execution, requiring a blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, and team leadership. The "hustler at heart" and "dynamic environment" descriptors suggest a fast-paced, results-oriented culture common in experiential marketing agencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative concepts from internal teams into detailed design development plans and oversee their execution through to final delivery.

• Employ an analytical and strategy-focused approach to all projects, ensuring design solutions align with client business objectives and brand strategies.

• Conduct comprehensive competitive analyses to understand client brands, their market positioning, and their competitors' strategies.

• Demonstrate expert knowledge and application of all Experience Design disciplines, including but not limited to: architectural design, environmental graphics, interior design, retail environments, graphic design, digital interfaces, and motion graphics.

• Stay current with emerging industry trends, technologies, and best practices in experiential and brand design.

• Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic agency setting.

• Lead, guide, and inspire the multidisciplinary experience design team, ensuring high-quality output and professional development.

• Continuously monitor the competitive design landscape to inform strategy, identify opportunities, and provide actionable insights to the broader team.

• Present design concepts and strategies effectively to internal stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment across departments.

• Present design work and strategic rationale to clients, building trust and developing strong, long-term relationships.

• Directly manage, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to junior design team members, supporting their career growth.

• Uphold and champion Momentum's core values in all aspects of work and team interactions.

• Perform all other duties as assigned to ensure project success and departmental objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior leadership role focused on end-to-end experience design. This includes strategic input, team management, client-facing communication, and hands-on oversight of design execution across various mediums. The emphasis on "analytical and strategy focused lens" and "holistic journey" points to a need for a candidate who can connect creative output to business outcomes and consumer behavior.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Experience Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a closely related creative field.

Experience: 10-12+ years of progressive experience in design, with a significant portion focused on experiential design, brand activations, or integrated campaign development within an agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading and delivering exceptional brand experiences from concept to completion.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a deep passion for design and a wide range of experiential projects.

• Mastery of design fundamentals, including: layout, typography, composition, color theory, sketching, visualization, mood board creation, material application, spatial diagrams, user journey mapping, and graphic design principles.

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and other relevant design and visualization software.

• Exceptional visual and verbal communication skills, with a natural ability to articulate complex design concepts to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize effectively, and thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

• Natural leadership qualities with experience in managing, mentoring, and inspiring design teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with environmental design, interior design, or retail space planning.

• Familiarity with motion graphics development and digital interface design principles.

• Experience in client relationship management and presenting to executive-level clients.

• Understanding of production processes for various experiential elements (e.g., fabrication, digital development).

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and embrace new challenges with a proactive, "hustler" mentality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong foundation in graphic and experiential design principles, coupled with leadership experience and a robust portfolio. The requirement for 10-12+ years suggests a senior leadership role, likely a VP or Director level, responsible for strategic direction and team management. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a given, but the breadth of design fundamentals required indicates a need for a well-rounded designer capable of overseeing diverse design disciplines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end project ownership and impactful results.

• Include examples of holistic brand experiences that integrate multiple design disciplines (e.g., digital, environmental, physical, graphic).

• Highlight projects where consumer insights and strategic objectives were translated into innovative design solutions.

• Demonstrate a clear progression from initial concept and strategy to detailed execution and final outcome, with visual documentation of each phase.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, provide a brief overview of the design process employed, including research, ideation, development, and execution phases.

• Detail how user insights and client requirements were incorporated into the design process and decision-making.

• Explain any specific methodologies used for collaboration, feedback, and iteration within the design team and with clients.

• Showcase how a strategic approach informed the design choices and contributed to the project's overall success and ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the portfolio is critical for assessing not just creative output but also strategic thinking, process management, and leadership capabilities. The emphasis should be on demonstrating how design drives business objectives and creates meaningful consumer connections. A clear narrative around the design process, decision-making, and measurable impact will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $185,000 - $200,000 USD per year.

• Methodology: This range is based on the provided salary information and industry benchmarks for Vice President/Director level Experience Design roles in New York City. Factors influencing placement within this range include the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, portfolio strength, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. New York City typically commands higher compensation due to its high cost of living and competitive market for creative talent.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

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

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Commuter benefits and other perks relevant to a New York City-based role.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership and client-facing nature of the position, flexibility and occasional extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, especially in a dynamic agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time positions at established agencies in major metropolitan areas like New York City. The working hours note acknowledges the demanding nature of agency work at a VP level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising / Experiential Marketing / Brand Experience. Momentum Worldwide is a global experience agency known for creating disruptive, entertaining, and unforgettable brand experiences.

Company Size: Based on LinkedIn data, Momentum Worldwide has between 1,000 and 5,000 employees, indicating it is a large organization with significant global reach. This size offers opportunities for large-scale projects and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Momentum Worldwide has a history rooted in various agency mergers and acquisitions, with its current form evolving over recent decades. This implies a company with established processes and a deep understanding of the marketing and experiential landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Design team is multidisciplinary, encompassing various design specializations.

• This role reports to senior leadership within the creative or strategy departments, overseeing a team of junior and mid-level designers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizes consumer insights, behaviors, and market data to inform strategic and creative decisions.

• Holistic Journey Mapping: Focuses on crafting complete brand experiences across all touchpoints.

• Agile Project Management: Thrives in dynamic environments, adapting to fast deadlines and evolving project requirements.

• Collaborative Development: Encourages internal and client collaboration for optimal concept refinement and execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes a culture of "doers" who create "disruptive, entertaining, shareable, unforgettable experiences." This suggests a creative, fast-paced, and results-oriented environment. The company's stated values (Be One, Do Great Work, Have Fun, Give Back, Grow) and commitment to diversity and sustainability are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Vice President/Director level role, signifying a senior leadership position responsible for strategic direction, team management, and key client relationships within the Experience Design discipline. It requires a blend of creative expertise, strategic acumen, and proven leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Chief Creative Officer (CCO), Chief Experience Officer (CXO), or a similar senior executive. The Director will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of Experience Designers, Art Directors, and potentially other specialized design roles.

Operations Impact: This role's impact is significant, directly influencing the quality and effectiveness of client brand experiences. Successful execution of the role will lead to enhanced brand perception, increased consumer engagement, measurable business results for clients, and the agency's reputation for innovation and excellence in experiential marketing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into higher executive roles (e.g., Chief Design Officer, EVP of Creative) with broader strategic responsibilities.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the agency's overall creative and experiential strategy and contribute to new business pitches.

• Specialization/Broader Scope: Possibility to develop expertise in emerging areas of experience design or to take on oversight of additional creative disciplines.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop talent, fostering a strong design culture within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step in a creative career, moving beyond individual contribution to strategic leadership and team development. The growth potential is tied to further executive leadership within the agency or specialization in cutting-edge experiential design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in New York, New York. This implies a traditional office environment within a major metropolitan hub, likely designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant creative community, diverse talent pool, and key client headquarters.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction between designers, strategists, account managers, and production teams.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially prototyping resources will be provided.

• The environment will likely be energetic and fast-paced, requiring adaptability and effective communication.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of client projects and agency deadlines in the experiential marketing industry often necessitate flexibility. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and ideation, crucial for creative roles in experiential design. The New York City location offers a dynamic and resource-rich environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, leadership style, strategic approach, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A formal presentation of key case studies from the candidate's portfolio, demonstrating their process, strategic thinking, and ability to articulate design rationale. This will likely involve presenting to a panel of senior leaders.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers and collaborators from other departments (e.g., strategy, account management) to assess collaboration skills and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with C-suite executives to discuss overall vision, strategic alignment, and final suitability for the VP role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each case study, highlighting the problem, your strategic approach, the creative solution, and the measurable impact.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, including how you leveraged consumer insights, overcame challenges, and collaborated with teams and clients.

• Highlight Leadership: For senior roles, emphasize your role in leading teams, mentoring junior talent, and driving strategic initiatives within projects.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include data and metrics that demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., engagement rates, ROI, brand lift).

• Tailor to Momentum: Research Momentum's work and values, and tailor your presentation to showcase how your skills and experience align with their mission and client portfolio.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or hypothetical scenarios where you'll need to outline your approach to a specific brand experience problem.

• Practice articulating your strategic thinking and creative rationale concisely and persuasively.

• Prepare questions for the interviewers that demonstrate your engagement, strategic curiosity, and understanding of the agency's business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasis on portfolio presentation is key for design leadership roles. Candidates should be prepared to not only show impressive work but also explain the strategy, process, and impact behind it, demonstrating leadership and client management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, photo editing, and layout (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Motion Graphics Software: Proficiency in After Effects for animation and motion graphics is highly probable.

• 3D Modeling/Rendering Software: Familiarity with tools like Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar may be beneficial for environmental and physical design visualization.

• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools: Experience with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for digital interface design and user journey mapping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to interpret and utilize data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or proprietary client analytics platforms to inform design decisions is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design leadership role, but an understanding of how CRM systems and marketing automation platforms impact customer journeys and brand interactions could provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around industry-standard design software. The ability to visualize and articulate complex designs across various mediums is paramount. While not an analytics role, understanding data's influence on design strategy is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be One: Emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and a unified approach to achieving goals. For this role, it means fostering a cohesive design team and working seamlessly with other departments.

• Do Great Work: A commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering impactful, memorable experiences that exceed client expectations. This role is central to upholding this value.

• Have Fun: Encourages a positive, energetic, and enjoyable work environment, recognizing that creativity thrives when people are engaged and motivated.

• Give Back: Promotes community involvement and social responsibility, likely reflected in pro bono work or sustainability initiatives.

• Grow: Focuses on continuous learning, professional development, and embracing new challenges to foster personal and collective growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with strategists, account managers, analytics teams, and production specialists.

• Open Communication: A culture that values open feedback, constructive critique, and transparent communication to refine ideas and ensure alignment.

• Client-Centric Approach: Collaboration is geared towards deeply understanding client needs and objectives to deliver solutions that drive business success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are central to its culture. A candidate should demonstrate how they embody these values, particularly "Do Great Work" and "Be One," in their leadership and collaborative approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Business Objectives: Ensuring innovative design solutions align with client budgets, timelines, and strategic goals.

• Managing Diverse Design Disciplines: Overseeing a multidisciplinary team requires deep understanding and effective coordination across various specialized areas of design.

• Adapting to Rapid Industry Shifts: Staying ahead of evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and new experiential marketing trends.

• Client Expectation Management: Navigating complex client relationships, feedback cycles, and ensuring satisfaction with high-stakes projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership: Opportunities to attend and present at leading industry conferences (e.g., SXSW, Cannes Lions).

• Skill Expansion: Access to internal workshops and external training to deepen expertise in emerging design technologies or strategic methodologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior agency leaders to guide career progression and leadership development.

• Exposure to Diverse Clients: Working with a wide range of clients across different industries provides broad learning experiences and portfolio diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities for significant professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a dynamic industry and leveraging the agency's resources for continuous learning and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a holistic brand experience strategy for a new client in the [specific industry, e.g., automotive, consumer electronics] sector, considering their competitive landscape and target audience?" (Focus on process, insight integration, and strategic thinking.)

• "Describe a time you had to lead a multidisciplinary design team through a challenging project with tight deadlines. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Momentum Worldwide, how do you see your leadership style and design philosophy contributing to our culture and values?" (Demonstrate research and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and ensure effective communication within a design team and across different departments?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction to the client/project challenge, your strategic approach/consumer insights, the creative concept and design execution (showcasing visuals!), your role and team's contribution, and the measurable results/impact.

• Narrative: Weave a compelling story for each case study. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality visuals that clearly communicate the design. Use mood boards, sketches, renderings, and final execution photos/videos as appropriate.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to deliver key information effectively and engage the audience without overwhelming them.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, decision-making, and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, a deep understanding of experiential design, and alignment with Momentum's culture and values. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Vice President, Design Director, Experience Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Momentum Worldwide careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best represent your leadership in holistic brand experience design, strategic thinking, and execution across multiple disciplines. Ensure it clearly showcases your process, impact, and ability to connect design with business objectives.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight leadership experience, years of relevant design work, specific achievements in experiential marketing, and proficiency in key design software and methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, clarity of process, and quantifiable results. Be ready to articulate your strategic approach and leadership style.

• Research Momentum Worldwide: Gain a deep understanding of their work, client portfolio, company values, and recent campaigns. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your engagement and strategic 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.

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