Design Director

At Elmwood, we believe in building brands with intent. Finely tuned it reveals the real questions, unlocks untapped potential, and builds meaningful and memorable brands.   

As we continue to grow our client portfolio, we have an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Design Director to join us in our New York studio.  

You will be an accomplished Design Director with extensive experience in consumer-led brands who will be managing the creative delivery across key accounts. You understand how big ideas relate to brand success and will drive points of view that build iconic brands in this client-facing role.   

What you will do;  

• You proactively support the Creative Director in the delivery of award-winning, strategic creative work. 

• You help manage the creative output on projects looking beyond the client brief. 

• You’re a multi-tasker and can juggle multiple projects. 

• You’re competent in your craft, passionate and excited about the future of AI, and aware of wider design trends. 

• You actively and eagerly champion day-to-day client needs and manage a team of designers. 

• You are enthusiastic, ego-free and collaborative teammate. 

• You encourage learning and teamwork amongst the creative team and drive ambition for creative excellence. 

• You are great with and in front of clients, as a consultative partner. 

• You are confident in front of clients, as a seasoned storyteller. 

What you’ll have done; 
You have previous experience working in a similar agency environment as a Design Director. 

• You have worked with established global clients with a portfolio spanning packaging design and brand world activation. 

• You have experience in managing junior, middleweight and senior designers.  

• You can lead a design critique, providing constructive, and honest feedback to build the team’s confidence. 

• You demonstrate an understanding of the value of motion in a digitally driven world and have experience within motion design  

• You are accomplished in building consumer brand systems, with deep understanding of the nuances across mass, challenger and retail brands 

• You are knowledgeable of print production considerations, able to navigate deliverables for both digital and print spaces seamlessly  

Who you are;  

• An empathetic leader who defines team responsibilities, clarifies project scope, and ensures alignment on next steps. 

• A strategic thinker who connects big ideas to brand success, knowing when to challenge client briefs while staying true to their objectives. 

• A meticulous creative with an eye for craft and detail. 

• A strong communicator, adept at collaborating across Strategy, Production, and Client Services teams. 

• A proactive self-starter with a curious mindset, always anticipating what’s next for brands and clients. 

• Highly organized, making quick, informed decisions with confidence. 

• A natural problem solver, tackling challenges with creativity and strategic insight.

What we offer; 

Alongside a market appropriate salary commensurate with the level of this role, you will have access to an outstanding benefits package including: 

1. 15 vacation days 

1. 12 paid holidays 

1. 5 paid sick/wellness days 

1. 2 paid personal days 

1. A comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan (including family coverage) 

1. Life and disability insurance 

1. Flexible spending account for medical expenses 

1. Commuter benefits program 

1. 401k plan with company matching up to 4.5%, employees start receiving matching contributions after 3 months of employment.