Urban Outfitters - Temporary Assistant Concept Director

Urban Outfitters•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Urban Outfitters is seeking a Temporary Assistant Concept Director to support the Women's Concept Design team. The Temporary Assistant Concept Director of Apparel & Accessories is the visionary architect behind the Urban Outfitters seasonal narrative. This role sits at the intersection of cultural intelligence, trend forecasting, and commercial strategy, responsible for defining the "North Star" that guides our multi-faceted brand portfolio. You will lead a high-performing creative team to translate global macro-trends—spanning art, music, social movements, and digital subcultures—into cohesive, brand-aligned visual concepts that resonate across our unique house labels: BDG, Out From Under (OFU), Kimchi Blue. As a key leader, you are more than a "cool-hunter"; you are a strategic storyteller. You will leverage data-driven insights, advanced graphic design, and emerging AI technologies to deliver high-impact presentations that inspire executive leadership and ensure product adoption. Combining a deep passion for youth culture with rigorous business acumen, you will oversee the creative process from inception to the final seasonal message, ensuring UO remains a global trendsetter in a fast-paced, ever-changing market. This role will be 3-4 months in duration to cover a temporary leave and is based on site at our world headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. We are open to candidates commuting from NY 2-3 days per week and provide commuter expense reimbursement on a case by case basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Trend Forecasting, Fine Arts, or a related creative field.
10–12+ years of experience in fashion design, concept, or trend forecasting, specifically within a high-volume retail or lifestyle brand environment.
5+ years in a management role, with a proven track record of mentoring creative teams and managing direct reports.
A strong portfolio demonstrating a sophisticated aesthetic, advanced visual storytelling, and the ability to concept across diverse brand identities (Denim/Street, Intimates/Lounge, and Feminine/Vintage-inspired).
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Experience with—or a high degree of openness to—creative exploration using AI platforms such as MidJourney to generate original imagery.
Ability to interpret retail analytics (e.g., Velo reports) and seasonal hindsights to inform creative strategy.
Advanced skills in layout and information formatting to create highly communicative and inspiring digital and physical presentations.
A deep, innate understanding of the Urban Outfitters customer, including a passion for the music, art, social, and digital subcultures that drive their behavior.
The ability to distill complex global macro-trends into concise, actionable messages that drive sales and brand evolution.
Capability to pivot between the distinct DNA of BDG, OFU, and Kimchi Blue while maintaining a unified seasonal "North Star."
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to present to and influence Executive Leadership.
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while remaining flexible and positive through rapid change.
Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to a strict master calendar.
A self-directed "solution-seeker" who can identify process inefficiencies and initiate creative ways to leverage assets.
A natural "brand ambassador" who fosters a culture of "we" and works seamlessly across Design, Buying, and Marketing functions.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end development of seasonal concepts, ensuring they resonate with the UO brand identity and the distinct DNA of BDG, OFU, and Kimchi Blue.
Track and translate emerging trends in fashion, music, art, and digital culture into actionable "Seasonal Cultural Overviews."
Distill global market research and consumer insights into big-picture trend stories that drive product innovation and sales.
Utilize advanced graphic design and AI platforms (e.g., MidJourney) to generate original imagery and high-impact visual tools.
Monitor global competitor activity and niche market dynamics to ensure UO remains a market leader.
Analyze Velo and seasonal hindsights to align creative vision with commercial business goals.
Balance the unique aesthetic requirements of each house label while maintaining a cohesive overall UO seasonal message.
Manage the team’s departmental budgets and adhere to the master calendar to ensure all milestones are met on time.
Oversee the creation of comprehensive shop reports and share key findings with the broader Design and Buying teams.
Lead and inspire the Concept Team, providing constructive, "in-the-moment" coaching and creating professional development opportunities.
Act as a key voice in concept presentations, clearly communicating trend highlights and business opportunities to Senior Leadership.
Foster deep collaboration with Design and Buying partners to ensure the successful adoption and execution of key seasonal trends.
Identify process inefficiencies and implement new ways of working to leverage creative assets and team talent more effectively.
Source and curate vintage and inspirational samples that serve as the physical foundation for seasonal concepts.
Drive the innovation of information formatting to ensure presentations are both highly communicative and aesthetically inspiring.
Model the company’s values and foster a positive, "culture of we" environment within the creative department.