Design Lead

Thesis • Portland, OR

4h

About The Position

Thesis is a creative agency that drives design excellence and strategic impact across client programs. We elevate visual output through rigorous craft, innovation, and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

The Design Lead is a master craftsperson and strategic thinker who elevates the visual output across the agency. This role drives design excellence by pushing conceptual rigor, design systems, and brand expression to new heights. As a senior IC, they partner closely with creative and strategy leads to ensure work is both beautiful and purpose-driven.

Requirements

• A master of craft and strategic thinking, able to generate compelling creative concepts grounded in insights and cultural relevance.
• Highly skilled in design, with deep knowledge of typography, brand identity systems, experiential design, digital design principles, packaging, and spatial environments.
• Comfortable creating cohesive brand narratives across digital, physical, experiential, and social platforms.
• Technically proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Figma, and familiar with 3D design and prototyping tools as required.
• Experienced in mentoring and developing creative teams, fostering collaboration, growth, and high creative standards.
• Confident in presenting creative vision, communicating clearly with clients, and advocating for design-led solutions internally and externally.
• Able to work seamlessly across strategy, account management, and production teams to align creative output with goals and objectives.
• Curious and experimental, eager to explore new technologies, materials, and design methodologies to elevate outcomes.
• 5–7+ years of experience in visual design across brand, digital, and content.
• Portfolio demonstrating mastery in visual systems, brand identity, and cross-platform campaigns.
• Recognized for bridging concept and craft with strategic clarity.
• Known for elevating the work of others through mentorship and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Own the craft direction and quality control across multiple accounts or large-scale programs.
• Serve as the go-to design authority within pitch teams and delivery squads.
• Translate brand strategy into scalable design systems and lead their implementation.
• Mentor other designers through feedback, creative reviews, and hands-on collaboration.
• Push innovation in design by introducing new tools, techniques, and trends.
• Maintain current knowledge of digital channels and design best practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed