co:collective is a creative and strategic transformation partner for purpose-led organizations. We help our clients put purpose into practice — not just defining what they stand for, but also infusing it into everything they do, inside and outside their organization. Not just because that’s good for the world, but because it’s good for business too.
The role
We are seeking an inspiring designer and leader to help expand our brand identity and design practice. As the Head of Design, you’ll mix hands-on design work with leadership ability as you help us build our team and capabilities. This role reports to our Chief Creative Officer and you’ll collaborate closely with him, the wider Experience team, and other disciplines, including Brand and Business (strategy), Org and Culture (strategy) and Client Engagement.
Who you are
You’re a multi-dimensional leader with a track record of building and leading businesses, teams, and client relationships. You care deeply about critical social, political, economic and environmental issues and are energized by leading businesses and people to a more meaningful, impactful and sustainable future. You know how to build strong teams and trusted relationships. You’re a doer with a proven track record of translating innovative ideas into profitable business solutions.
What you'll do (in the beginning)
70% Design + client work
- Design (hands-on) holistic and comprehensive Brand Identity systems with an emphasis on craft and technical ability.
- Set the creative vision and direction for design projects, from initial spark through final delivery.
- Work on a wide variety of brands, including consumer, tech, startups, b2b, and our own brands and products.
- Lead and inspire client project teams with the support of a client engagement lead.
- Tackle tough design challenges, balancing client business and budget realities with the co:collective goal of creating excellent design work.
- Guide clients through the visual identity and design process, inspiring both confidence in the relationship and excitement at the outcomes.
30% Leadership and discipline building
- Work with the CCO and creative team to build a thriving visual identity practice.
- Collaborate with the CCO and the wider, multi-disciplinary co:collective team to develop processes and practices throughout the company that lead to great work.
- Work with other discipline leads to ensure that strategies being developed for clients are fit-for-purpose and, crucially, inspire designers to design.
- Evangelize and educate, internally and externally about the power of design to move the world forward and the best practices that lead to great purpose-led design.
- Educate internally and externally on the rapidly changing role of AI in design.
- Collaborate on new business proposals and identify opportunities with existing clients.
- Help educate and expand our team by overseeing career development for current and future in-house talent, expanding our roster of freelance designers, recruiting new members of the design team and building partnerships with other studios for specialized needs.
What you've done
- 9+ years of design and identity experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or mentorship role.
- A speciality in logo design and typography.
- A portfolio of work across a range of styles and industries.
- A strong POV on the role of AI in the future of design, and work that demonstrates it.
- Expert Level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma and the other technical tools of your choice.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior and executive clients.
- Excellent communication skills - visual, verbal, and presentation.
- A robust network within the design world.
- Aspiration, if not current proficiency, in human centered design and associated methodologies.
- Experience delivering brand systems in a client-based business is preferred (i.e. brand consultancy, design agency, or creative agency) preferred, but not required.
Caring for our community
The co: community is deeply committed to continuing to build a diverse and inclusive workplace for all to thrive. We value and honor those with different backgrounds, unique perspectives, and believe that inclusive organizations build better teams and produce better work. We are a people-centered business that seeks to create safe spaces, lead by example, and make a positive impact on the world.
co:collective is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and we value a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, socioeconomic status, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Our working model
We support different modes of working – be it hybrid, remote first or otherwise, and we are constantly experimenting with new approaches to ensure that the model we are working within is fulfilling to our teams and clients.
For those based in New York, we have two anchor days per week. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we ask that everyone comes to the office. For those that do not live in NYC, we ask that they come to New York for one week per quarter and travel for client meetings.
Top Skills
What We Do
co: is a creative and strategic transformation consultancy.
We believe today's most successful organizations infuse their purpose into everything they do to generate more value, for more people, more sustainably. We call businesses that operate this way generative.
At co:, we design brands, experiences, and organizations in order to transform who they are, what they do, and how they show up in the world. We lead businesses through this transformation so they can unlock more possibilities for themselves and the stakeholders they serve.
Since our founding in 2010, co: has helped hundreds of businesses uncover their purpose and learn how to live it – from Fortune 50 brands and beloved consumer icons to community-based non-profits, innovative startups and beyond.
