Senior Director, Global Head of Design - job 18 of 22

The qualifications for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA include a proven track record of leading award-winning global design teams, ideally in advertising agencies or internal studios. Candidates should possess a robust portfolio demonstrating successful design implementations and refreshes across various touchpoints worldwide. Strong skills in visual design systems, as well as motion, social content, and art direction, are crucial. Experience in guiding teams and mentoring others is also essential.

As the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA, your key responsibilities will include leading the Global Brand Creative Studio, innovating design strategies, and fostering a collaborative culture. You will build and maintain relationships with marketing executives and external partners, ensure high-quality creative outputs, and guide teams in producing cohesive design solutions. A big part of your role will involve actively participating in design processes, inspiring your team, and staying ahead of industry trends.

The work environment for the Senior Director, Global Head of Design at VISA is vibrant and collaborative, both in-person and hybrid at our offices in Los Angeles or San Francisco. You will be part of a creative leadership team that emphasizes remarkable creativity and fosters a culture where designers thrive. Expect an atmosphere that encourages innovative thinking and deep collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

The Senior Director, Global Head of Design is instrumental in shaping VISA's brand identity by implementing innovative visual design systems that resonate globally. By leading award-winning design efforts and guiding creative strategy, you ensure that the brand remains contemporary, relevant, and influential in cultural conversations. This role involves deep collaboration across regions to deliver compelling designs that elevate the VISA brand across various platforms.

Essential experience for candidates seeking the Senior Director, Global Head of Design position at VISA includes a background in visual design, specifically with a strong portfolio showcasing previous design systems and brand refresh projects. Candidates should have hands-on experience with motion graphics, social content, and art direction in a global context. Additionally, experience in mentoring design teams and collaborating with various stakeholders is critical.

When leading a global design team, it's important to foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and respects cultural differences. I prioritize clear communication, set shared goals, and ensure everyone feels valued and understood. Moreover, I adapt my leadership style to cater to the team's diverse skill sets and backgrounds.

Staying current involves continuous learning through industry publications, attending conferences, and engaging in design communities. I also encourage my team to share insights and new findings, ensuring we collectively remain innovative and ahead of industry trends, including emerging technologies like AI.

Sure! One significant brand refresh I led involved reassessing the visual identity of a globally recognized company. We gathered insights from users across different cultures to inform our redesign. I spearheaded the development of a cohesive visual system that unified all touchpoints while resonating emotionally with diverse audiences, which led to increased engagement and brand loyalty.

Balancing creativity with strategic business goals requires understanding both the creative vision and the business objectives. I ensure that every creative direction aligns with overall brand strategy. Through collaboration with marketing and executive teams, we craft designs that are not only visually appealing but also drive results.

Successful design collaboration with external partners hinges on clear communication, transparency, and trust. By establishing open dialogues and aligning expectations from the start, we foster cooperative relationships that bring out the best in all parties involved, creating impactful designs.

Mentoring less experienced designers involves a balance of guidance, support, and challenge. I take the time to understand their individual goals and tailor my mentorship accordingly. I provide constructive feedback, encourage them to take risks in their designs, and offer resources for their development, helping them grow into confident creators.

In a previous role, there was resistance to a bold design direction I proposed. To advocate for it, I presented research that outlined potential benefits and linked it to our brand strategy. I also created mock-ups to visually communicate the concept's impact, which ultimately convinced stakeholders of its value.

Design plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural conversation by reflecting societal values and trends. Effective design resonates with audiences by tapping into current cultural dialogues and ensuring that brands are relevant. I believe that through thoughtful and strategic creativity, design can inspire and engage communities.

I view feedback as an essential part of the design process. I actively seek it out and remain open to various viewpoints. When receiving feedback, I assess it objectively, determining how it could enhance the design, and use it as an opportunity to improve and refine the work.

A successful Senior Director, Global Head of Design must have strong leadership skills, a vision for innovative design, and the ability to cultivate collaboration among diverse teams. Additionally, they should possess a keen understanding of global market trends and the adaptability required to navigate the complexities of a multicultural environment.