Design Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Design Manager based in the United States. Join a collaborative creative team shaping the visual identity and user experience of a diverse portfolio of digital products, editorial content, print publications, and brand communications. As Design Manager, you will combine hands-on design execution with creative leadership, ensuring that every deliverable meets high standards of quality, consistency, and visual excellence. You will take ownership of complex, high-visibility projects while helping refine design systems, establish reusable templates, and strengthen brand guidelines. Working closely with editorial, digital, communications, and program teams, you will translate complex ideas into polished, engaging visual experiences. You will also collaborate with freelance creatives and external partners to maintain quality across a broad range of deliverables. This role is ideal for an experienced designer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values thoughtful craftsmanship, and enjoys balancing creative problem-solving with scalable design processes.

Produce high-quality creative work across digital products, brand communications, editorial features, print publications, and organizational campaigns. Take ownership of complex and high-profile design initiatives, applying strong creative judgment to deliver polished, effective, and consistent results. Support creative leadership by reviewing design work across different experience levels and providing constructive, actionable feedback on design quality and production. Collaborate with freelance illustrators, graphic designers, and other contractors, including briefing projects, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with brand standards. Maintain and continuously improve design documentation, guidelines, and resources so they remain accessible and useful to internal teams, consultants, and creative partners. Develop templates, reusable components, and scalable design patterns across digital and print-related materials to improve efficiency and reduce repetitive work. Partner with Digital, Editorial, Programs, and Communications teams to align creative deliverables with organizational goals and strengthen brand consistency. Contribute to the evolution of design systems and visual standards across multiple digital platforms and publication formats. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. At least seven years of professional design experience spanning brand identity, digital products, and print materials, with demonstrated ownership of senior-level creative work. A strong portfolio showcasing excellent design execution, visual craftsmanship, and the ability to shape creative direction across a variety of formats. Expert proficiency in Figma, including component architecture, variables and design tokens, shared libraries, and design system documentation. Demonstrated experience creating and producing high-quality print materials, with strong knowledge of typography, layout, and print production workflows. Proven experience developing, maintaining, or scaling brand guidelines, style guides, and design systems across an organization. Experience coordinating with freelance designers, illustrators, and external creative partners throughout production workflows. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain design decisions and articulate creative rationale to stakeholders across different disciplines. Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality work across multiple projects and deadlines. Experience in publishing, media, journalism, or mission-driven organizations is preferred. Experience working across both editorial design and digital product environments is an advantage. An interest in global affairs is a plus. Ability to work from a New York City office at least four days per week, including Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as required in-person days. Application materials: Candidates should be prepared to submit a resume, a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, and a portfolio featuring recent digital and print design work. Benefits Annual salary: $120,000–$140,000, depending on experience. Benefits package: Access to an employee benefits package described as comprehensive; specific healthcare, retirement, leave, and other benefit details are not provided in the available posting and should be confirmed during the hiring process. Work arrangement: Primarily office-based, with a hybrid schedule that includes remote work subject to organizational policy. Creative ownership: Opportunity to lead high-visibility design projects and influence brand standards across digital and print platforms. Cross-functional collaboration: Work with creative, editorial, digital, communications, and program professionals, as well as external creative partners. Professional development: Opportunity to strengthen design systems, refine creative processes, and contribute to a broad portfolio of editorial and digital experiences. Mission-driven environment: Contribute to communications and publications that support informed public engagement with international and global affairs.