Associate Creative Director at Duolingo

At Duolingo, we are on a mission to craft the world's best education and make it accessible to everyone. We have already reached half a billion learners, but we know there is still so much more to do. Our design team is at the heart of this effort, ensuring that every interaction within our app is filled with purpose, delight, and a touch of the unexpected. We believe in a culture of creativity where we hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence while never losing our sense of play. If you are passionate about using design to make learning feel like a game, we would love to have you join us.

The opportunity

We are searching for an Associate Creative Director to join our Design Studio. This is a senior role for someone with a deep background in playful interactions and game aesthetics. You will help us redefine how people learn by leading creative projects that bring our characters and game mechanics to life. By blending motion, sound, and visual storytelling, you will ensure our brand remains engaging for millions of users. You will be a key leader in our studio, helping to shape the future of our educational products while mentoring a talented team of artists and designers.

A day in the life

• You will own the creative vision and tone for your projects, guiding them from the initial concept phase all the way through to final delivery.
• You will collaborate closely with our product, engineering, and design teams to integrate game mechanics into the rhythm of our mobile development process.
• You will mentor and inspire our team of animators and designers, helping them grow their skills while advocating for high-quality game aesthetics that define our unique brand.

Who you are

You are a creative leader with a strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to make interactive moments feel immersive and full of personality. You understand how to use motion, animation, and sound to make experiences feel alive. You are comfortable working in English and are prepared to work on-site in the United States. Your background includes:

• Proven experience shipping 2D or 3D games or interactive experiences, particularly in the mobile or casual gaming space.
• A history of leading creative teams with a focus on detail and excellence.
• Hands-on experience as an individual contributor in fields like motion design, illustration, or animation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with stakeholders across the organization.
• An intuitive grasp of game mechanics, with bonus points if you have experience in educational products or working within both in-house and agency environments.

Why you'll love it here

We believe in transparency, which is why we provide a clear salary range for all our roles. The compensation for this position is between $148,000 and $266,400 USD. Beyond the base salary, you will be part of a team that values your holistic well-being. We offer a comprehensive package that includes equity compensation and world-class benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of the office. We are also committed to an inclusive hiring process, and we are happy to provide accommodations to ensure every candidate can demonstrate their skills fairly.