Director of Design at Illumination

Illumination is a premier force in the entertainment industry, renowned for producing globally beloved animated films such as the Despicable Me franchise, The Secret Life of Pets, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Since our founding in 2007 by Chris Meledandri, we have built a library of iconic characters and stories that have grossed over $9 billion worldwide. We are currently seeking a visionary Director of Design to join our creative marketing team in a hybrid capacity. We need an extraordinary creative leader who possesses impeccable taste, a passion for multi-platform storytelling, and a meticulous eye for detail to help shape the visual identity of our high-impact campaigns.

Key outcomes

• Serve as a primary advocate for high-quality design and craft within our marketing department.
• Oversee all graphic design elements, ranging from typography and color studies to complex layouts and character integration.
• Collaborate closely with writers, directors, and cross-functional teams to translate conceptual ideas into powerful pitch materials and campaign assets.
• Lead concept development for partnerships and promotions, providing expert art direction and strategic vision.
• Partner with external vendors and agencies to ensure all campaign assets effectively connect our films with global audiences.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback on design elements to ensure visual consistency with the unique voice of each film.
• Communicate complex design strategies confidently during executive-level reviews and stakeholder meetings.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing creative ambition with marketing objectives and tight deadlines.
• Mentor junior staff by providing ongoing coaching, inspiration, and professional support.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of professional design experience, with a focus on leading global marketing campaigns in-house or within an agency setting.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design.
• Proven experience in theatrical marketing, specifically working on blockbuster film releases.
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating groundbreaking 360-degree marketing campaigns across digital, social, print, and experiential mediums.
• Deep expertise in art direction and conceptual storytelling, with a background that includes retail, fashion, and consumer product design.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to present creative concepts to senior leadership.
• Fluency in English.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $140,000. We determine final offers based on a variety of factors, including your specific experience, qualifications, and skills. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Hybrid work environment.

How to apply

If you are a proactive leader with a passion for bold, boundary-pushing design and a desire to contribute to world-class entertainment, we invite you to submit your application and portfolio for consideration. We look forward to reviewing your work and discussing how your expertise can help elevate our future marketing initiatives.