Lead Graphic Designer - Nike Design Strategy & Initiatives

Overview

Join the Design Strategy and Initiatives team at Nike, a specialized hub dedicated to enhancing Nike Design through a variety of creative and strategic endeavors. This team collaborates closely with the Chief Design Officer and Design Leadership, functioning as an internal creative studio handling both internal and external projects across the company.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Lead Graphic Designer who possesses a solid background in graphic design and is proficient across diverse mediums such as graphics, art direction, editorial, motion, and spatial design. This role requires a professional who excels in transitioning smoothly from conceptual ideas to hands-on execution, sets direction clearly, uplifts team efforts with strong design insight, and leads collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Convert creative strategies and bold concepts into compelling visual design, art direction, and storytelling that represent Nike Design.
• Drive visual ideation and implementation in two main spheres: internal projects influencing product branding, cultural initiatives, and partnerships; and external projects shaping Nike Design’s presence through publications, activations, editorial content, and major brand events.
• Develop graphic systems and visual identities that effectively communicate the brand’s essence.
• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams fostering alignment and creative excellence.
• Lead presentations to senior leadership and oversee projects from initial brief through to final delivery.
• Utilize expertise in creative direction, art direction, and storytelling to enhance Nike Design’s global expression and workflow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related discipline, or an equivalent mix of education, experience, and training.
• At least 7 years of professional design experience within branding, editorial, or agency settings.
• Strong foundational skills in graphic design combined with strategic thinking about design objectives.
• Expertise in multiple design areas including art direction, motion graphics, graphic design, creative strategy, and spatial concepts.
• Personal passion for sport and culture with an understanding of design's role in shaping these elements.
• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing diverse visual systems, editorial assets, brand identities, storytelling, and immersive world-building.
• Outstanding verbal and visual communication abilities enabling articulation of creative choices to senior stakeholders.
• Capacity to juggle several projects simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while meeting high quality standards.
• Ability to remain detail-focused and adapt to changing priorities under pressure.
• Curiosity about advancements in design culture, creative technologies, and emerging industry trends.

Additional Information

Nike provides several accommodations for candidates throughout the interview process, including but not limited to screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible venues, closed captioning, and other reasonable adjustments. Candidates requiring assistance due to disability are encouraged to request accommodations to ensure a smooth application experience.

Application Requirements

Submission of a creative design portfolio is mandatory. Applicants should provide website links or attach PDF portfolios as part of their application.