Head of Design — AI-Driven UX & Systems Leadership

Elmo Software; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Diversity and inclusion groups

Wellbeing plans and staff support

Job summary

Guardian Australia is seeking a head of design to creatively lead Guardian Australia’s visual and editorial design team, as a hands‑on editorial designer and visual storytelling lead in an engaged, fast‑paced newsroom environment.

This role will collaborate with editors, journalists, photographers, developers and visual creatives across Australia to elevate the digital experience of our journalism across web, app and emerging platforms.

Qualifications

• Exceptional talent and skill in editorial design and visual journalism.
• At least eight years’ experience in digital editorial design, visual storytelling and interactive formats.
• Experience creating engaging storytelling experiences across web, app and digital platforms.
• Demonstrated experience guiding multiple complex editorial projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of web and native platform capabilities and constraints.
• Experience with Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and After Effects.
• Knowledge of HTML, SCSS/CSS and digital production workflows.
• Awareness of web standards and accessibility guidelines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced newsroom to strict deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a consistent visual style across products.

Responsibilities

• Lead editorial design and visual storytelling for Guardian Australia across web, app and platforms.
• Collaborate with editors, journalists, photographers, developers and creatives.
• Provide editorial and visual expertise from inception to implementation.
• Ensure high standards in storytelling, accessibility, usability and editorial quality.
• Innovate and evolve visual storytelling formats and design guidelines.
• Influence design direction and contribute to editorial strategy with senior leadership.
• Mentor designers and visual journalists and foster a collaborative newsroom environment.
• Balance daily deadlines with long‑form and investigative projects.

Skills

Editorial design

Visual journalism

Storytelling

Team leadership

Deadline management

Audience insight

Accessibility

Editorial strategy

Tools

Figma

Photoshop

Illustrator

Premiere Pro

After Effects

HTML/CSS

Job description

Guardian Australia is seeking a head of design to creatively lead Guardian Australia’s visual and editorial design team, as a hands‑on editorial designer and visual storytelling lead in an engaged, fast‑paced newsroom environment.

This role will collaborate with editors, journalists, photographers, developers and visual creatives across Australia to elevate the digital experience of our journalism across web, app and emerging platforms.