Chief Design Officer

16VC; United States; Remote; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative venture studio is seeking a Chief Design Officer (CDO) to spearhead the design vision for a portfolio of startups. This role offers the opportunity to shape user experiences and brand identities from the ground up, while collaborating with founders and engineers in a dynamic environment. With a focus on human-centered design, you will lead UX/UI and product design initiatives, manage design teams, and develop systems to accelerate venture launches. If you're passionate about design and eager to make a significant impact in the startup ecosystem, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive compensation (salary + equity)

Remote-first culture with flexibility

Access to top founders and investors

Qualifications

• 8+ years in design leadership roles, preferably in startups.
• Strong portfolio showcasing multiple digital products.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement design strategies for multiple ventures.
• Lead UX/UI and branding efforts across early-stage startups.

Skills

UX/UI Design

Product Design

Brand Strategy

Design Leadership

Human-Centered Design

Job description

16VC is expanding beyond venture funding to build and scale category-defining startups. As part of our new venture studio, we are seeking a Chief Design Officer (CDO) to lead the design vision across our portfolio of startups, ensuring a world-class user experience and brand identity from inception.

Location: USA (Remote)

Key Responsibilities

1. Define and implement design strategies for multiple ventures in the studio.
2. Lead UX/UI, product design, and branding efforts across early-stage startups.
3. Collaborate with founders, engineers, and product teams to craft intuitive, scalable experiences.
4. Build and manage a network of designers (in-house or freelance) to support multiple projects.
5. Develop design systems and frameworks to accelerate new venture launches.
6. Advocate for human-centered design and innovation across the portfolio.

What We’re Looking For

1. 8+ years of experience in design leadership roles (startup or venture studio experience is a plus).
2. Expertise in UX/UI, product design, and brand strategy.
3. Experience building and managing design teams.
4. Strong portfolio demonstrating work across multiple digital products.
5. Ability to work in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments.

What We Offer

1. Competitive compensation (salary + equity).
2. Opportunity to shape multiple high-impact ventures from the ground up.
3. Remote-first culture with flexibility.
4. Access to top founders, investors, and resources.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Business Development and Sales

Industries

Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals