Design Director: Brand & Visual Storytelling Leader

VML; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Award-winning portfolio

Job summary

VML Detroit is seeking an award-winning Design Director to serve as the visual lead across a major automotive account. Elevate both big-picture brand storytelling and day-to-day creative output across all workstreams, including Brand, Retail, and Services, while maintaining graphic standards and pushing visual boundaries.

You are a hands-on leader skilled in brand design, digital experiences, motion graphics, and next-gen AI video generation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years specializing in visual design, brand design and art direction within a top-tier creative agency or global design studio.
• Award-winning portfolio featuring iconic work and mastery of craft, typography, brand identity systems, motion design, and digital experiences.
• Hands-on expertise in design apps (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects) and experience using AI image/video tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design territories and set the visual benchmark for major brand campaigns from concept to final execution.
• Collaborate with workstream leads to integrate visual storytelling across channels and craft award submissions.
• Provide design leadership and mentorship, recruit and review portfolios, and present to executives.

Skills

Brand design

Art direction

Typography

Motion design

AI video generation

Presentation skills

Mentoring

Leadership

Tools

Figma

Adobe Creative Suite

After Effects

Job description

VML Detroit is seeking an award-winning Design Director to serve as the visual lead across a major automotive account. Elevate both big-picture brand storytelling and day-to-day creative output across all workstreams, including Brand, Retail, and Services, while maintaining graphic standards and pushing visual boundaries.

You are a hands-on leader skilled in brand design, digital experiences, motion graphics, and next-gen AI video generation.