Design Manager — Brand, Digital & Print

Design Observer Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York City seeks an experienced Design Manager to lead hands-on design across digital products, print publications, and brand touchpoints. The role reports to the Director of Design and emphasizes on‑brand craft, design systems, and high-volume output.

Based in CFR's New York City office, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, manage contractors, and maintain brand standards, while driving templates and scalable design practices across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field.
• 7+ years design experience across brand, digital, and print.
• Portfolio showing hands-on craft and design leadership.
• Expert Figma proficiency and design system documentation.
• Experience producing high-quality print materials and brand standards.
• Collaboration with freelancers and contractors on production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Produce high‑quality design across digital, print, and brand touchpoints.
• Review work and provide actionable design feedback to staff and freelancers.
• Own complex or high-visibility design initiatives.
• Brief and review contractors, ensuring brand consistency.
• Maintain CFR's design documentation and brand standards.
• Develop templates and reusable patterns for scalable output.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to mature brand standards.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Branding

Editorial design

Print production

Design systems

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design

Tools

Figma

Job description

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York City seeks an experienced Design Manager to lead hands-on design across digital products, print publications, and brand touchpoints. The role reports to the Director of Design and emphasizes on‑brand craft, design systems, and high-volume output.

Based in CFR's New York City office, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, manage contractors, and maintain brand standards, while driving templates and scalable design practices across