Senior Visual Communication Designer

IDEO; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Diverse and inclusive environment

Employee benefits

Job summary

IDEO in San Francisco is seeking a Visual Communication Designer who excels in visual storytelling and collaborative design with multidisciplinary teams. In this role, you will set the visual design direction and create compelling narratives that elevate user experiences across various mediums.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in graphic design and experience in multiple design sectors including brand expression and digital products. IDEO values curiosity and craft excellence, offering a supportive work environment and a salary range of $80,000–$100,000.

Qualifications

• Experience designing across multiple mediums including branding and information design.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear visual narratives.
• Comfort in working from concept to execution.

Responsibilities

• Set the visual design direction of projects.
• Design environments and experiences with the end user in mind.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve problems.
• Create compelling visual narratives that communicate user stories.

Skills

Graphic design

Visual storytelling

Typography

Layout

Composition

Color theory

Education

Relevant experience in communications design or graphic design

Job description

In a Nutshell

Visual Communication Designers at IDEO make the biggest impact through visual storytelling. They work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to bring ideas, research, strategy, and stories to life through strong craft execution.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in graphic design and experience applying practical and conceptual design principles across brand expression, interaction and digital product experiences, motion, and storytelling. We’re looking for designers who bring a distinct visual voice, curiosity, and a commitment to craft excellence.

Core Responsibilities

• Partner closely with a single, long-term Entertainment and Technology client, contributing to the ongoing evolution of their brand, platforms, and experiences over time.
• Set the visual design direction of projects through exploration, strategy, graphic design, and storytelling.
• Design environments, experiences, websites, apps, and combined digital and physical experiences with the end user in mind.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary designers with backgrounds such as industrial design, interaction design, business design, and mechanical engineering to solve problems.
• Work through all phases of a project, from translating verbal ideas into rough visual concepts to creating production‑ready artwork, and to create prototype looks of different fidelity to help teams determine design direction.
• Create compelling visual narratives that communicate user stories and our strategic solutions.
• Be an advocate for exceptional visual design, elevating craft, clarity, and coherence while working within complex systems, constraints, and timelines.

Relevant Experience and Skills

• Relevant experience and/or educational background in communications design, graphic design, or a closely related discipline, gained in a studio, agency, or in‑house environment.
• A strong foundation in visual design craft, including typography, layout, composition, color, and systems thinking.
• Experience designing across multiple mediums, such as brand and brand expression, information design, digital and interactive experiences, motion, and presentation design.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex ideas, data, and strategies into clear, compelling visual narratives.
• Comfort working from early concepting and synthesis through execution, refinement, and delivery.
• Experience collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams.
• Confidence in explaining design decisions, and using storytelling to align teams and move projects forward.
• High level of self‑direction, organization, and accountability.

Key Mindsets

• Collaborative and adaptable: able to navigate team dynamics, timelines, and client contexts while delivering exceptional design.
• Growth oriented and resilient: open to feedback, eager to iterate, and comfortable learning through experimentation and critique.
• Curious and proactive: able to generate ideas, take initiative, and contribute wherever needed, from early exploration to final delivery.

What Does IDEO Offer You?

IDEO is a place where you can solve diverse, complex challenges for our clients and their organizations, alongside thoughtful, intelligent individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and humility. We intentionally craft moments that allow our community to pause, create, and connect. We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work‑life balance, and allow for autonomy in the design process and your career.

Payscale & Benefits

IDEO is committed to paying its employees, contractors & vendors equitably, regardless of gender identity or race/ethnicity/cultural identity.

The salary range for this role is $80,000–$100,000 USD. Final offers may vary based on candidate experience, location, and other factors. As a full‑time position, this role is eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDEA is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.