Senior Graphic Design Lead

About Stephens  

Stephens is a fast-paced, full-service agency with omni-channel marketing expertise in retail, fintech, athletics, healthcare, and education. Most of our clientele are nationally 

 known industry leaders and we develop and execute full-scale marketing campaigns. Stephens is headquartered in Dayton, OH and serves clients across the country. 

Summary 

The Senior Graphic Design Lead at Stephens helps set the standard for design quality and creative execution across the agency. This hands-on leader will guide design thinking and concept development, mentor designers, and contribute directly to design and execution across print, digital, motion, and emerging platforms. The ideal candidate brings strong agency experience, an impressive portfolio, excellent communication skills, and a high level of design expertise. 

Job Expectations 

This is a hands-on leadership role. The Senior Graphic Design Lead balances people leadership and creative direction with active participation in design, concepting, and execution. This role drives design excellence through: 

Design Leadership 

• Helps establish and maintain the agency’s design standards in partnership with creative leadership 
• Leads design thinking, concept development, and creative problem-solving 
• Brings strong design skills and clear rationale across a range of work, media, and platforms 
• Demonstrates expertise in traditional and digital design, including print, interactive, video, and motion 
• Advocates for technology-forward platforms, tools, and approaches 
• Provides feedback that strengthens briefs, project information, and creative direction 
• Ensures work is aligned with and elevates brand guidelines 

People Leadership 

• Mentors designers through thoughtful feedback, direction, and opportunities for growth 
• Manages and develops team members through regular 1:1s, coaching, and ongoing feedback 
• Serves as a design resource for the broader agency 
• Identifies and champions process improvements that create a more efficient workflow 
• Provides training and guidance on design tools and processes as needed 
• Helps foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team 

Collaboration 

• Works closely with creative leadership to advance the quality and capabilities of the department 
• Collaborates effectively across disciplines and agency teams 
• Builds strong, positive relationships and models clear, efficient communication 
• Brings strong knowledge of design, motion, and MarTech, including digital experiences, CMS, email, personalization, AI, marketing automation, and interactive platforms 

Agency & Client Impact 

• Understands client objectives and translates business challenges into effective creative solutions 
• Helps teams balance creative ambition with client needs, scope, timing, and budget 
• Participates in client presentations and conversations when appropriate 
• Identifies opportunities to expand creative solutions and agency capabilities 
• Demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow 
• Acts with integrity and serves as a positive, solutions-oriented force within the agency 

Requirements 

• 5–6 years of professional design experience with an impressive online portfolio 
• 3–5 years of experience leading, managing, and mentoring designers 
• Agency experience preferred 
• Strong expertise in design, branding, and digital experiences 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced agency environment 
• Located in Ohio and able to work remotely