WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will work closely with the Design Director and Product Leadership to help drive graphic strategy and vision while collaborating with multiple teams of designers, developers, and product managers to deliver creative work in line with the Nike Basketball ethos. From trims to print applications and cost considerations, you will work in tight collaboration with product and development to bring product to life. This opportunity will require strong collaborative skills to meet deadlines, ensure the feasibility of designs, and articulate the thinking behind your work to partners in leadership facing presentations. You will have two direct reports and lead the team through seasonal projects, while providing coaching and development.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an experienced and visionary design leader to manage the Branded Basketball and NBA graphic tee shirt space. The ideal candidate has a high level of taste and understanding of modern streetwear and culture, an innate grasp of basketball culture, style and the ability to elevate Nike’s visual storytelling globally through compelling sport narratives. Best in class competency in typography, design, illustration, conceptual thinking and end to end process excellence is a must. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, Graphic Design, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• 5-7+ years of relevant design work experience in a related field
  Passion and understanding of current and emerging design trends, street and visual culture.
• Strong understanding of the competitive streetwear and NBA licensed brand landscape, with an ability for gaining insights that drive product differentiation.
• A well-curated portfolio showcasing a variety of projects that demonstrate a strong, effective methodology for research, inspiration, design development, problem-solving, process, and final execution.
• Ability to motivate and mentor designers and other teammates within project settings.
• High degree of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; proficiency in Adobe Photoshop.
• Competency in 3D design, AI, and future design tools a massive plus.
• The ability to remain curious, motivated, optimistic while being able to adapt to change and navigate ambiguity.
• Expert in creative collaboration, design craft, conceptual thinking, innovation, graphic applications, prints, processes, and tools.
• A deep understanding of the apparel product creation process.
• The ability to embrace diverse points of view while fostering an environment of inclusivity.
• Expert narrative development and communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver project presentations to senior leadership and external partners.
• The ability to collaborate and art direct outside creative partners to connect to the culture and drive new points of view.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a Graphic Design Manager, you will be responsible for driving groundbreaking creative vision for branded basketball and NBA tee shirt graphics, while leading a team of two designers. Your work will involve executing a collaborative vision that aligns to Nike Basketball Apparel, NBA Apparel, Nike brand standards and is informed by consumer and athlete insights. You will be responsible for translating authentic insights through tee collections featuring graphics, trims, garment treatments and print applications.

Your accountabilities include but not limited to contributions to the creative vision, leading team meetings and communicating critical information to cross functional partners. Presenting design concepts and seasonal initiatives to internal and external audiences while maintaining Nike’s best interests.

• You will lead the future vision of Branded Basketball and NBA tee graphics in partnership with Product Management while collaborating with Tech Dev to bring best in class product to life.
• You will set seasonal direction in partnership with design leadership and bring brand narratives to life through best-in-class tee graphics.
• You will collaborate with multiple cross functional teams to elevate a shared vision and win as a team.
• You can manage multiple complex workflows, manage your time, and hit deadlines.
• You have a self-starter, entrepreneurial mindset and can anticipate and overcome challenges with ease.
• You will get to work on highly expressive design that has global reach and inspires athletes.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.