Design Director

Who We Are Schema is a design and technology firm pioneering the next generation of intelligent interfaces for frontier technologies. We transform complex data into breakthrough tools and experiences that empower people to make informed decisions and take action. Our team works at the intersection of human creativity and machine intelligence, reimagining user experience paradigms to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world applications. We specialize in design engineering, human-centered design, and data visualization, collaborating closely with forward-thinking clients across energy, finance, health, research, and technology sectors. Through dialogue, prototyping, and iteration, we create intuitive, impactful solutions that unlock the full potential of complex data. Together, we’re building the future of intelligent interfaces. What We Offer Join a passionate, tight-knit team of designers, technologists, and researchers committed to solving meaningful challenges. We offer a creative, fast-paced environment where you’ll have the freedom to develop innovative concepts, strategies, and solutions at the intersection of content, data, and emerging technologies. We celebrate the diversity of our team’s talents and perspectives, and we thrive on collaboration. We offer a competitive salary, profit-sharing, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement plan. Your Role As a Design Director at Schema, you will lead multidisciplinary teams to shape the future of data-driven design and research. You’ll be responsible for managing projects, nurturing client relationships, and maintaining the highest standards of visual and interaction design. You’ll bring a strong point of view on design craft, human-centered methods, and visual storytelling. Beyond project leadership, you’ll help guide Schema’s overall design vision, influence hiring and team development, and contribute to identifying new business opportunities. You’ll also be an active voice in our exploration of AI user experiences. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role at an award-winning, multidisciplinary studio. You’ll work from our Seattle studio in Capitol Hill. What You’ll Bring • Proven leadership experience in digital design, inspiring and motivating teams to create exceptional work • 7+ years of professional experience at a design firm, in-house team, or as an independent designer • Graduate degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Interaction Design, or a related field • A standout portfolio showcasing originality, conceptual rigor, and meticulous execution • Ability to transform ambiguous challenges into clear, actionable design solutions • Expertise in UX/UI design principles and practices • Experience designing data visualizations (strong plus) • Familiarity with ethnographic research and translating insights into design strategies, use cases, and user flows • Experience facilitating ideation sessions and participatory design workshops with clients and stakeholders • Confident communicator and presenter, able to lead client engagements and represent Schema at conferences and events • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment • Proficiency with Figma and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite • Collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring designers and technologists • Familiarity with coding, content management systems, or technical frameworks (a plus) • A strong commitment to professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning