NIKE, Inc

Senior Director, Concept Design Excellence, Global Jordan

NIKE, Inc$150K — $200K *
Consumer Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Design or related field, or equivalent experience
  • At least 12 years of professional design experience in relevant environments
  • Deep passion for athletes and sports culture
  • Expertise in visual design including brand identity and storytelling
  • Proven track record in developing creative strategies and narrative frameworks
  • Experience in managing and developing creative teams with a focus on trust and accountability
  • Strong portfolio showcasing world-building and concept-driven design

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Concept Excellence team in defining the future of Jordan Design
  • Establish and maintain the highest standards for concept development across the brand
  • Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to ensure aligned excellence in narratives and execution
  • Identify creative opportunities and shape visual identities across the organization
  • Connect athlete insights, cultural influence, and design vision into cohesive concepts
  • Set creative tone and lead brainstorming sessions for innovative concepts
  • Act as the central creative connector across various teams, facilitating alignment and clarity in direction

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead and shape the future of a renowned brand
  • Collaborative environment with access to diverse teams and perspectives
  • Involvement in culturally relevant projects rooted in community engagement
  • Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
  • Dynamic workplace culture centered on creativity and innovation
Full Job Description
Who we are looking for

We're looking for a Senior Director of Concepts, to join the Jordan Design organization and help define the future of the brand. Concept Design is the connective tissue between emerging innovation, athlete insight, product vision, cultural fluency, and storytelling. It is where the earliest sparks of Jordan's future take shape, sharpened, and shepherded into narratives that fuel product and marketplace teams across the globe.

In this role, you will report directly to the Chief Design Officer and sit on the Jordan Design Leadership Team. You will partner closely with field-of-play Creative Directors, Concepts and Design Excellence leaders in Footwear, Apparel, 3D, and Color & Materials to establish the highest standard for concept development across the brand. You will collaborate with Concept leaders throughout Jordan to ensure aligned, end-to-end excellence rooted in soulful, culturally grounded narratives; flawless execution; and world-building expressed through product, story, and environment amplified by cultural nuance and intention.

The ideal candidate brings a grounded creative point of view shaped by real experience, deep curiosity, and a commitment to elevating the communities and cultures that define Jordan. You're a collaborative and strategic leader who can transform insight into direction, unify teams around a shared vision, and build the systems and storytelling tools that push the brand forward. You operate with imagination and discipline equally energized by shaping bold creative futures and crafting the detailed materials that bring them to life.

This leader sets the tone for Concept excellence across Jordan Design and will guide the Concept team into the next era.

What you will work on

As the Senior Director of Concepts, your role is to build the creative worlds that define the future of Jordan. You will lead the Concept team and partner closely with the Chief Design Officer, field-of-play Creative Directors, and Design Excellence leaders across Footwear, Apparel, 3D, and Color & Materials. You'll also collaborate with Concept leaders across the brand - aligning on end-to-end excellence, culturally resonant narratives, and world-building that connects product, story, and environment with clarity and intention.

Your work spans the full breadth of Jordan Design. You'll help identify opportunities, shape creative direction, build visual identities, and define how ideas come to life across the brand. You will be at the center of connecting athlete insight, cultural influence, and design vision into cohesive concepts that move the organization forward.

A typical day may include setting the creative tone for the future of Jordan Design, leading cross-functional brainstorms, guiding concept launch meetings, traveling for inspiration, working with agencies and external partners, gathering athlete perspective, or pitching new concepts to Jordan leadership. Alongside your team, you will shape the ideas themselves and use your blend of strategy, creative direction, art direction, and world-building to bring those ideas to life with depth and precision across the organization.

Who you will work with

The Senior Director of Concepts reports directly to the Chief Design Officer and leads the Concept team within Jordan Design. You will work as part of the Jordan Design Leadership Team, collaborating closely with field-of-play Creative Directors and Design Excellence leaders across Footwear, Apparel, 3D, and Color & Materials.

In your day-to-day, you'll partner with Concept leaders across the brand, Product Design, Innovation, Product Merchandising, General Managers, and Brand Marketing teams. You will serve as a central creative connector aligning strategy, elevating narratives, and ensuring that concept direction translates with intention and clarity across the entire Jordan ecosystem. Your role is at the intersection of culture, athlete insight, product vision, and brand storytelling, bringing teams together to build worlds that move the brand forward.

What you will bring
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Design or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
  • At least 12 years of professional design experience across product, brand, agency, or marketing environments.
  • A deep passion for athletes, for sport, and for the cultural ecosystems that shape and inspire them.
  • Expertise across all aspects of visual design - from composition and identity systems to art direction and visual storytelling.
  • Proven experience developing creative strategy and narrative frameworks that translate insight into powerful direction.
  • Experience managing and developing creative talent as direct reports, with a leadership style grounded in clarity, trust, and accountability.
  • A strong portfolio showcasing world-building, inspirational storytelling, photo art direction, brand identity, and concept-driven design.
  • Excellent visual and verbal communication skills; confident in presenting, articulating, and defending creative ideas at all levels.
  • A forward-looking mindset with the ability to take bold, calculated creative risks that expand the brand's potential.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining depth and creative excellence.
  • Ability to envision concepts that define the future of Jordan Design and articulate that vision in a way that unites and energizes partners across the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage internal and external creative partners, guiding them toward aligned, high-quality execution.
  • Skill in managing expectations across different functions and acting as a central point of clarity in the concept development process.
  • Ability to orchestrate creative collaboration across a broad network of studios, disciplines, and contributors.
  • A resilient, adaptable mentality with the proven ability to respond to changing business needs without compromising creative integrity.
  • Sharp focus and the ability to work efficiently, decisively, and with discipline under pressure.
  • Strong interpersonal instincts and resourcefulness, with the ability to build cross-functional partnerships and foster a collaborative, open creative environment.
  • A highly developed sense of curiosity and a nuanced understanding of design culture, youth culture, and the cultural histories influencing them - past, present, and future.

About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ

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