AI Design Lead

Highwire is reimagining what a creative designer can be. We are an AI-native, sector-expert, outcome-obsessed partner to the world’s most innovative companies. As our AI Design Lead, you sit at the intersection of human-centered creative craft and machine-driven scale. You are a designer and a systems architect, defining how we build repeatable creative workflows that turn potential into influence. You will play a central role in operationalizing AI across our creative workflows, ensuring that our work maintains its gravity and cultural relevance while accelerating delivery.

Responsibilities

Architect AI-Native Creative Systems: Partner with our Innovation and Creative teams to build and refine workflows that translate approved human-first designs into scalable, multi-format asset systems; Bridge Craft and Scale: Maintain Highwire’s standard for high-quality, high-gravity creative output while overseeing the automated generation, versioning, and adaptation of assets for global campaigns; Human Oversight: Execute AI-assisted production workflows in accordance with client branding and compliance requirements, with mandatory human review and approval at all production stages before submission; Operationalize AI Integration: Deeply integrate LLMs and design APIs (Figma, Canva, Adobe Firefly, etc.) into our daily creative lifecycle; Brand Compliance: Maintain and execute AI-assisted compliance checks against client brand guidelines and visual standards; Modular Production: Build and version modular asset systems that can support scaled campaign production across formats and channels; Guardrails Maintenance: Maintain and update AI production guardrails libraries and brand standards documentation as brands and campaigns evolve; Creative Governance & QA: Conduct quality assessment of AI-generated output across diverse client industries; Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior Creative leads and account teams to ensure all AI outputs align with client-specific marketing objectives; Mentorship: Champion the use of AI tools across the wider creative team

Requirements

3+ years of professional, hands-on experience working directly with LLM-driven platforms and AI-integrated design apps (e.g., generative image models, LLM-based layout tools); Demonstrated fluency in structuring, iterating, and version-controlling prompts within production AI environments, beyond what general LLM platforms can do; A robust portfolio of large-scale brand work that demonstrates mastery of typography, layout, motion design, and visual storytelling—competing with top-tier agency work; Proven ability to translate creative strategy into technical workflows; Comfort operating in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with fluctuating production demands and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting campaign priorities; Experience working in a fast-paced agency environment, comfortable with shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and complex, multi-stakeholder feedback loops; Experience working as an embedded contributor, executing within defined systems and escalating creative decisions to senior leads appropriately; Experience in building design systems, template libraries, and component-based creative architectures that scale; A demonstrated history of partnering across disciplines (Content, Strategy, Accounts) to ensure design is a primary driver of business outcomes

Benefits

Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth; Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle; Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks; Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program; 401(k) plan with employer matching; Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options; Paid parental leave benefits; Commuter benefits; Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences; Monthly technology reimbursement; Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health; 501c3 donation matching program; Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities; Monthly recognition and team celebrations; Employee referral and new business referral bonuses; Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings; Dog-friendly office environment; A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work