Executive Director, Product Design

[REDACTED] is looking for an Executive Director of Product Design to lead a team of product designers and help shape the future of our reader experience. Reporting to the VP of Product Design, this person will set direction for key product areas, manage and develop designers, and contribute directly to the design of our products.

This is a senior role for someone who is both an experienced people manager and a strong practicing designer. You will work closely with product, engineering, editorial, and growth teams to make decisions, move projects forward, and ensure that the work meets a high standard.

The role includes significant hands-on design work. You will lead the design of important initiatives, from early concepts and prototypes through launch and iteration, while giving your team clear direction and useful feedback.

What you’ll do

• Partner with the VP of Product Design to set priorities and direction for the design team.
• Manage, mentor, and support product designers, including performance management, career development, and hiring.
• Lead design for major product initiatives across [REDACTED]’s website, apps, storytelling products, and publishing tools.
• Develop user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.
• Give clear, practical feedback that helps designers improve their work and grow in their roles.
• Work with product and engineering leaders to define project goals, scope work, and make tradeoffs.
• Collaborate with editorial, photo, video, audio, and subscriber-growth teams on reader-facing products.
• Raise the quality and consistency of design across the organization, including visual design, interaction design, accessibility, and implementation.
• Help maintain and improve design systems, patterns, and team processes.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and represent design in cross-functional planning and…