About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Design Lead to drive the creative vision and execution of our brand across all lower funnel marketing. As an in-house leader, you’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop strategic, high-impact design solutions that elevate our visual identity and support business goals. This role requires a strong blend of hands-on design skills, creative direction, and team leadership to guide and inspire a growing design team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Creative Direction – Uphold the brand’s visual identity across all lower funnel marketing channels
• Design Execution – Oversee the development of high-quality design work, from concept to final delivery, ensuring consistency and excellence
• Team Leadership – Mentor and manage a team of designers, providing guidance, continual feedback, and fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner with colleagues across strategy and marketing teams to align design strategies with business objectives
• Brand Stewardship – Maintain and evolve brand guidelines to ensure a cohesive identity across all internal and external communications
• Stakeholder Communication – Present design concepts and rationale clearly to stakeholders, incorporating feedback effectively
• Trend Awareness – Stay up to date with design trends, tools, and technologies to keep the brand’s creative approach fresh and relevant
• Quality Control – Review and approve final assets to ensure they meet brand standards ADA/WCAG 2.1 guidelines and project goals
• Foster a Creative Culture– Champion a positive, inclusive and innovative design culture that encourages continuous learning and collaboration

Qualifications:

• 8 years of leadership experience, including a design background
• Agency experience (in-house agency experience is a plus)
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design)
• Expert-level proficiency in Figma, including experience with components, auto layout, libraries, and collaborative design workflows
• Familiar with Creative AI tools
• A proven history of design fundamentals (including typography, color theory, brand adherence, and critical thinking with regards to creative application)
• Experience working with design systems and component libraries.
• Proficient in implementation of ADA accessibility standards, particularly for email design.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to clearly and effectively discuss projects
• Strong communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Experience utilizing a work management platform
• Able to balance speed with precision and adapt to evolving priorities
• A BA or higher in marketing or a related field
• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing your strongest work, including examples relevant to email and direct mail

Education:

• Bachelor's/University degree, Master's degree preferred

Job Family Group:

Marketing

Job Family:

Communication & Creative Services:

Time Type:

Full time

Primary Location:

Schaumburg Illinois United States:

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$114,720.00 - $172,080.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Feb 19, 2026
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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