Senior Director, Design Strategy

Job Description

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will lead the Design Strategy function and work in close partnership with the Chief Design Officer, Product Creation business leaders and their strategy teams, VP / Creative Directors across Design, Brand Marketing creative leaders, NXT and Innovation leaders, and cross‑functional partners in HR and Business Integration. You’ll operate as a connector across design, product, innovation, brand, and marketplace teams to ensure strategic cohesion.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

A senior enterprise leader who bridges creative and business worlds. You combine strong design intuition with business acumen, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication and executive influence. You have a track record of building high‑performing, inclusive teams and driving complex, multi‑threaded initiatives that align design vision with company priorities, innovation roadmaps, and marketplace impact.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Applied Science, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.

10+ years prior design leadership experience in strategy, innovation-led or future-focused creative studios.

Proven ability to influence senior leaders and align diverse stakeholder groups to clear decisions.

Expertise and proven track record of leading teams at the intersection of design, strategy, and business.

Experience working across multiple initiatives and objectives across the enterprise.

Expertise in organizational strategy, foresight, and design systems.

Demonstrated ability to influence and drive action plans multidisciplinary teams and cross-functional partners effectively.

Strong design intuition combined with business acumen and strategic thinking.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will translate Nike’s business vision into actionable design strategies and operating mechanisms, enabling teams to deliver breakthrough consumer experiences. You’ll connect long‑range ambition to near‑term execution and bring clarity, tools, and cadence to how design delivers value across the enterprise. Additionally, in this role you will :

Partner with Nike Chief Design Officer to define and evolve the long-term Design Strategy across Footwear, Apparel and Accessories (Design Corporate Strategic Roadmap).

Translate Nike’s Business Vision and Strategy into actionable Design roadmaps.

Align design initiatives with Nike’s Inc priorities, innovation, business, Brand and sustainability commitments.

Lead the Design Strategy function and foster collaboration across design, product, innovation, brand, and marketplace teams to ensure strategic cohesion, by connecting on a regular cadence with the Global Nike Strategy leadership. This position is a key member of the Design Leadership Team and works closely with the Strategy Leadership Team.

Develop frameworks and tools to enable design teams to work more effectively, creatively, and inclusively.

Drive sport, cultural, and cultural competitive research to anticipate future opportunities, by partnering with Nike Athlete concepts and insights, and Nike Design Future / Trend.

Serve as a key advisor and thought partner to the Chief Design Officer.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.