📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Expert, Brand Creative Retail Story Design NA
🔹 Company: Nike
🔹 Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Design
🔹 Date Posted: July 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the design process for immersive retail environments and experiences
- Collaborating with various teams to develop innovative storytelling through design elements
- Supporting and partnering with senior leadership to lead long-term vision and strategic direction
- Constantly seeking new and innovative ways to tell stories through various design elements
- Driving education and inspiration by sharing knowledge and exposure to current and future trends
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking to create innovative retail experiences that align with Nike's brand strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead a design process focused on clear ideation, exploring color, materiality, texture, spacing, proportion, scale, and use of the environment
✅ Ensure project goals and priorities align with Nike retail brand and business strategies
✅ Develop presentation materials that effectively communicate design concepts to all levels of leadership and partners
✅ Collaborate with producers, design counterparts, internal partners, and external partners to ensure feasibility of designs and functional needs are met
✅ Actively gain knowledge and contribute to the development of Nike’s brand standards, design ethos, products, and processes
✅ Travel up to 20% of the time
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, architecture, industrial design, environmental design, or related field
Experience: Minimum of 8+ years of progressive, technically sophisticated design experience in architectural design, experiential design, or brand design
Required Skills:
- Expertise in applying and performing design skills including concepting, ideation, drawing/sketching, typography, color theory, texture, spatial design in scale, visual presentation development, and space planning layouts
- Strong knowledge of current trends in color, graphic design, art, photography, architecture, and experience design, and their application to the sport industry
- Strong knowledge of production design, fabrication, materiality, and emerging manufacturing trends
- Strategic thinking and adept at connecting the dots across multiple approaches and outputs
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity and create compelling solutions when the way forward is not always clear
- Proven ability to work independently as well as guide teams across a mix of complex projects
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with a highly developed ability to cultivate relationships in an open, positive, and inclusive environment
- Proven ability to manage multiple and competing work priorities, demands, and changes
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with motion graphics and video-editing
- A sense of humor, positivity, and an entrepreneurial spirit
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in using computer design applications such as SketchUp, Rhino, Grasshopper, V-Ray, Figma, Keynote, and Adobe Creative Suite is highly expected for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a senior-level design role in the Portland, OR area)
Benefits:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Employee discounts on Nike products
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility as needed
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a senior-level design role in the Portland, OR area. Actual salary may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Nike operates in the footwear manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on sports and athletic apparel. They are a global leader in their market, known for their innovative products and strong brand presence.
Company Size: Nike is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration with diverse teams.
Founded: Nike was founded in 1964, giving them a rich history and established brand identity.
Company Description:
- Nike is committed to redefining the future of sport through a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability
- Their commitment extends across the entire lifecycle of their products, from innovative materials to reducing waste and embracing a circular economy
- They strive to minimize their environmental footprint through energy-efficient practices, water stewardship, and transparency and accountability
Company Specialties:
- Footwear manufacturing
- Sports and athletic apparel
- Innovative design and technology
- Global brand management
Company Website: Nike.com
ASSUMPTION: Nike's commitment to sustainability and innovation is a significant aspect of their company culture and is likely to be emphasized in the interview process.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the expert level, indicating a high degree of experience and expertise in the field of design.
Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Senior Creative Director and a Senior Manager, with the expectation of collaborating with various teams, including Retail Producers, store designers, and cross-functional peers.
Work Arrangement: The role is primarily on-site, with the expectation of traveling up to 20% of the time.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more leadership responsibilities as the role evolves
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various aspects of Nike's business
- Access to professional development opportunities and tuition assistance
ASSUMPTION: Given Nike's large size and diverse range of products and services, there are likely numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Beaverton, Oregon
Geographic Context:
- Beaverton is a suburb of Portland, Oregon, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The area is known for its natural beauty, with easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing
- Portland is a vibrant city with a strong arts and culture scene, as well as a thriving food and drink industry
Work Schedule: The role follows a typical full-time work schedule, with the expectation of flexibility as needed to meet project deadlines or attend meetings.
ASSUMPTION: While the role is primarily on-site, Nike's flexible work arrangements may allow for some remote work opportunities, depending on the specific needs of the role and the team.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Design challenge or case study presentation
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design skills and portfolio presentation
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Nike's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant design experience and skills
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your design work, with a focus on retail and immersive environments
- Research Nike's brand and values to demonstrate your understanding of and alignment with their company culture
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in and understanding of the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Retail design, immersive environments, brand creative, story design, Nike, design strategy, project management, collaboration, innovation, trend analysis, portfolio development, software proficiency
ASSUMPTION: Given the competitive nature of the design industry and the high level of this role, applicants can expect a thorough and rigorous interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SketchUp
- Rhino
- Grasshopper
- V-Ray
- Figma
- Keynote
- Adobe Creative Suite
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in using these tools is expected for this role, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their skills during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovate and think differently
- Act with urgency
- Be a force for positive change
- Do the right thing
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Creative and innovative
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with current design trends and emerging technologies in the retail space?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects with competing priorities, and how did you ensure the successful completion of each project?
- How do you approach working with diverse teams, and how do you ensure that everyone's ideas and perspectives are considered and valued?
ASSUMPTION: Nike places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and alignment with their company values, and applicants can expect to be assessed on their fit with these values during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high level of creativity and innovation, which can be challenging and demanding at times
- The role involves working with multiple teams and stakeholders, which can present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
- The role requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, which can be stressful and time-consuming
- The role may require travel, which can be disruptive to personal and family life
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges are inherent to the role, Nike's commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment can help mitigate these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to Nike, as it focuses specifically on retail story design for the North American market
- Similar roles in other companies may focus on broader brand creative or retail design, rather than the specific aspect of story design
- Career progression in this role may lead to more senior-level positions within Nike's design organization, or to other roles within the company that focus on retail strategy or brand management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in other companies to gain a better understanding of the unique aspects of this role and how it fits into the broader design industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Designing an immersive retail experience for a new Nike store concept, incorporating innovative use of technology and emerging trends in retail design
- Developing a comprehensive design strategy for a seasonal retail campaign, including environmental graphics, fixtures, materials, and digital elements
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to create a cohesive and integrated retail experience for a major sporting event, incorporating branding, merchandising, and event-specific design elements
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant design experience and how it has prepared them for the specific challenges and opportunities presented by this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the design process for a recent retail project, and how the team collaborated to bring the concept to life?
- How does this role fit into the broader retail strategy for Nike, and how does it contribute to the company's overall brand and business goals?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the retail design team at Nike, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Nike support the professional development and growth of its design team members, and what opportunities are available for growth and advancement in this role?
- What is the work-life balance like for someone in this role, and how does Nike support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should approach the interview process as an opportunity to learn more about the role and the company, and to demonstrate their fit with the organization's values and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Candidate Accommodation Request Form
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant design experience and skills, with a focus on retail and immersive environments
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your design work, with a focus on retail and immersive environments
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in and understanding of the role and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
