Instrument - Design Director (Freelance)

Client: Instrument

Location: Remote

Contract: Contract

Job Description

Instrument is a digitally native design and technology company focused on helping brands unlock their potential. The company has partnered with notable brands like Google, Nike, and Uber to create impactful digital experiences. Unlike traditional agencies, they not only design but build, emphasizing a blend of taste and technology through their core offerings: Brand, Marketing, and Product.

The freelance Design Director will lead the design of two large-scale website redesigns for a major furniture brand, ensuring a cohesive design system across platforms while maintaining quality and craft. The role involves guiding a team of designers, aligning systems thinking, and refining interaction details.

Contract Duration: 3/19 – 6/26

Hours: 40 hrs/week

Location: Remote (U.S. preferred)

What You’ll Do

• Lead design direction across two concurrent website redesigns, ensuring a cohesive system-driven approach.
• Define and evolve a shared design system, including components, patterns, and templates.
• Guide and mentor a team of designers, providing clear feedback and direction.
• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and production to ensure feasibility and quality.
• Review flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity designs to maintain high standards of craft and usability.
• Establish best practices for responsive design, accessibility, and component-based thinking.
• Drive alignment with stakeholders, clearly articulating design rationale.
• Identify risks, gaps, or inconsistencies and proactively address them.
• Balance speed and quality in a fast-moving, iterative environment.

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in digital product or web design, ideally in a Design Director or Lead role.
• Proven experience leading large-scale website redesigns, particularly for enterprise or eCommerce brands.
• Strong expertise in design systems and component-based design.
• A portfolio showcasing both high-level design direction and hands-on execution.
• Experience managing and mentoring designers while being engaged in the work.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams, especially engineering and product partners.
• Ability to clearly articulate design decisions to stakeholders and clients.
• High attention to detail with a passion for craft, interaction, and usability.

Pay Range

• The expected pay range for this role is $103 - $122 per hour, depending on location.
• The company adheres to three regional pay bands (US 1, US 2, and US 3) based on its location.
• US 3 is the base pay, applied in cities like Portland, Houston, and Miami.
• US 2 pay is 7.5% higher than US 3, applicable in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
• US 1 pay is 15% higher than US 3, used in cities like Brooklyn and San Francisco.
• Interested candidates can inquire about their regional pay information by connecting with the recruiting team.