Merlin Group operates at the intersection of cyber innovation, national security, and technology-driven transformation. With a mission to accelerate the adoption of high‑impact technologies across the U.S. public sector and regulated commercial markets, Merlin is uniquely structured around three core tenets – Invest, Enable, and Scale – each designed to address a specific stage of the technology lifecycle.
We are seeking a Director, Creative & Brand to lead the evolution of our brand across all touchpoints – visual, digital, and experiential. This leader will own the creative vision and execution, ensuring a cohesive, differentiated brand that resonates with our audience and supports business growth.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Brand & Creative Leadership
- Define, evolve, and operationalize Merlin’s brand strategy, identity, and visual systems across all touchpoints
- Translate business, product, and marketing objectives into clear, differentiated, and high‑impact creative
- Establish and uphold brand standards to ensure consistency and coherence across web, product, campaigns, and content
- Shape how Merlin communicates complex concepts into accessible, compelling narratives that build trust with key audiences
Design Execution & Oversight
- Lead end‑to‑end creative direction across brand, digital, campaigns, and product marketing initiatives
- Partner cross‑functionally with marketing, product, and leadership to conceive and deliver effective design solutions
- Set and maintain a high bar for craft, storytelling, and innovation across all outputs
- Provide hands‑on design work as well as creative direction and feedback, ensuring alignment from concept through execution
- Be up‑to‑date on design trends and the cyber market, including cybersecurity brand design trends
- Experience using AI platforms for design generation and execution at scale (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
Team Leadership & Management
- Build, mentor, and scale a high‑performing in‑house creative team as the company grows and scales
- Manage and direct external agencies, freelancers, and production partners
- Develop scalable processes, systems, and workflows to support efficient, high‑quality creative output
- Foster a culture of collaboration, critique, and continuous improvement
- Build and manage a robust content system of record for design work, digital and marketing assets, and other content deliverables
Web & Digital Experience
- Own the vision, design, and continuous visual optimization of Merlin’s website and digital ecosystem
- Drive conversion‑focused design informed by user behavior, analytics, and experimentation
- Ensure digital brand experiences can be effectively consumed and interacted with across a variety of audience channels and touchpoints
Strategic Impact
- Act as a key partner to executive leadership on brand strategy and positioning
- Use insights and performance data to continuously refine creative direction
- Champion the role of design as a core driver of business value
Qualifications
Required
Creative Expertise
- B2B technology experience in the cybersecurity industry or related field is required
- 10–12+ years in brand, creative, or design roles (with leadership experience)
- Deep experience in graphic design, visual design, and brand systems
- Strong portfolio demonstrating high‑quality, modern, and scalable design work
- Hands‑on senior design skills across a variety of content formats and channels
Leadership & Management
- Proven experience managing both internal creative teams and external partners/contractors
- Track record of mentoring creatives and elevating team performance
- Ability to balance hands‑on work with strategic oversight
Digital & Web Experience
- Strong experience leading web design and digital experiences
- Fluency in UX/UI principles and modern web best practices
- Experience collaborating with product and engineering teams
Strategic Mindset
- Ability to connect brand and design decisions to business outcomes
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments
Preferred
- Experience in Cybersecurity, B2B, SaaS, or tech environments
- Background in designing brand identity systems and B2B content development
- Experience scaling a brand through periods of rapid growth and transformational change
Key Success Metrics (first 12–18 months)
- Stronger brand
- Better and faster creative
- High‑performing team built
- Improved website performance
- Clear business impact
Benefits & Perks
Our workplace is dynamic, collegial, and fun with multiple collaborative spaces. We offer a wellness package with on‑site gym access, medical, dental, vision insurance, FSA and EAP options, 401(k) with employer match, unlimited PTO, and a culture that respects personal life and career flexibility.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
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