Senior Visual Designer - Contract to Hire

Our Story:

Short Story is an award winning, technology-powered retailer dedicated to petite women 5'4" and under. Our mission is to create a seamless shopping experience for millions of petite women so they can dress with effortless confidence.

As a fast-growing startup, we're revolutionizing retail with a data-driven learning system that leverages customer feedback to create tailored products. We've been recognized by top publications like Forbes, Fortune and are backed by top investors who share our vision of building the world's next great consumer brand.

Our Values:

We're building a company with intention and purpose. Our culture thrives on data insights, exceptional commitment to fit, and the urgency to move quickly on what matters.

• Transform Lives. We're customer-first. Everything we create exists to give her confidence.

• ️ Demand Excellence. We deliver only our best work, in Fit and Finish. We obsess about details others overlook.

• Embrace Challenges. We see obstacles as opportunities to invent better solutions.

• Think Differently. We get a thrill from finding better solutions others haven't seen.

About the Role

We're seeking a talented Senior Visual Designer for a contract-to-hire opportunity to execute high-performing creative assets across our entire marketing portfolio. This role will start as a contract position with the potential to convert to full-time based on performance and mutual fit.

You'll be instrumental in establishing our brand's visual identity and creating cohesive content across all marketing channels. We're looking for someone who can create a unified visual thread that connects all our touchpoints—from paid social to email to web design.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Visual Leadership

• Help establish and refine the company's visual brand identity across all channels

• Create cohesive design systems that ensure consistent brand recognition

• Develop visual guidelines and templates for omnichannel marketing consistency

• Establish the visual "thread" that connects all marketing touchpoints

Creative Execution

• Static Design (Core Requirement): Design graphics for paid social ads, Google ads, email campaigns, web design, and organic social platforms

• Marketing Collaboration (Essential): Work within the marketing team to define and execute brand visuals across all touchpoints

• Video Content (Preferred): Create compelling video content including UGC-style videos, motion graphics, and animated assets, or be capable of managing external contractors to execute these video assets

• Execute post-production work on marketing assets (pre-production support provided)

• Maintain brand consistency while optimizing designs for performance marketing goals

Cross-Platform Design

• Adapt creative concepts across multiple channels and formats

• Ensure designs are optimized for each platform's specifications and best practices

• Create unified visual experiences across paid social, organic social, email, and web

• Stay current with platform trends and creative formats

Innovation & Collaboration

• Experiment with AI tools and emerging design technologies

• Test new creative approaches and formats to improve campaign performance

• Work closely with Director of Growth and Brand Manager to execute strategic creative briefs

• Participate in creative planning sessions and provide strategic input on visual direction

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in marketing design or creative roles

• Strong portfolio demonstrating both static and video design capabilities

• Proven experience creating UGC-style video content and motion graphics

• Experience establishing visual brand identity and design systems

• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.)

• Understanding of performance marketing principles and design optimization

• Experience designing for women's fashion/apparel brands preferred

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator)

• Experience with Figma for web design and design systems

• Knowledge of social media platform specifications and best practices

• Basic to advanced video editing capabilities

• Experience with AI design tools and willingness to experiment with new technologies

Contract-to-Hire Details

Contract Phase:

• Expected 15-20 hours per week

• Initial contract period to assess mutual fit and role success

Conversion Opportunity:

• Potential conversion to full-time employee based on performance and business needs

• Full-time position would include comprehensive benefits package

• Conversion timeline and terms to be discussed based on initial contract success

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rates ($50-60/hr)

• Flexible contract schedule with growth potential

• Opportunity to shape the visual identity of a growing women's apparel brand

• Collaborative work environment with growth and brand strategy teams

• Access to cutting-edge design tools and technologies

• Clear path to full-time employment for the right candidate

Short Story is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment for all employees and applicants. We work diligently to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.