Sr Director Digital Design

Who We Are

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers.

We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun.

Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Design, Visual Communication, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field.

Work Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in digital/web design and UX,
• At least 5 years in a leadership role (managing designers or creative teams).
• Significant experience in retail e-commerce or omnichannel consumer brands is highly preferred, demonstrating an understanding of how design drives online sales

Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing ability to create engaging, user-friendly interfaces and interactive content. Deep knowledge of Digital Experience principles, information architecture, and conversion-centered design. Experienced in designing for responsive web and native mobile apps, with a mobile-first mindset. Up-to-date with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and techniques like user journey mapping and wireframing. 

• Ability to craft compelling visual narratives – blending imagery, copy, and multimedia to tell a story and sell a product. Knowledge of best practices in digital storytelling and content marketing for e-commerce. Familiarity with photography, video, or graphic design processes is a plus to effectively partner in creation of rich content assets. 
• Solid understanding of front-end development technologies (HTML/CSS, JavaScript). While coding is not a core requirement, the director should grasp the capabilities and limitations of modern front-end frameworks to ensure design intentions are achievable. Experience working in an Agile development environment and using project management tools to collaborate with developers is beneficial. 

• Comfortable interpreting web analytics, A/B test results, and user research findings to inform design decisions. For example, able to analyze heatmaps or funnel metrics to diagnose UX problems and iterate solutions. Experience with usability testing (remote or in-person) and using feedback to refine designs. 
• Proven ability to lead creative teams – inspiring innovation while also providing clear direction and constructive critique. Excellent communicator who can articulate the rationale behind design concepts to non-design stakeholders and senior leadership, linking design outcomes to business results. Able to advocate for the user while balancing business needs, finding win-win solutions. 
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced retail calendar. Skilled at prioritizing design initiatives based on impact and effort. Experience coordinating cross-functional initiatives (e.g., a site redesign or a major campaign launch) from concept through execution. 
• Passion for staying on the cutting edge of digital design. Familiarity with emerging trends like personalization in UX, motion design, AR/VR commerce, and conversational interfaces. A forward-thinking mindset to experiment with new formats and ensure Academy’s digital experience remains fresh and competitive. 

Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the overall digital design vision and content strategy for Academy’s e-commerce platforms.
• Manage and mentor a team of visual designers and content creators/copywriters. Foster a collaborative and creative team culture that encourages innovation and staying ahead of design trends. Provide guidance and training opportun