Our mission at Duolingo is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. But we’ve got more left to do — and that’s where you come in!

Duolingo is the world's most popular learning app. Beyond our core learning product, we also offer English proficiency testing with the Duolingo English Test, and are bringing new subjects into the Duolingo app, where people can develop their Math and Music skills.

We are passionate about educating our users, making fact-based decisions, and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. We offer meaningful work, limitless learning opportunities, and collaboration with world-class minds. Come brighten your life and over half a billion more!

This role reports to the Head of Design Studio as a member of the Design team, the instrumental creative partner in most projects at Duolingo—from our mobile app and website to branded environment builds and Super Bowl ads. We take pride in and agonize over crafting a user-friendly (and fun) experience for everyone, and your work will play a meaningful role in helping us achieve our mission and take our brand further.

You Will...

  • Drive the creative vision for multiple projects from concept through completion in a product-focused pipeline
  • Set and uphold our high quality bar across Design Studio along with other Creative Directors
  • Mentor, inspire, and develop the skills and talents of the artists and designers you direct
  • Lead pitches and presentations for your projects
  • Build strong relationships with partners across Design, Product, Engineering, Marketing, and more
  • Develop a deep understanding of our product, brand, and world to create impact both on learners and across the company
  • Contribute to Design Studio’s quarterly OKR planning
  • Collaborate with producers to set project timelines and manage stakeholders
  • Collaborate with Studio managers to grow our people and the studio
  • Help build a positive reputation for Duolingo as a great place for artists and designers to work

You Have...

  • A portfolio/reel that includes character animation you've directed, and shows a high bar for creativity and craft
  • Experience directing, building trust with, and mentoring artists
  • Experience as an individual contributor illustrator and/or animator
  • Proven ability to cover a range of creative disciplines and projects at once
  • Proven ability to embrace a culture of learning and curiosity
  • A strong working knowledge of animation production, brand/world development, and the industry at large
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that lead to effective and concrete output
  • Exceptional collaboration skills, seeking consensus and feedback when making decisions
  • The ability to work in or relocate to Pittsburgh, PA

Exceptional Candidates Will Have...

  • Experience building creative for a digital product
  • Experience working on both in-house teams and in a studio/agency
  • A strong understanding of the principles of animation
  • Shipped industry-acclaimed creative work

Please include a link to your portfolio showcasing relevant work samples. A portfolio submission is mandatory for consideration of your candidacy.

 

We invest in and support our Duos! This role is eligible for a robust compensation package of base salary, equity, and Duolingo’s world-class benefits. The starting base salary range for this role is, $144,400 - $308,400. Actual salary may vary based on level, work experience, performance, and other factors evaluated during the hiring process.

We will do everything we can within reason to make sure that your interview takes place in an environment that fairly and accurately assesses your skills. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Take a peek at how we care for our employees' holistic well-being with our benefits here.

Duolingo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

By applying for this position your data will be processed as per the Duolingo Applicant Privacy Notice.

 

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