H-1B Visa Design Director Jobs
Design Director roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in design, architecture, or a related field. Employers filing an H-1B for this role must certify a prevailing wage through a DOL Labor Condition Application before USCIS can approve the petition.
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rag & bone is seeking a Design Director to lead Men’s Denim and some of the White Label driving the evolution of our smart casual, denim-led lifestyle and defining a clear, modern point of view for the collection. Reporting to the Head of Men’s Design, this role is responsible for translating the broader creative vision into a focused, commercially viable product offering. The Design Director will own the development of a cohesive wardrobe anchored in denim, while expanding into a broader expression of the modern uniform. The ideal candidate brings a strong design perspective, deep expertise in denim and fabrication, and the ability to execute with clarity, discipline, and consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Denim Execution
- Drive seasonal design direction for Men’s Denim and some White Label in alignment with the Head of Men’s Design
- Translate overarching brand vision into a clear and differentiated product assortment
- Own Denim & Lifestyle Expansion
- Lead design across denim, including fit, fabric, and wash innovation
- Expand the denim lifestyle into shirting, knitwear, outerwear, accessories, and third pieces
-
Build a cohesive wardrobe system rooted in American sportswear, workwear, and denim-first styling
-
Product Creation & Development
- Oversee the design process from concept through final development
- Partner closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure design integrity and execution
-
Elevate fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques across categories
-
Support Brand Expression
- Execute a distinct visual and product language for White Label within the broader men’s strategy
-
Ensure consistency across product, styling, and seasonal storytelling
-
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a growing design team
-
Provide clear direction, feedback, and mentorship to drive creative and technical excellence
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with merchandising to align on category growth and business objectives
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to support go-to-market storytelling
Qualifications
- 8–12+ years of men’s design experience, with a strong focus on denim and casual lifestyle
- Proven experience owning a category or leading a business segment within a contemporary or premium brand
- Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction
- Strong ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product
- Experience working within a larger creative structure while owning execution
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
What We’re Looking For
- A designer with a clear, confident point of view, grounded in product
- Someone who understands how to build a denim-led wardrobe system, not just individual pieces
- A leader who can bring focus, discipline, and consistency to a growing category
- A strong executor who thrives within a collaborative, top-down creative structure
Why rag & bone
At rag & bone, we are grounded in the belief that great design comes from authenticity, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view. This role is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within the men’s design team, bringing the White Label vision to life and shaping the future of a modern, New York-based wardrobe.
Rules We Live By I Rules You Live By
- Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity
- Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
- Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
- Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
- Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Overview
rag & bone is seeking a Design Director to lead Men’s Denim and some of the White Label driving the evolution of our smart casual, denim-led lifestyle and defining a clear, modern point of view for the collection. Reporting to the Head of Men’s Design, this role is responsible for translating the broader creative vision into a focused, commercially viable product offering. The Design Director will own the development of a cohesive wardrobe anchored in denim, while expanding into a broader expression of the modern uniform. The ideal candidate brings a strong design perspective, deep expertise in denim and fabrication, and the ability to execute with clarity, discipline, and consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Denim Execution
- Drive seasonal design direction for Men’s Denim and some White Label in alignment with the Head of Men’s Design
- Translate overarching brand vision into a clear and differentiated product assortment
- Own Denim & Lifestyle Expansion
- Lead design across denim, including fit, fabric, and wash innovation
- Expand the denim lifestyle into shirting, knitwear, outerwear, accessories, and third pieces
-
Build a cohesive wardrobe system rooted in American sportswear, workwear, and denim-first styling
-
Product Creation & Development
- Oversee the design process from concept through final development
- Partner closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure design integrity and execution
-
Elevate fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques across categories
-
Support Brand Expression
- Execute a distinct visual and product language for White Label within the broader men’s strategy
-
Ensure consistency across product, styling, and seasonal storytelling
-
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a growing design team
-
Provide clear direction, feedback, and mentorship to drive creative and technical excellence
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with merchandising to align on category growth and business objectives
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to support go-to-market storytelling
Qualifications
- 8–12+ years of men’s design experience, with a strong focus on denim and casual lifestyle
- Proven experience owning a category or leading a business segment within a contemporary or premium brand
- Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction
- Strong ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product
- Experience working within a larger creative structure while owning execution
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
What We’re Looking For
- A designer with a clear, confident point of view, grounded in product
- Someone who understands how to build a denim-led wardrobe system, not just individual pieces
- A leader who can bring focus, discipline, and consistency to a growing category
- A strong executor who thrives within a collaborative, top-down creative structure
Why rag & bone
At rag & bone, we are grounded in the belief that great design comes from authenticity, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view. This role is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within the men’s design team, bringing the White Label vision to life and shaping the future of a modern, New York-based wardrobe.
Rules We Live By I Rules You Live By
- Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity
- Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
- Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
- Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
- Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
See all 675+ H-1B Visa Design Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Design Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Design Director
Align your portfolio to specialty occupation standards
USCIS evaluates whether your role requires a specific degree, not just creative experience. Structure your portfolio to show design systems, strategic direction, and cross-functional leadership that maps to a defined academic discipline.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Design Director openings by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for design roles. Past LCA filings signal an established H-1B process, reducing the risk of a slow or failed sponsorship.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your job title and location before negotiating. Your offered salary must meet or exceed the DOL wage level, and a shortfall can delay or sink the LCA certification.
Distinguish your title from non-specialty creative roles
USCIS has challenged petitions for design roles that blend creative and general management duties. Ask hiring managers to ensure the job description emphasizes design strategy, visual systems, or UX architecture rather than generic leadership tasks.
Check O*NET before the cap lottery registration
Review the O*NET occupation profile for Art Directors and related design management roles to confirm your position aligns with a recognized specialty. A mismatch between your duties and the O*NET profile can trigger a Request for Evidence after selection.
Plan your cap-gap window around portfolio seasons
If you're transitioning from OPT, the 60-day grace period and cap-gap rules govern how long you can stay employed between your OPT end date and H-1B activation. Coordinate your start date with your employer's design project cycles to avoid gaps in billable or credited work.
H-1B Visa Design Director: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Design Director role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as graphic design, industrial design, architecture, or a related discipline. Generic creative director roles that accept any degree may face USCIS scrutiny. The job description must establish that the theoretical and practical application of a specialized body of knowledge is required to perform the duties.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas for Design Director positions?
Use Migrate Mate to browse Design Director openings filtered by employers with verified H-1B sponsorship history. DOL Labor Condition Application data shows which companies have filed for design and creative leadership roles, giving you a concrete signal of sponsorship willingness rather than relying on unverified job postings.
Can a design agency or boutique studio sponsor an H-1B for a Design Director?
Yes, any U.S. employer with an IRS Employer Identification Number can file an H-1B petition, including small agencies and studios. However, smaller employers face closer USCIS scrutiny on financial capacity to pay the prevailing wage. You should confirm the employer has reviewed their payroll records and can document ability to pay before the petition is filed.
What happens to my H-1B status if I change employers after being sponsored as a Design Director?
You can transfer your H-1B to a new employer through H-1B portability under AC21, which allows you to begin working for the new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed, not just approved. The new employer must file a new I-129 petition and a fresh LCA certified for the new role, location, and prevailing wage level before you start.
Does the H-1B cap lottery apply to all Design Director sponsorships?
Not always. Design Directors hired by universities, nonprofit research organizations, or government research institutions are cap-exempt and can be sponsored year-round without entering the lottery. For-profit companies and agencies are cap-subject, meaning your employer must register you in the annual USCIS lottery held each March for an October 1 start date.