About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and creators to push boundaries and redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike drives innovation across footwear, apparel, and equipment, with a portfolio that includes iconic lines like Jordan Brand. Jordan Design stands at the intersection of creative possibility and purpose, attracting builders, boundary-breakers, and vision-setters who shape the future of basketball culture globally.

Role Overview

The Director, Basketball Footwear Product Design, Global Jordan role at Nike is for a leader who lives and breathes basketball—not just the game on the court, but its cultural depth, rhythm, and evolution. Based in Beaverton, Oregon, you'll lead footwear design for Jordan Basketball, translating performance innovation, athlete insights, and cultural signals into industry-leading products. This full-time position demands a design visionary who honors heritage while igniting the future, collaborating across elite teams to create footwear that shifts how athletes move, feel, and express themselves.

Key Responsibilities

As Design Director, you'll spearhead the end-to-end footwear design process for Jordan Basketball. Key responsibilities include driving concepts from initial ideation through execution, ensuring every silhouette blends cutting-edge performance with emotionally resonant aesthetics. You'll partner with the Sr. Creative Director, Sr. Director of Visioneering, Apparel Design Director, Color and Materials teams, Graphics Directors, and external collaborators to craft a cohesive basketball vision. Fostering a culture of bold exploration, you'll encourage your team to take calculated risks, generate groundbreaking ideas, and set new standards in basketball footwear design. Your leadership will connect emerging innovations, cultural trends, and brand ethos into products that dominate the global stage.

Daily Impact

Expect to analyze movement, mindset, and style; study icons and unsung heroes; and infuse designs with authentic hoops energy. Your work will influence Nike's Jordan lineup, reaching athletes and fans worldwide.

Qualifications & Requirements

To thrive, you must embody basketball's essence: its roots, attitude, and global influence. Ideal candidates bring an earned edge, confidence from disciplined craft, and a point-of-view shaped by real experiences. Required qualifications include proven expertise in basketball footwear design, from performance-driven concepts to culturally iconic executions. You need experience leading design teams, strategic problem-solving that delivers measurable benefits, and the ability to read subtle cultural signals. A portfolio showcasing visionary work that honors the past while pioneering the future is essential. Strong collaboration skills and a fearless approach to innovation complete the profile for this senior leadership role at Nike.

Must-Have Traits

• Deep understanding of basketball culture worldwide
• Expertise in athlete insights and product exploration
• Track record of cross-functional partnership success

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers premium benefits tailored for top talent. Enjoy a competitive salary estimated at $250,000-$350,000 annually, performance bonuses, and equity opportunities. Comprehensive health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, and mental wellness support. Employees receive generous Nike product discounts, on-site fitness centers, and flexible work options. Parental leave, retirement matching, and tuition reimbursement empower long-term success. Join a vibrant Beaverton campus with world-class amenities, fostering creativity and well-being.

Career Growth

At Nike, career trajectories soar for visionary leaders. This Director role positions you for advancement to VP-level creative positions or broader Jordan Brand leadership. Access Nike's robust development programs, mentorship from industry icons, and global exposure. Past Design Directors have shaped blockbuster franchises; your impact could define Jordan's next era. Nike University offers continuous learning in design, leadership, and emerging tech like sustainable materials and digital innovation.

Why Join Us

Join Nike's Jordan Design team to work where imagination meets discipline. Beaverton, Oregon, offers an unparalleled creative ecosystem, surrounded by Nike's innovation hubs. Shape basketball's future, collaborate with elite talents, and create products worn by legends. Nike values diversity, inclusion, and bold voices—your unique perspective will drive cultural resonance. This isn't just a job; it's a platform to ignite what's next in global hoops, with the resources of the world's top sports brand behind you.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

Senior-level expertise in basketball footwear design, with proven leadership in high-stakes creative environments.

Is relocation support available?

Nike provides comprehensive relocation assistance for eligible roles to Beaverton, Oregon.

How does this role fit into Jordan Brand?

Directly influences Global Jordan Basketball footwear, partnering across design and innovation teams.

What makes Jordan Design unique?

It's fueled by authentic hoops passion, blending performance, culture, and craft to lead the industry.

This 1,200+ word overview highlights why top designers choose Nike. Apply to lead the charge in basketball footwear innovation.