Principle Storytelling Designer

Location:

Location: Hybrid -124 14th Street Suite 1100, New York, NY (in office 3 days per week)

Team: Experience & Design - Specialty Design & Innovation

Reports to: Head of Strategic Design & Innovation

About the Role

As a Principal Storytelling Designer, you will be a leader on the Strategic Design & Innovation team within Key's Experience & Design group, responsible for shaping and communicating KeyBank's brand narrative through compelling visual and written storytelling.

You'll lead the charge in crafting high-impact visual and written stories that support executive vision, illuminate value proposition, elevate client experiences, and energize internal teams.

In this hybrid role, you'll balance hands-on creative work with leadership responsibilities-guiding a team of designers while also rolling up your sleeves to shape presentations, campaigns, and content that move people to action.

You'll collaborate across disciplines-from internal partners and stakeholders to broader experience design team-ensuring every story you tell is cohesive, strategic, and beautifully executed.

This role requires a visionary thinker who can see beyond the immediate brief, connecting dots across disciplines to craft narratives that not only inform but inspire action and alignment at every level of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

STRATEGIC STORYTELLING & NARRATIVE DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and execute storytelling strategies aligned with brand, product, marketing, and design objectives.
• Craft high-impact narratives for executive presentations, product launches, internal communications, and customer engagement.
• Support leadership in visualizing strategy, change management, and innovation roadmaps.
• Champion storytelling best practices across the organization.
• Collaborate with design, content, experience, and research teams to ensure cohesive storytelling across touchpoints.

• Brainstorm and co-create with internal partners, stakeholders, and broader experience design teams.

CREATIVE ASSET DESIGN & PRODUCTION

• Lead the design and production of storytelling assets including decks, videos, infographics, and interactive media.
• Ensure visual narratives are emotionally resonant and clearly tied to business impact.
• Apply Design Thinking principles to storytelling and creative development.
• Advocate for efficient, AI-driven content creation processes and tools.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & MENTORSHIP

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, providing creative direction and professional development.
• Exercise managerial authority in performance reviews, promotions, salary recommendations, and terminations.
• Inspire and coach staff to maximize their creative potential.

COMPLIANCE & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Adhere to compliance procedures and internal/operational risk controls in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.
• Perform quality work within determined timeframes and contribute effectively as a team member.
• Work independently while coordinating with other departments and divisions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in visual design, storytelling, or related creative roles.
• Minimum 2 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Proven ability to craft compelling visual narratives across diverse formats.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, UX, and visual communication.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• B.A./B.S. in Graphic Design, Media, Communications, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in design-led organizations or departments.
• Familiarity with motion design, video editing, or interactive storytelling platforms.
• Financial sector experience is a plus.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with multiple stakeholders.

This position is NOT eligible for employment visa sponsorship for non-U.S. citizens.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $120,000 to $130,000 annually depending on location and job-related factors such as level of experience. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for short-term incentive compensation and deferred incentive compensation subject to individual and company performance.

Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.