Design Manager, Media and Community at Patreon

San Francisco, California, United States

Patreon Logo
$249,600 – $374,400Compensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Technology, Media, Creator EconomyIndustries

Requirements

  • Proven experience leading high-performing consumer product design teams, with a strong track record of hiring, developing, and retaining top design talent
  • Deep expertise in media, social, or community-driven experiences, with high standards of craft and the ability to elevate quality across your team
  • Ability to connect high-level strategy to design execution, balancing near-term impact with long-term vision
  • Skilled at prioritization and building scalable processes, thriving in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with a bias toward action and learning
  • Strong communicator who builds alignment across teams and influences strategy at all levels of the organization
  • Able to be in-office 2 days per week in New York or San Francisco (hybrid work model)

Responsibilities

  • Manage, coach, and develop a team of Product Designers, supporting their growth and enabling their best work
  • Lead design for core community and media experiences that help fans easily engage with creators and each other, shaping how meaningful connections are formed on Patreon
  • Influence the long-term vision for sustainable creator communities, guiding projects that define Patreon’s next chapter of growth
  • Partner with Product, Research, and Engineering to launch and scale new fan experiences, including community-first features
  • Build strong cross-functional alignment by clearly articulating design vision and presenting complex concepts to leadership and the broader org
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and human-centered design culture that thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced scaling environments

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Product DesignUX DesignDesign ManagementTeam LeadershipCross-functional CollaborationUser ResearchCommunity DesignMedia Design

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Design Manager role?

The salary range is $249.6K - $374.4K.

Is this role remote or hybrid, and what are the location requirements?

This is a hybrid role based in New York or San Francisco, requiring in-office presence 2 days per week.

What skills and experience are required for this position?

Candidates need proven experience leading high-performing consumer product design teams, deep expertise in media, social, or community-driven experiences, ability to connect strategy to execution, prioritization skills in fast-paced environments, and strong communication to build cross-functional alignment.

What is the team culture like at Patreon?

You'll join a high-performing, empathetic, and creator-first team passionate about building experiences that deepen connections, with the Design team partnering closely with Product, Research, Engineering, and Data in a collaborative, innovative, and human-centered culture that thrives in ambiguity.

What makes a strong candidate for this Design Manager role?

A strong candidate has a track record of leading and developing top design talent in consumer products, expertise in media or community experiences, thrives in ambiguity with a bias for action, and excels at influencing strategy and building cross-functional alignment.

Patreon

Membership platform for creators and artists

About Patreon

Patreon is a membership platform that connects artists and creators with their most dedicated fans, allowing them to earn a sustainable income. It serves a variety of creators, including writers, musicians, visual artists, and podcasters, by enabling them to offer exclusive content and experiences to their supporters, known as patrons, in exchange for a monthly subscription fee. Creators can set up different membership tiers that provide various perks, which helps them establish a reliable income stream that is often more stable than traditional revenue sources like advertising. Patreon takes a percentage of the earnings from creators, ensuring that the company's success is tied to the success of its users. The platform also provides tools for creators to manage their memberships, engage with patrons, and grow their audience. The main goal of Patreon is to support independent creators in achieving financial stability and fostering a closer relationship with their audience.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2013Year Founded
$342.5MTotal Funding
SERIES_FCompany Stage
Consumer Software, EntertainmentIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Competitive Pay & Equity - Our company was built on the idea of value for value. To get the best on board, we provide competitive base salaries, stock options, and a 401k program.
The Bells and Whistles - As they say, it’s the little things: commuter stipend, computer gear, standing desks, a learning stipend for your professional development and a monthly patronage stipend.
Health Coverage - We offer incredible healthcare options for you and your loved ones (including dental, vision and mental health), as well as snacks and a daily catered lunch.
Balance & Wellness - We offer a gym stipend (or Fitness SF membership), as well as unlimited vacation and sick leave.

Risks

Alleged privacy violations could lead to legal challenges for Patreon.
Integration with AltStore PAL may attract scrutiny from Apple.
Recent layoffs and office closures suggest potential financial instability.

Differentiation

Patreon offers creators a direct revenue stream through fan subscriptions.
The platform supports diverse creators, from musicians to visual artists and podcasters.
Patreon aligns its success with creators by taking a percentage of their earnings.

Upsides

Growing demand for exclusive content boosts Patreon's appeal to creators.
Integration with AltStore PAL expands monetization opportunities for developers.
Expansion of e-commerce features diversifies creators' income streams.

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