Senior Digital Experience Designer (Contractor)

Job description

ABOUT FIRSTHAND Firsthand has built the first AI-powered Brand Agent platform, transforming the way marketers and publishers engage consumers through their own AI agents, anywhere online. While most AI applications in marketing and advertising focus on back-office automation, the Firsthand Brand Agent Platform™ powers front-line consumer engagement. Operating across both owned properties and paid media, Firsthand's Brand Agents make a company’s expertise accessible in real time, adapting to consumers’ interests and guiding them towards the information they need to take action. Central to the platform is Lakebed™, the company’s AI-first data and knowledge rights management system that ensures brands retain full ownership and control of their expertise. Firsthand is led by Jon Heller, Michael Rubenstein, and Wei Wei, whose previous ventures helped build the foundations of modern digital advertising. Backed by Radical Ventures, FirstMark Capital, Aperiam Ventures, and Crossbeam Venture Partners, Firsthand is shaping the future of AI-driven consumer engagement. Firsthand is headquartered in NYC, with team members working together in-office three days a week. The Role: Firsthand is looking for an outstanding Senior Digital Experience Designer to help us create the next generation of digital experiences by working at the intersection of product design, interaction design, UX/UI, marketing, and AI. You will get to work across GTM teams, building design libraries and frameworks, and assisting with pre- and post-sales efforts. Responsibilities: - Design interactive digital narratives from concept through launch, using design elements to supercharge business goals at all stages of the GTM lifecycle. - Develop responsive, animated experiences that feel alive—leveraging transitions, states, scroll effects, and motion to guide user journeys. - Build and maintain a reusable design system in Figma and/or other prototyping tools. - Collaborate with product, engineering, solutions consulting, sales and marketing teams to deliver compelling, brand-forward digital experiences. - Thrive within a dynamic environment with the ability to quickly adapt based on feedback from sales and client teams, while remaining grounded in product functionality. - Use motion design and animation (After Effects, Lottie, Rive) to enhance storytelling and engagement. - Stay ahead of emerging design trends, tools, and technologies (AI design tools, interactive frameworks, motion prototyping). Qualifications: - 7+ years of digital design experience (agency, brand, or editorial background), with a history of working closely with go-to-market teams on client-facing work. - Mastery of digital design tools and web technologies: Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent. - Strong motion and animation skills—experience with After Effects, Lottie, Rive, or equivalent. - A portfolio that demonstrates interactive storytelling—projects where motion, sequencing, and interactivity were central. - Experience creating for responsive, accessible, and user-centered digital environments. - Strong conceptual thinking and ability to translate brand values into digital experiences. Ability to analyze and optimize experiences for clarity, performance, or conversion. - Collaborative spirit with excellent communication and presentation skills. HOW TO APPLY If you are ready to embark on an exhilarating journey at the forefront of AI, seize this incredible opportunity and apply here. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you! Note: Compensation and equity will be market-competitive for well-capitalized, early stage startups and will be discussed during the interview process.