Director, Motion Design (Hybrid) (San Francisco)

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a highly creative and experienced Motion Design Director to lead and inspire our motion graphics team. This role is responsible for defining and executing the visual and animated identity across all platforms, ensuring consistency, innovation, and brand integrity. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with exceptional design, animation, and storytelling skills, capable of managing a team, overseeing complex projects, and driving the overall quality of our motion output.

As a key member of the Creative Department, you will collaborate closely with craft leadership to ensure the integrity of our world‑class work, drive successful client relationships, and contribute to the growth and expansion of the team.

Candidate must have the ability to commute and work in the client’s San Francisco office 2-3 times a week.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver world‑class digital experiences for global brands.
• Mentor and grow design talent, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and constructive critique.
• Oversee hiring and resource allocation to build high‑performing, diverse teams.
• Operate with an entrepreneurial spirit, driving progress with minimal process and proactive problem‑solving.
• Translate business goals into actionable experience strategies and clear design principles.
• Lead client workshops and presentations to align stakeholders, articulate vision, and secure buy‑in at all levels.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key client decision‑makers and internal partners.
• Leverage business acumen to bridge the gap between strategy and creative execution, ensuring measurable results.
• Direct large‑scale projects (web, branding, content) from concept through production, ensuring high standards.
• Manage project constraints, ensuring deliverables meet deadlines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Collaborate across disciplines (strategy, product, design) to optimize workflows and decision‑making.
• Apply deep expertise in visual design, UI, and branding to solve complex challenges with innovation and empathy.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• 8+ years of experience in a creative agency, production studio, or high‑growth startup.
• Proven leadership ability to guide and mentor diverse motion teams (2D, 3D, editors) from concept to final render.
• Strategic vision for translating complex business goals into compelling motion narratives and brand systems.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and build strong relationships with cross‑functional partners and stakeholders.
• Expertise in motion theory: Timing, pacing, kinetic typography, cinematic storytelling, and traditional graphic design principles.
• Mastery of industry‑standard tools: After Effects, Cinema 4D (or Blender/Houdini), Premiere Pro, Figma, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong diverse portfolio showcasing a range of styles, from UI interaction animations to full‑scale brand storytelling.
• A continuous learner who stays ahead of emerging rendering tech, plugins, and AI‑assisted workflows.
• Ability to pitch concepts, present style frames/animatics, and articulate motion decisions to non‑technical clients.
• High attention to detail regarding asset management, render pipelines, file organization, and workflow efficiency.
• Capable of prioritizing multiple tight deadlines while maintaining high creative standards and a positive team culture.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to drive new business and client relationships.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

We are a collaborative, open‑door, best‑idea‑wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our benefits package:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• PTO
• Paid Company Holidays

WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.

DEPT® participates in E‑Verify, meaning your Form I‑9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.

We are a B Corp‑certified company passionate about purpose‑driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner‑led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI.

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.

#LI‑Hybrid

This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of San Francisco, CA to be considered.

San Francisco, CA Salary Band

$151,400 — $185,500 USD

Be part of our digital future

We may be spread across the world, but we all work together as one team. Inspiring each other, collaborating, innovating, and creating together.