Motion Graphics Designer

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $63,868 and $80,115, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.


Job Description



POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Motion Graphics Designer helps raise Case Western Reserve¿s stature as a leading national research university by serving as a creator of animated, motion-based and static visual materials across digital advertising, social media and video. Reporting to the Associate Creative Director, the Motion Graphics Designer will produce works in close collaboration with project managers, video producer and art director to ensure that all university projects comply with brand requirements, achieve the highest standards for design and storytelling, and meet university objectives. This individual also will employ exceptional interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with University Marketing and Communications colleagues, demonstrating a passion for design excellence and a willingness to stretch creatively to produce works that are as appealing as they are effective. The Motion Graphics Designer will possess strong strategic and critical thinking skills, and apply them in engagement with clients and colleagues, brainstorming of concepts, execution, revision and final delivery of results. Finally, this individual will keep current regarding evolving and emerging trends in motion design, animation and visual communication, as well as relevant technological advances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Design and animate visually compelling content across digital advertising, social media and video¿including static and animated display and social ad units, motion social graphics, video titles and lower-thirds, motion-driven campaign content and animated infographics, adhering to strict brand guidelines. Collaborate in the development of such materials with the Associate Creative Director, Executive Creative Director and colleagues. Develop work that advances articulated institutional goals, recognizing that individual artistic or aesthetic preferences must always be secondary. (40%)
2. Manage assigned projects to ensure timely completion of work that reflects well on the division and university¿including recognition of potential and/or unexpected hurdles (as well as options to overcome them and adjust schedules in response). Execute the logistical and technical demands of preparing materials across channels¿including correct formats, sizes, resolutions, aspect ratios and export specifications for digital advertising, social and video. (30%)
3. Communicate strategy, its rationale and its components to raise awareness within and beyond UMC staff regarding the value of motion, animation and strong visual design in effective communication. (10%)
4. Build, maintain and organize creative files, motion project files and server structures, and develop reusable animation and ad templates and systems that extend the brand and improve team efficiency. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Welcome constructive critiques as opportunities to learn and develop as a professional. Understand that revisions of proposed motion or design elements may be necessary to meet institutional imperatives, even when these elements hold aesthetic appeal in the abstract. (5%)
2. Stay apprised of current and emerging trends and technology with regard to motion design, animation, digital advertising and communication. (5%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1>

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with the Associate Creative Director, Executive Creative Director and other UMC staff.

University: Occasional contact with school and unit leaders; occasional contact with institutional officials, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

External: Infrequent contact with university institutional partners, vendors, contractors and professional peers.

Students: Infrequent interaction with students.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct supervisory responsibilities.


QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience; OR Associate's degree and 6 years of experience. Experience must involve motion graphics, animation and digital advertising design, along with content-driven visual storytelling.

Other Requirements: Candidates MUST submit a portfolio or demo reel demonstrating motion, animation and digital advertising work with application.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Advanced proficiency in Adobe After Effects with strong working knowledge of Premiere Pro for editing and delivery, and proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign for static design, layout and asset creation. Familiarity with Adobe Animate, Cinema 4D or comparable 2D/3D animation tools is a plus.
2. Strong command of animation fundamentals¿timing, pacing, easing and visual storytelling¿and the ability to align motion to narrative and marketing objectives.
3. Strong understanding of music selection and licensing for motion and video content, including the use of royalty-free and licensed music libraries and adherence to usage rights.
4. Demonstrated ability to design and produce digital advertising in a variety of formats, including static, motion and animated display and social ad units, across standard ad sizes and specifications, with an understanding of interactive and digital ad formats and delivery requirements across platforms.
5. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute compelling animated and static content, including digital ads, social media graphics, video support elements, motion campaigns, animated infographics, and print and editorial pieces, while adhering to strict brand guidelines.
6. Experience creating content optimized for social and digital advertising platforms, including vertical and short-form formats, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging animated and static infographics and data visualization.
7. Demonstrated ability and understanding of typography, color theory and composition across both static and motion work.
8. Experience using content management systems such as Asana or Monday.
9. Demonstrated ability in photo retouching; photo illustration, vector and traditional illustration skills are a plus. Familiarity with video editing, sound design or compositing is a plus.
10. Basic understanding of print design and specifications (file preparation, color and resolution requirements) with the ability to prepare print-ready files on an occasional, as-needed basis.
11. Understanding and application of WCAG accessibility and ADA compliance standards as applied to static, motion, video and digital content¿including captioning and reduced-motion considerations¿with a willingness to learn if unfamiliar.
12. Ability to build, maintain and organize creative files, motion project files and server structures, and to develop reusable animation and ad templates.
13. Ability to think critically, foreshadowing and working through potential challenges in advance, and to articulate the rationale for every design and motion decision.
14. Ability to prioritize projects based on strategic objectives and, when appropriate, time sensitivities, and to manage multiple projects at once¿taking additional steps as necessary to ensure the delivered effort is on time and of highest quality.
15. Self-motivated, detail-oriented and deadline driven, with a demonstrated ability to succeed in a high-volume, fast-moving, outcomes-oriented environment.
16. Ability to work collaboratively and constructively in multidisciplinary teams, receive constructive feedback, and adapt to unexpected developments in an appropriately cooperative and flexible way.
17. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face, maintaining a positive approach to communication, and to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment (hybrid work option available after orientation period is complete). The employee will perform repetitive motion using a computer, mouse and keyboard.


Hybrid Eligibility


This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.


EEO Statement


Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations


Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at View phone number on click.appcast.io to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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