Lead Designer

Classification Title:

Multimedia Specialist III

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Job Description:

Creative Strategy

• Lead the concepting, design, and execution of motion graphics and animated content supporting internal initiatives, educational content, and storytelling projects.
• Provide day-to-day mentorship and guidance to a team of junior animators, fostering skill development, creative growth, and professional confidence.
• Cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented team environment by demonstrating patience, approachability, and a mentorship mindset, with a focus on elevating junior creatives to succeed in their roles.
• Work closely with the Assistant Director of Video Production & Content Strategy to uphold and evolve qualitative standards for the Teaching & Learning Center, ensuring all deliverables align with institutional goals and expectations.

Development of Resources

• Lead select end-to-end creative projects including explainer videos, instructional content, faculty and student success stories, training materials, and multimedia assets.
• Develop visually engaging animations, title sequences, and narrative-driven content that enhances learning and communication.
• Contribute to workflow optimization, including implementation of automation, AI-assisted tools, and process and workflow improvements.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in motion design and animation.
• Support multimedia production efforts including videography, photography, and live or recorded content.
• Present creative concepts and supporting rationale in a clear, accessible way for both creative teams and stakeholders unfamiliar with animation production or creative pipelines.
• Review, critique, and refine team output to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with project goals and institutional standards.
• Guide projects through the full production lifecycle, from concept and storyboarding through final delivery.

Management and Collaboration

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing hands-on design work with leadership responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop custom creative solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with directors, producers, videographers, faculty, and stakeholders to translate ideas into clear and impactful visual experiences.

Expected Salary:

$70,000 - $80,000

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Motion Design, Animation, Multimedia, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–8+ years of professional experience in motion graphics, animation, or multimedia design.
• MUST provide a strong professional portfolio showcasing a wide range of design skills, animation work, and visual storytelling abilities.
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro).
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of design principles (color theory, composition, typography, spacing, hierarchy, and flow), with the ability to apply and teach these principles to other, junior designers.
• Demonstrated advanced understanding of animation principles (timing, easing, squash and stretch, anticipation, offset action); with the ability to apply and teach these principles to other, junior designers.
• Proven experience mentoring, leading, or developing junior creatives.
• Expert-level ability to communicate information, feeling and emotion through design and animation.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to clearly present ideas, feedback, and decisions to both creative and non-creative audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment across multiple teams and departments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, adapt to change, and maintain composure under pressure.
• Strong understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and multimedia production workflows.
• Preferred Experience: 
• Experience in higher education, educational media, or similar environments.
• Experience with project management tools such as Monday.com (or similar platforms).
• Experience with Maxon One Studio tools, (Cinema 4D, Redshift, Red Giant, Universe, or ZBrush).
• Familiarity with interactive media or digital learning content.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload the following with your application.

• Cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role
• Current resume that highlights your relevant experience and skills
• Portfolio that showcases your work and achievements

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No