MOTION GRAPHICS DESIGNER

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

The Marketing and Communications team has an outstanding opportunity for a Motion Graphics Designer. 

The Motion Graphics Designer uses visual motion design to communicate an idea, concept or story. This position is responsible for creating complex motion graphics and two-dimensional and three-dimensional animation. They will take projects from creative concept, to design, and into final production for use in video, social, web, events and more.

The Motion Graphics Designer works within the University Marketing & Communications Creative team in execution of all projects, and may occasionally supervise freelancers as needed. This person also collaborates, as assigned or as appropriate, with other constituent colleagues in the creation and development of effective and consistent visual communications.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Video for University Marketing and Communication.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Produce motion graphics, animation, and 3D design from concept to delivery -- including design, creation modelling, animation, encoding and output – for video, web, and social platforms
• Edit video and design elements used in social content, web ads, live and streaming events, and other applications and platforms
• Develop materials that are used to maintain an organization's brand and/or enhance the organization's communications with various audiences
• Organize and maintaining library of design assets
• Provide outstanding customer service; professionally and positively represent UW Marketing and the University in all business interactions
• Keep abreast of new technologies and techniques to deliver cutting edge work
• As requested, participate on committees, and other forums that address the role of visual communications and design within the University of Washington
• Other projects as assigned by the Associate Director

Impact to the University:

This position is highly involved in the execution of visual communications that represent the University of Washington at the highest/institutional level as well as communicate and elevate its brand. This position will produce products for a myriad of UW constituencies — including donors, alumni, volunteers, the business/community leaders, elected officials (local, state, federal), university peers, faculty and staff, students, and the general public.

Position Complexities:

This position must have a proven artistic vision with the ability to take projects from conception to completion and meet schedules and deadlines. The Motion Designer must have a great sense of style, aesthetics and creativity together with an understanding of production techniques that can be unified to translate into meaningful visuals.

The working environment is built on the foundation of hard work, respect, innovation, and teamwork.  This position requires a flexible work schedule, as the workload and times can vary. High-quality work, and positive, engaged mindset is expected.

This position also requires an understanding of the mission and ongoing strategies of the UW Marketing & Communications department in its efforts to support the Office of University Advancement. It is essential to understand that creative and artist skills are used in service to the mission of the university and the people of the state of Washington. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s Degree or Certification in multimedia programs such as computer animation, illustration, graphic arts, video editing  Or a Bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, fine art, or related field
• 3+ years as a designer and animator in a professional post production-environment

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong portfolio which demonstrates your understanding of both design and animation
• Expert skills in Adobe Suite: After Effects, Premiere, Animate, Flash, Audition, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Cinema 4D or equivalent 3D package skills, including modelling, texturing and animation
• Experience with html 5 animation
• Experience with a variety of 3rd party motion graphic plugins (i.e Trapcode Suite, VCP etc)
• Work in various design styles and aesthetics
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present work and be able to professionally represent UW Marketing
• Commitment to working in and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment
• Strong creative thinking, exhibiting a range or varied styles and techniques
• Ability to take direction from creative leads and implement with creative solutions and a positive attitude
• Self-motivated. Strong sense of managing your time and deadlines with production management
• Good understanding of video, digital, and web formats, compression techniques and format requirements/constraints
• Writing and/or producing experience a plus

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Application Process:

Please ensure that your resume includes a link to a portfolio of your work. Applications will not be considered without this additional piece.

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.