Associate Director of Animation, Interactive & Environment Design

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

15d•$80,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PBS Wisconsin is seeking a creative leader to guide a dynamic and wide-ranging team. The Associate Director of Animation, Interactive & Environment Design oversees a group of artists and designers working across three interconnected disciplines: animation, interactive design, and scenic and environment design. This role is responsible for the creative leadership, day-to-day management and strategic direction of a small team of designers and artists. The team produces animated content for broadcast and digital media, builds scenic environments for studio and live production, and leads the station's emerging media work including interactive storytelling and game development. The team functions as an integrated creative unit part of the larger Design department at PBS Wisconsin. The Associate Director works closely with the Associate Director of Graphic Design & Motion Design and the Associate Director of Digital Strategy & Engagement, collaborating across the broader department to deliver cohesive creative work. This role is also a connector across the organization, working with production, education, operations and other teams to ensure the animation, interactive and environment work reflects and supports PBS Wisconsin's mission and strategic priorities. The company emphasizes a culture that values both craft and joy, and actively builds both.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience leading and managing creative teams or direct reports, including providing creative direction, feedback and mentorship to artists and designers of different disciplines.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience in one or more of the following: animation, interactive media or game design, scenic or environmental design.
Demonstrated experience leading innovative work, including a track record of identifying gaps, taking initiative and stepping in to provide creative solutions that push the work or team in a new direction. Examples may include experimenting with emerging technologies or media formats, developing new creative workflows, or expanding the team’s creative work in a meaningful new direction.
Demonstrated commitment to building team culture, including active efforts to foster connection and belonging, combined with an adaptability to change.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including experience working across departments and with a wide range of internal and external partners.
Must comply with the Wisconsin Public Media Code of Ethics and the UW-Madison code of ethics.
Must be eligible to work in the United States by the effective date of appointment.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal background check and may have references asked about misconduct.

Nice To Haves

Background in public media, entertainment, games or a similarly complex production environment.
Experience with animation production and pipelines.
Experience with interactive storytelling, game design or immersive media.
Experience with scenic design, shop tools or live events and studio production.
Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple concurrent workstreams, vendor relationships and production budgets.
A Bachelor's Degree in animation, design, interactive media, theater or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Researches, evaluates and advocates for emerging creative technologies, media formats and tools that advance PBS Wisconsin's mission and expand the station's creative capabilities, with a focus on interactive storytelling, immersive experiences and game-based content.
Brings forward new ideas and approaches that position the organization at the forefront of public media innovation.
Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Develops, implements, and maintains work unit identity, design standards, policies, and procedures to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources.
Serves as a subject matter expert and liaison between external and internal stakeholders providing information regarding creative design strategies and representing the interests of the unit.
Develops and monitors creative communication plans and dissemination protocols, workflows, and progress measurements to ensure production adheres to unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives.
Maintains unit budget and financial records to ensure adherence with institution and rules and regulations.
Creates, designs, and produces artwork per client specifications through various mediums.