Director, Motion Design (Hybrid)

Dept•San Francisco, CA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 sht 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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.