Lead Designer

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

4d•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

This role leads the concepting, design, and execution of motion graphics and animated content for various projects including internal initiatives, educational content, and storytelling. The Lead Designer will mentor junior animators, foster skill development, and cultivate a supportive team environment. This position works closely with the Assistant Director of Video Production & Content Strategy to maintain and enhance qualitative standards for the Teaching & Learning Center, ensuring all deliverables align with institutional goals. The role also involves leading end-to-end creative projects such as explainer videos, instructional content, success stories, training materials, and multimedia assets. Responsibilities include developing visually engaging animations, contributing to workflow optimization with automation and AI tools, staying current with industry trends, supporting multimedia production, presenting creative concepts, and guiding projects through the full production lifecycle. The Lead Designer will manage multiple projects simultaneously, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and translate ideas into impactful visual experiences.

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.