Principal, Motion Design (Hybrid/Remote)

DEPT®•Los Angeles, CA

14d•$95,100 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Principal, Motion Design—not just a master animator, but a true steward of the craft. In this pivotal role, you will be the force behind how our client’s brand moves, feels, and interacts. You will bridge the gap between creative vision and business impact, shepherding new ideas from the "what if" phase to final pixel-perfect execution. You will be responsible for defining the guidelines, setting the quality bar, and pioneering new techniques while surpassing client expectations. In this key role, you will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing 2D animation, UI motion, and motion graphics. This is a multidisciplinary role that also includes storyboarding and video editing. You will leverage your technical skills to produce engaging content for marketing, product, and internal communication. Requiring a blend of creative vision, technical proficiency, and a collaborative spirit. SF: Candidate must have the ability to commute and work in the client's San Francisco office 2-3 times a week. LA: Candidate must have the ability to commute and work in the client's San Francisco office every 6 weeks.

Requirements

5+ years of professional experience as a Motion Designer, Animator, or similar role.
A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing outstanding motion design, animation skills, and a solid understanding of design principles (typography, color, layout).
Expert knowledge of Figma and Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere a plus.
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Film, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and create high-quality motion graphics, UI motion, animated sequences, and visual effects for video and digital content.
Develop storyboards, style frames, and mood boards to communicate visual ideas.
Ensure all animated content is on-brand, meets project objectives, and adheres to technical specifications.
Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to understand project goals and deliver creative solutions.
Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and provide creative input to elevate overall video production quality.
Manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and meeting deadlines.
Maintain an organized system for project files, assets, and templates.
Stay current with industry trends, software, and tools to improve the quality and efficiency of motion design work continually.