3D Character Rigging Internship Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Description

NJI is an agency where creativity knows no borders. We navigate the complexities of public affairs, charting new paths across industries and continents to deliver work that sparks conversation, shifts perception, and inspires action.

The Role
We're seeking a Video and Motion Graphic Designer who leads with curiosity - someone who does their best work at the intersection of design and motion, and is eager to grow their craft across a wide range of formats and clients.

This role is your entry point into ambitious, multidisciplinary work: animate interactive presentation screens seen on UNGA's stage, bring kinetic logos to life, support social and reel cuts for events, and help our team tell stories that move people - literally.

Note: This is a hybrid position that requires being in our Georgetown office three days per week on a flexible schedule. Our team meets for lunch every Wednesday, and we encourage crew members to join us in person for two additional days of their choosing. NJI does not currently offer relocation fees.

What You'll Do

• Set Things in Motion: Support campaign and brand work by bringing static concepts to life - lower-thirds, motion graphic packages, animated social content, character rigging, and beyond. 
• Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional live events, where speed and precision have to coexist.
• Storyboard to Screen: Develop storyboards, illustrations, animations, and video graphics that carry a clear message and hold up against brand standards at every frame.
• Create Graphics Package: Own concept and design on graphic packages meant to move, 
• Anchor in Excellence: Maintain visual consistency and quality across deliverables, with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to craft at every frame.
• Collaborate Globally: Work closely with a dynamic team to execute concepts aligned with established client brand systems, contributing to projects from brief through delivery.

What You'll Bring

• Motion Foundation: Proficiency in After Effects is a must. Premier Pro and basic compositing skills are a strong plus. You know how to build a clean, well-organized project file.
• Illustration & Design Sensibility: You have a working eye for typography, layout, and color. Comfort with icon creation and character and scene illustrations makes you a stronger, more versatile candidate. We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw.
• A social first mindset: You understand how platforms communicate, have a keen eye for what's on trend and most importantly what makes users engage with content in a meaningful way.
• Tenure: 2 to 3 years experience as a motion designer. 
• Portfolio: Your reel or portfolio demonstrates motion range - not perfection, but range. Show us what you're capable of and where you're headed.
• Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for consistency, catching the smallest errors before they take flight.
• Adaptability: The ability to pivot with agility and balance efficiency with top-tier quality.
• Own the System, Not Just the File: Stay current on motion trends, tools, and techniques - and use that knowledge to build reusable animation toolkits (type systems, transitions, lower-third packages, templates) that raise the creative floor across every campaign.
• BONUS: Are you dabbling in 3D, or emerging AI tools? We value those with wide creative curiosities and encourage passion projects. 

Diversity Commitment. Authenticity is the foundation of boundless creativity. Rooted in diverse life experiences, our team challenges the status quo through our work and culture every day. We are committed to sustaining and improving NJI's inclusive workplace by actively expanding the diversity of our team. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please contact info@njimedia.com.We are unable to offer work visa sponsorship at this time.

Cover Letter. We think of cover letters more in the old-fashioned pen pal sense. Putting pen to page to share your greatest thoughts and interests. So, keep the job summary and skills list in your resume and write something that personally expresses more about who you are and what draws you to NJI and this role.