Animation Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under the general supervision of the University Marketing and Communications (UMC) Senior Director of Creative Strategy, the Multimedia Designer works in a highly collaborative environment to produce multimedia content that supports university marketing and communications initiatives. The incumbent provides end‑to‑end multimedia production services, including client consultation, project planning, design, and file management, while adapting to evolving visual styles, technologies, and brand standards.

The Multimedia Designer provides a wide range of support across field and studio video production, as well as post‑production. Using motion design as a strategic communication tool, the incumbent may also develop, shoot, and edit video projects that deliver meaningful and creative visual content with a high degree of professionalism.

This role contributes to the creative motion graphics and video production process—from concept development through production, editing, post‑production, and final delivery—including the use of 3D animation and visual effects. The Multimedia Designer helps strengthen the university’s visual identity by creating compelling visual messaging in collaboration with Marketing Directors for schools and colleges, and by producing web animations and multimedia assets for campaigns.

Success in this role requires the ability to thrive in cross‑functional teams and demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and project management skills, with a consistent focus on quality, accuracy, and meeting deadlines.

The incumbent partners closely with University Marketing and Communications team members, including storytelling and news content producers, marketing and branded content producers, creative designers, the Associate Director of Creative Services, the production manager, contracted video and photography freelancers, and student assistants.

• Plan and produce multimedia projects including video campaign ads, motion graphics, infographics, and promotional materials.
• Develop, shoot, and edit high‑quality video content for marketing, promotional, and storytelling initiatives.
• Manage the full production lifecycle including concept development, scripting, storyboarding, filming, editing, post‑production, and final delivery.
• Create post‑production elements such as animations, digital ads, graphics, special effects, captions, and web‑ready video assets.
• Integrate multiple media formats (video, audio, graphics, text) into cohesive digital experiences for websites, mobile platforms, and marketing campaigns.
• Design engaging branded multimedia content, interactive graphics, and web animations aligned with university brand standards.
• Coordinate production logistics including scheduling resources, managing production crews, conducting interviews, and organizing location shoots.
• Evaluate project outcomes based on audience engagement, client satisfaction, and achievement of communications goals.
• Research, test, and implement new multimedia technologies, tools, and delivery platforms.
• Manage and recommend video publishing platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo) and support development of branded video channels to increase engagement.

• Advanced ability to work both independently and collaboratively in cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary teams and projects
• Comprehensive knowledge of multimedia production theory, principles, techniques, and best practices
• Significant professional experience in multimedia design, integration, staging, and production, preferably in a higher education environment
• Advanced knowledge of multimedia production tools and technologies including non‑linear editing systems, audio signal measurement, video switchers, routing equipment, studio and remote lighting, and computer graphics applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro
• Proficiency with common business and production software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and digital asset management systems
• Ability to plan, manage, and execute multimedia projects, including production, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of resources
• Demonstrated ability to consult with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to develop multimedia productions that meet strategic communication objectives
• Ability to evaluate, critique, and refine works in progress to ensure strong instructional design, audience impact, and production quality
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to quickly learn new subject matter and apply it to multimedia storytelling and production direction
• Ability to design innovative solutions to complex communication challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of multimedia productions
• Experience directing or supporting live or broadcast productions involving complex audio mixing, graphics, and multi‑camera environments
• Ability to integrate multiple media formats (video, audio, graphics, text) into cohesive multimedia experiences
• Strong organizational, planning, and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience producing media, filming/editing, in a broadcast, corporate or educational environment, including demonstrated experience in scriptwriting and video production.

• BFA in Graphic Design, MFA in Film, Digital Media or the equivalent
• Experience with Ad Advertising Agency, digital media or animated promotion; Demonstrated experience in editing video, live audio production, studio and remote production, multimedia creation and/or web design, and project tracking.

Classification: Media Production Specialist III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,618/month - $7,453/month (Step 7 – Step 13)
CSU Salary Range: $5,877/month - $8,561/month (Step 1 – Step 20)
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30‑35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: March 8, 2026 through March 22, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408‑924‑2252

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on- or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system‑wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university’s third‑party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1‑B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety‑related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408‑924‑1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire‑Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on‑campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408‑795‑5600 or by email at uhs‑frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority – In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.