ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

1000heads

Associate Motion Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

While animation expertise is a big plus, a deep understanding of animation principles and how to ... As Associate Motion Director, you'll play a key role in shaping how brands show up across digital ...

1000heads

Associate Motion Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

While animation expertise is a big plus, a deep understanding of animation principles and how to ... As Associate Motion Director, you'll play a key role in shaping how brands show up across digital ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14 - $18.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$15 - $20/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Director JobsAnimation Director Jobs in Illinois

Animation Director information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$167.2K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in Illinois is $165,703.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $165,700.00 and $165,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animation director?

Animation Directors are creative professionals who oversee the visual development and production of animated projects such as films, TV shows, or video games. They manage teams of animators, guide the artistic direction, and ensure that the animation aligns with the project's vision and story. Animation Directors collaborate closely with producers, writers, and other departments to maintain consistency and quality throughout the animation process. Their role is crucial in bringing characters and worlds to life in a cohesive and engaging manner.

What does an animation director do?

An animation director is responsible for performing and overseeing a number of creative duties during the design, production, and post-processing of an animation. You may work at a film studio or video game company, collaborating with writers, illustrators, and visual designers to develop stories and graphics, and to define guiding aesthetic principles. You work closely with voice actors, animators, and sound design artists to create the final product, such as an animated movie, web short, TV show, or animation for a website.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Director, you need a strong background in animation principles, storytelling, visual design, and often a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Toon Boom, or Blender, along with experience in project management tools, is typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with clients or stakeholders. These skills ensure cohesive, high-quality animations delivered on time, aligned with the project's creative goals.

What are some common challenges animation directors face when leading a team on a large project?

Animation Directors often encounter challenges such as aligning the creative vision across a diverse team, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring consistent animation quality throughout the project. Balancing creative input from animators, storyboard artists, and producers while adhering to budget and time constraints can be demanding. Effective communication, regular feedback sessions, and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a cohesive final product.

What is the difference between Animation Director vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectAnimation DirectorAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees the overall animation style, guides creative vision, and manages animation teams to ensure consistency and quality.Manages day-to-day animation production, assigns tasks, and ensures deadlines are met within the animation team.
Required SkillsStrong artistic vision, leadership, and experience in animation production.Technical expertise, team management, and workflow coordination.
Work EnvironmentCreative leadership in studios, overseeing multiple animation projects.Supervisory role within animation teams, often reporting to the Animation Director.

The Animation Director focuses on the creative and artistic vision of the animation, guiding the overall style and quality. The Animation Supervisor handles the operational aspects, managing the team to meet production goals. Both roles are essential in animation production, with the Director setting the creative tone and the Supervisor ensuring smooth execution.

More about Animation Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Director jobs in Illinois?

For Animation Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Director jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Director jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Animation Director jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Animation Director job openings:

Animation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,703 per year, or $79.7 per hour.

Fine Arts Musical Pit Director

Evanston Township High School District 202

Evanston, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Extra-curricular
Date Posted:
5/13/2026
Location:
Evanston Twp High School, Dist. 202
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
06/13/2026
This is a stipend position. There are no benefits associated with this role.
Compensation Schedule
CATEGORY YEARS 1-3 YEARS 4-7 YEARS 8-12 YEARS 13+
1 $10,340 $11,374 $13,235 $14,269
2 $8,961 $9,788 $10,891 $11,443
3 $6,549 $7,927 $8,272 $8,961
4 $5,170 $5,515 $6,204 $6,549
5 $3,102 $3,791 $4,481 $5,170
Attachment(s):
  • Fine Arts Musical Pit Director

Apply