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Animation Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.25 - $19/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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

Posted today

People Inc.

Digital Designer II

Des Moines, IA · Remote

Create digital production art including ad designs, social media assets, email assets, and animations. * Concept and produce custom designs as directed for various digital brand channels including ...

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Animation Director information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$162K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in Iowa is $160,614.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,600.00 and $160,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Do Animation Directors 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 does an animation director do?

An animation director oversees the creative and technical aspects of an animation project, guiding the animation team to ensure the visual style and storytelling meet the project's goals. They review and approve animation work, coordinate with other departments, and often use tools like Maya or Adobe After Effects. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a solid understanding of animation principles are essential for this role.

How much does an animation director get paid?

Animation directors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. Senior animation directors or those working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong skills in animation software and leadership are important for higher pay levels.

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.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation still employs 2D animators, particularly for projects that preserve traditional animation styles. While the industry has shifted toward 3D animation, some departments and productions continue to seek skilled 2D artists familiar with software like Toon Boom and Adobe Animate.

What are Animation Directors?

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.

How can I become an animation director?

To become an animation director, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, film, or a related field, along with several years of experience in animation or visual effects. Developing strong leadership skills, a solid portfolio showcasing your work, and proficiency with animation software like Maya or Adobe After Effects are essential for advancing to this role.
More about Animation Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Director jobs in Iowa? For Animation Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animation Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Animation Director job openings:
Animation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 39% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,614 per year, or $77.2 per hour.

Adventure Ted Creative Board Intern Creative Internship (Graphic Design, Apparel, Animation)

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.25 - $19/hr

Internship

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

About Childhood Cancer Society

Childhood Cancer Society (CCS) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric cancer, providing financial assistance, emotional support, and unforgettable wish grant experiences.

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character behind our brand. Adventure Ted represents courage, kindness, and resilience, and serves as the face of our storytelling, campaigns, and creative identity across all initiatives.

We are currently preparing for major initiatives including a high-level charity golf outing and a fundraising dinner event with the Mayor of Saddle River, NJ.

Role Overview

We are assembling a select group of creatives to join the Adventure Ted Creative Board, a performance-driven team responsible for shaping and executing the visual identity of CCS across campaigns, events, and media.

Members will work directly with the Founder and Chief Media Officer, contributing to real-world creative tied to high-visibility initiatives. This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ownership, quality, and creative impact.

Creative Tracks

Applicants may focus on one primary area:

  • Graphic Design & Branding

    Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

  • Apparel Design

    Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design

  • Animation / Motion

    Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted

Core Responsibilities

  • Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

  • Contribute to the visual evolution of the Adventure Ted brand

  • Collaborate with Communications & Partnerships on campaigns and events

  • Work with manufacturing partners to help design items such as clothing, toys, and other products used in fundraising initiatives

  • Participate in structured execution sessions with fast turnaround timelines

  • Maintain high creative standards across all work

What Makes This Different

  • Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership

  • Ownership of real-world creative tied to live events and campaigns

  • Portfolio-building work with real visibility and real-world application

  • A selective, performance-based creative environment

Growth & Advancement Opportunities

  • Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the organization.

  • Advancement is based on execution, consistency, and demonstrated creative ability.

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school’s requirements.

Ideal Candidate

  • Strong design or creative foundation

  • High attention to detail and visual taste

  • Ability to execute quickly without sacrificing quality

  • Self-starter with strong ownership mentality

  • Passionate about meaningful, mission-driven work

Apply