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Animation Director Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Newfangled Studios

Technical Motion Designer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$55K/yr

As a member of our animation team, you'll be working closely with our artists and directors to create world-class video and animation. Most importantly, you'll help us do work that delivers on the ...

Allen & Gerritsen

Art Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Partner with designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, editors, directors, and makers to elevate every detail. * Present work with confidence, clearly articulating the thinking behind your ...

Allen & Gerritsen

Art Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$131K - $137K/yr

Partner with designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, editors, directors, and makers to elevate every detail. * Present work with confidence, clearly articulating the thinking behind your ...

New

Allen & Gerritsen

Art Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Partner with designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, editors, directors, and makers to elevate every detail.Present work with confidence, clearly articulating the thinking behind your ...

New

Axcelis

Technical Illustrator Intern

Beverly, MA

$22.64 - $35.70/hr

This is a great opportunity to build hands-on experience creating illustrations and animations used ... Meaningful Work - Work on real projects that make a direct impact on our products, processes, and ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Director JobsAnimation Director Jobs in Boston, MA

Animation Director information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11.9K

$187.4K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in Boston, MA is $185,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $185,800.00 and $185,800.00 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 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.

How much does an animation director make?

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 leadership skills and proficiency with animation software like Maya or Toon Boom are important for higher earning potential.

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.

How much does an animation director earn?

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.

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.
More about Animation Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Director jobs in Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Animation Director jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Director jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Animation Director jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Animation Director job openings:

Animation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $185,751 per year, or $89.3 per hour.

Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy will oversee and drive the creative vision, strategy, and execution of multimedia content across EDGE, managing a team of video producers, multimedia specialists, and content creators. This role combines high-level creative direction with team leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative innovation to deliver outstanding educational and marketing media content that aligns with EDGE's mission and goals.
The Associate Director will serve as the media design lead, responsible for shaping EDGE's digital media strategy, contributing to discovery and ideation processes, prototyping new approaches to media and learner messaging, and ensuring creative outputs align with institutional priorities and partner expectations. Working in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Learning and Digital Strategy, Enrollment Management, and our marketing vendor partners, this position provides creative leadership and operational oversight for multimedia production, product storytelling, and emerging media innovation.
The Associate Director will champion innovation in multimedia design, guide the implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., AR/VR, motion graphics, interactive video), and contribute to a culture of experimentation and excellence in content creation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong expertise in video production and developing educational media content, exceptional cross-functional leadership skills, and the ability to balance multimedia and design team management with big-picture strategic planning.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong knowledge of video production theory, techniques, and equipment, especially educational and marketing media.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing skills in digital content development, including graphics, video, animations, and interactive media.
  • Advanced level of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with an emphasis on Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, and Audition.
  • Proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator or other design applications is a plus.
  • Experience writing, editing, and optimizing content for diverse audiences and platforms (web, email, social media, print).
  • Ability to translate complex educational topics into accessible, engaging visuals and narratives.
  • Skilled in creative direction, storytelling, and multimedia production across a variety of formats.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, project management, and client relationship skills.
  • Experience mentoring and leading creative teams; ability to coach and develop staff and on-camera talent. Strong management skills.
  • Confident presenting ideas and creative work to senior leadership and stakeholders.
  • Ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects independently, and maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Experienced in scriptwriting, storyboarding, visual storytelling, and supporting inclusive, brand-aligned content development.
  • Expertise in color correction, audio mixing, and advanced editing techniques.
  • Strong understanding of studio setup, lighting design, camera work, and on-location production.
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, multimedia, or a related field (Master's preferred).
  • 6 to 8 years of experience of professional experience in content creation, digital marketing, or creative direction-preferably in higher education or online learning environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
1) Team Management Manage Video Production team, graphic designers, and Production Specialists in delivering the highest quality, innovative multimedia products and supporting their individual growth.
  • Works closely with learning design, business intelligence, and program management teams to ensure seamless integration of creative production with strategic objectives.
  • Manages and works closely with the Senior Multimedia Specialist to ensure consistent policy and design procedures are followed by the graphic design and animation team.
  • Contributes to positive team culture. Acts as effective liaison with other teams within EDGE to produce exemplary results.
  • Takes feedback from team members and clients and finds the best ways to address concerns and provide new solutions.
  • Acts as a team player and pitches in wherever help is needed across learning products, including supporting management of media production, studio set up and break down, coaching faculty, staff, and students, and communication across teams.
  • Leads and mentors a diverse design team with specialized capabilities in video production, digital media, visual design, animation, and emerging technologies to deliver exceptional multimedia content.
  • Leads professional development for team.

2) Multimedia Design Management
  • Leads the Video Production, Virtual Production, and Creative Digital Media team to deliver best-in-class video and digital media production experiences.
  • Leads media discovery, ideation, and prototyping processes for new programs, partnership opportunities, and digital learning innovations.
  • Establishes product vision, design standards, and quality benchmarks across all EDGE media design outputs, ensuring consistency and excellence in learner-facing materials
  • Provides leadership, inspiration, and innovative creative thinking to all productions to deliver exceptional work throughout the entire multimedia production process.
  • Coordinates all elements of production.
  • Manages multiple, concurrent projects and workflows, ensuring efficiency and clear communication across EDGE teams and with our external vendors.
  • Provides creative content expertise and operational support for B2B partnerships, program development, and innovation initiatives.

Product Design, Media Strategy, and Relationship Management
  • Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Video Production to ensure the Studio is maintained as a showcase space and meets short- and long-term objectives.
  • Presents creative concepts, product vision, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, academic partners, and external stakeholders. Leads the production of compelling educational media assets for high impact projects and marketing assets. Builds digital media assets and components to be reused, scaled, and optimized across different learning management systems and distribution channels.
  • Collaborate with Senior team members, including the Senior Director, Sr. Learning Designer, and Sr Graphic Designer/Animator on prototype ideation and strategy for video production.
  • Leads digital media development vision and strategy, scope within timeline, and expectations of quality after identifying the media scope of products.
  • Collaborates with our marketing partners to analyze marketing performance metrics and audience engagement data to inform content strategy refinement and optimization.
  • Collaborate with the design teams and faculty to brainstorm, identify, and create digital media asset types, features, and development strategies that achieve product quality, time, and budget expectations.
  • Lead the development of Virtual Production and Video Exemplars.
  • Establish best practices for media content development and learner messaging, ensuring consistency in quality, voice, and brand alignment across all digital touchpoints. Supports media and the design team to scope out projects at the suite and individual product level and make recommendations on assignments
  • Develops and executes comprehensive product storytelling and learner engagement strategies for EDGE programs, B2B partnerships, and institutional initiative

Position Type
Marketing and Communications
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
111S
Expected Hiring Range:
$87,785.00 - $123,998.75
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

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