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Animation Director Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Multiplier

Managing Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Develop messaging and rollout plans for social media campaigns, and direct development of images, videos, and animations. * Represent the project in networking and fundraising activities, including ...

Multiplier

Managing Editor

San Francisco, CA

Develop messaging and rollout plans for social media campaigns, and direct development of images, videos, and animations. * Represent the project in networking and fundraising activities, including ...

Apple

Prototyping Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You will make things with aesthetic breadth beyond the Apple style. - Animation. Use motion in a complementary and tasteful way to direct attention and describe interactions. You will create motion ...

We Vote

Motion Graphics Designer

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

Your expertise in Motion Graphics & Animation will resonate with our audience across various ... Collaborate with producers, directors, and designers to align creative vision on various short form ...

Visa

Manager, Graphics Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate is a self-directed, highly collaborative designer who communicates confidently ... Translate data and content into compelling infographics, visuals, and light animations * Develop ...

Adobe

Sr Visual Designer, Aqua

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Direct and review artwork from illustrators and contract designers, giving clear feedback to keep ... Experience with motion or animated illustration (character animation, micro-interactions, or ...

Nourish

Staff Brand Designer

San Francisco, CA

Some days you'll be creating launch campaigns or directing photography. Other days you'll be ... Create motion graphics and animations that bring the brand to life across digital experiences

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

... Associate Technical Director, and be responsible for helping the team craft compelling and ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

Cloud Chamber

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

... Associate Technical Director, and be responsible for helping the team craft compelling and ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

... Associate Technical Director, and be responsible for helping the team craft compelling and ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

Meta

Producer

San Francisco, CA

$98K/yr

Deliver mixed deliverable assets including stills, animation and live action video Minimum ... self-directed experience * Experience actively seeking out new AI knowledge and skills ...

2K

Gameplay Engineer

Novato, CA

$85K - $126K/yr

... Associate Technical Director, and be responsible for helping the team craft compelling and ... Partner closely with design, engineering, animation, and audio to further the goals of the project.

Meta

Producer

San Francisco, CA

$76K/yr

Deliver mixed deliverable assets including stills, animation and live action video Minimum ... self-directed experience * Experience actively seeking out new AI knowledge and skills ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Director JobsAnimation Director Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Animation Director information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$12.3K

$192.3K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in San Rafael, CA is $190,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $190,600.00 and $190,600.00 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 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 cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Animation Director jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Animation Director job openings:

Animation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in San Rafael, CA 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 $190,615 per year, or $91.6 per hour.

Senior Designer/Senior Art Director

Dentsu Aegis Network

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$68K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

**Must work in PST hours due to client location**

We're looking for a Senior Designer/Art Director to join our Performance Creative team, working with a leading global technology brand at the forefront of digital media, creative software, and AI.

We're looking for someone with exceptional visual taste, strong design fundamentals, and the ability to turn strategy into compelling creative. You'll help shape the visual direction of work across social, digital, web, video, and emerging formats, bringing ideas to life in ways that are relevant to audiences, connected to the brand, and built to make an impact.

Reporting to the Creative Director, Performance Creative, you'll collaborate with creative, strategy, account, and production partners to develop ideas from concept through execution.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the visual development and art direction of creative across paid and organic social, digital, display, email, web, video, and other experiences.
  • Translate creative strategy and audience insights into strong visual concepts, campaigns, and scalable design systems.
  • Bring a strong point of view to imagery, typography, composition, layout, motion, photography, and visual storytelling.
  • Push the creative possibilities of AI, using image and video generation tools to explore ideas, develop visual concepts, and create compelling finished work.
  • Art direct AI-generated creative with intention-shaping visual style, composition, storytelling, and execution rather than simply generating assets.
  • Develop storyboards, motion concepts, animations, video concepts, PR-ready assets, and experiential creative as needed.
  • Create flexible visual systems that allow ideas to scale across audiences, channels, and formats while maintaining a cohesive brand experience.
  • Partner with copywriters, strategists, designers, producers, and other creative disciplines to shape and elevate ideas from brief through final delivery.
  • Present creative internally and to clients, clearly articulating the thinking behind the work and building confidence in the creative direction.
  • Stay curious about new creative tools, technologies, and cultural trends, and bring fresh thinking and experimentation to the work.
  • Help raise the creative bar through strong craft, thoughtful art direction, collaboration, and mentorship.

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years in an art direction or design direction role in advertising, creative, tech, or a related discipline.
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional visual taste, conceptual thinking, design craft, and art direction across digital and social.
  • Strong experience using AI tools for image and video generation, with the ability to develop, refine, and art direct AI-generated creative.
  • A strong understanding of how to use AI as part of the creative process, while maintaining a high bar for originality, craft, and visual quality.
  • Advanced design skills and expert-level proficiency in Figma, including component libraries and systems-based design.
  • Strong understanding of composition, typography, imagery, photography, motion, and visual storytelling.
  • Experience developing creative for digital and social channels, with an understanding of how audience, message, format, and channel influence the work.
  • Strong technical design and production skills, including file setup, asset creation, and scalable systems.
  • Experience working within established brand systems and the ability to extend them into new creative territories.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative thinking and collaborate across disciplines.
  • A curious, collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for experimenting with new tools, technologies, and creative approaches.
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Visual Communication, or a related field required; in lieu of degree, equivalent experience in a relevant field required.

The annual salary range for this position is $68,000 - $105,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits available with this position include:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance,

Life insurance,

Short-term and long-term disability insurance,

401k,

Flexible paid time off,

At least 15 paid holidays per year,

Paid sick and safe leave, and

Paid parental leave.

Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com.

#LI-RB1

#LI-Hybrid

Location:

Los Angeles - San Vicente Blvd.

Brand:

Dentsu Creative

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail toApplicantAccommodations@dentsu.comby clicking on the link to let usknow the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.

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