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Animation Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Specializes in motion design and animation for their own projects, along with assisting the team of ... Manages digital asset organization, including media ingest and file/server organization Required ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Manage project deliverables, timelines, and organized production files. * Contribute to ... Knowledge of animation principles, asset management, file organization, and product development ...

Motion Designer & Video Editor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Develop animations, title sequences, branded graphics, transitions, and motion effects that ... Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining exceptional ...

Artist Principal Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... animation. Customarily and regularly establishes the art development and production goals and ... Prepares or oversees the preparation of project staffing estimates and manages project status and ...

Motion Designer

Mundelein, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

You must have strong animation, editing, and visual design skills, with the ability to turn complex ideas into compelling visual stories. You'll manage projects from concept to final delivery, create ...

Artist Principal Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... animation. Customarily and regularly establishes the art development and production goals and ... Prepares or oversees the preparation of project staffing estimates and manages project status and ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... animation, 3D art, and character designs. * Develop production-ready assets that align with ... Manage project deliverables, timelines, and organized production files. * Contribute to ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... animation, 3D art, and character designs. * Develop production-ready assets that align with ... Manage project deliverables, timelines, and organized production files. * Contribute to ...

Landscape Designer II

Frankfort, IL ยท On-site

$62 - $75/hr

Develop high-quality 3D renderings, animations, and visual simulations using Lumion, or other ... project managers and senior engineers to refine concepts based on feedback. * Participate in ...

New

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Design a variety of creative projects from concept to execution to support ... Experience in video and animation, using Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects. Experience with ...

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Animation Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$81.9K

$105.2K

$141.1K

How much do animation project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation project manager in Chicago, IL is $105,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation project manager do?

An Animation Project Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of animation projects from start to finish. They are responsible for managing timelines, budgets, resources, and communication among team members, including animators, designers, and clients. Their role ensures that the project meets creative goals while staying on schedule and within budget. They often act as the main point of contact between creative teams and stakeholders, solving problems and keeping the project on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation project manager?

To thrive as an Animation Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, a solid understanding of animation production workflows, and typically a degree in animation, film, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Asana or ShotGrid), animation software (such as Maya or Adobe Creative Suite), and budgeting systems is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you motivate teams and manage complex project timelines. These skills ensure that animation projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired creative standards.

What are some common challenges animation project managers face when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Animation Project Managers often coordinate teams of artists, animators, technical directors, and sound designers, each with unique workflows and creative perspectives. A frequent challenge is aligning these diverse roles to meet tight production schedules while maintaining high-quality standards. Effective communication and proactive risk management are essential to prevent bottlenecks and ensure that feedback loops are efficient, especially when juggling multiple projects or working with remote contributors. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment helps the team adapt to shifting client requirements and evolving project scopes.

What is the difference between Animation Project Manager vs Animation Producer?

AspectAnimation Project ManagerAnimation Producer
CredentialsProject management certifications, relevant animation or media experienceProduction management experience, industry-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with creative teams, manages project timelinesOversees entire production, liaises with clients and stakeholders
Industry UsageCommonly used in animation studios and media companiesOften used interchangeably but more focused on overall production oversight

While both roles involve managing animation projects, the Animation Project Manager primarily focuses on coordinating schedules, resources, and team tasks. The Animation Producer oversees the entire production process, including budgeting, client communication, and creative direction. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the animation industry.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Animation Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animation Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animation Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Animation Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,199 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Video & Animation Coordinator

The Heico Companies

Warrenville, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create and edit videos for marketing campaigns, internal communications, training programs, and company events.

  • Develop motion graphics, animated content, and visual assets for websites, presentations, social media, and digital communications.

  • Assist with on-location video content, including setup, filming, lighting, and audio support.


Job description

The Company
Heico has a history of success. Since its founding over 40 years ago The Heico Companies has grown from a single business to over 78 separate companies through a strategic acquisition policy, and by reinvesting its earnings into internal growth and new prospects. Historically talented at restoring distressed companies, Heico now strategically targets acquisitions that will complement its ever-growing portfolio of companies in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services.
These four core operations are organized into groups: Metal Processing Group, Construction Solutions Group, Applied Solutions Group, and Industrial Technologies Group. Once acquired, new Heico companies are assigned to a group and run on a stand-alone basis, allowing for great independence as well as the opportunity to share knowledge about markets, production processes, and management practices across other Heico groups and companies. Each Group has its own corporate team.
Heico continues to seek out new opportunities and maintain its standard of success. The Heico Companies has remained a privately held company since its creation and maintains majority ownership in each of its operations, which generates more than $3.3 billion dollars in revenues. Many of our businesses are certified Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBE).
More information about the holding company and overall organization can be found at www.heicocompanies.com.
The Position
The Video & Animation Coordinator is an entry-level marketing role designed for a creative individual who is passionate about video production, animation, and visual storytelling. This position will support the marketing team by creating engaging multimedia content while gaining hands-on exposure to broader marketing functions, including branding, employer branding, social media, digital marketing, internal communications, and content strategy.
Working within a holding company environment, the Video & Animation Coordinator will have the opportunity to support multiple businesses across a variety of industries, developing a diverse portfolio while learning how marketing initiatives drive business growth.
This is a full-time position based in our Warrenville office at 27501 Bella Vista Parkway, Warrenville, IL 60555.
Job Description
Primary Responsibilities
  • Create and edit videos for marketing campaigns, internal communications, training programs, and company events.
  • Develop motion graphics, animated content, and visual assets for websites, presentations, social media, and digital communications.
  • Assist with on-location video content, including setup, filming, lighting, and audio support.
  • Edit raw footage into polished, brand-aligned content
  • Collaborate with marketing team members on campaigns, content creation, and brand-building initiatives
  • Assist in developing visual content for social media, email campaigns, websites, and promotional materials
  • Support employer branding efforts through employee spotlights, culture videos, and recruiting content
  • Clean up, optimize, and perform retopology on CAD geometry when needed for better performance and usability.
  • Create custom 3D models when CAD files or premade assets are unavailable, including modeling manufacturing equipment and machinery from reference.
  • Source and use premade 3D assets, materials, textures, and HDRIs when appropriate.
  • Help maintain brand consistency across all visual communications
  • Manage digital media assets and maintain organized content libraries
  • Adapt content for various audiences and communication channels
  • Learn marketing best practices, branding principles, content strategy, and audience engagement techniques
  • Gain exposure to campaign planning, analytics, and digital marketing initiatives
  • Develop an understanding of how marketing supports business growth across diverse industries
  • Continuously build technical and creative skills through coaching, collaboration, and training opportunities

Job Requirements
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, Animation, Graphic Design, Video Production, or a related field.

Skills & Relevant Work Experience
  • Internship, freelance, student portfolio, or 0-2 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated interest in video production, animation, content creation, or digital media.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, Bonsai, FreeCAD
  • Knowledge digesting STEP files
  • Basic understanding of animation, motion graphics, and video editing techniques.
  • Knowledge of social media platforms and digital content formats.
  • Photography, videography, or graphic design experience is a plus.
  • Creative mindset with a passion for visual storytelling.
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
  • Positive attitude and eagerness to take on new challenges.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Curiosity about marketing, branding, and business strategy

EOE M/F/D/V
The expected salary range for this position is $65,000-72,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but isn't limited to:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and disability
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Pet Insurance
  • Legal Insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.