Animation Project Manager Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Highwire's creative team sits within the agency's digital practice. We lead the creative strategy, design and execution of powerful, valuable, and impactful ideas that drive business impact for our clients.
We weave insights into ideas, make ideas real, and combine creativity with strategic storytelling so our clients stand out from competitors. We believe the biggest ideas don't have to be the most complex and in the importance of matching creative delivery with strategic motivation.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Senior Designer, Brand & Motion, you'll work closely with the Creative team to drive the development of motion graphics, video, and animated content across high-volume, fast-turnaround campaigns, while staying grounded in brand systems and standards. This includes motion design for social content, digital campaigns, event experiences, and branded video, as well as supporting static design work, such as decks, presentations, and digital mockups, when needed.
You'll work seamlessly with our creative strategy leads, creative director, digital strategists, project managers, and digital designers to create awe-inspiring ideas, campaigns, and assets.
What You'll Gain
You'll work inside a dedicated, close-knit team built for high-volume production. You'll build deep expertise in motion and video at scale, with a steady, significant volume of work to sharpen your craft against. You'll be part of a growing investment in Creative in a motion and video capacity at Highwire, joining at a point where innovation is central to how the agency delivers for clients.
About You

• Brand Motion Craft & Technical Fluency: Your portfolio demonstrates strong command of motion graphics, video editing, and animation, with an understanding of pacing, timing, and visual storytelling. You can push creative boundaries while staying within brand parameters, even under high-volume production timelines. You have expert proficiency in After Effects and Premiere, alongside strong working knowledge of Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), as well as Keynote and Powerpoint/Google Slides for supporting static work.
• Professionalism & Project Management: You have a buttoned-up approach to project management, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at once, both when collaborating as part of a team and when managing independently. You have exquisite attention to detail.
• Communication & Problem-Solving: You are an excellent writer and communicator, with the ability to self-motivate, pivot as needed, and voice frictions and roadblocks as they arise. You possess a solution-oriented attitude.

Essential Functions

• Conceptualize, design, and execute motion graphics, animated content, and video assets across high-volume campaigns, maintaining brand consistency and craft quality under fast-turnaround timelines.
• Conceptualize and develop design solutions, including supporting static and digital design work, that adhere to client brand standards and meet business goals across mediums such as presentations, landing pages, and digital collateral.
• Present design work to both Highwire account teams and external clients. Must be able to both a.) communicate effectively with other creatives and b.) explain the rationale for decisions in language appropriate for a non-designer audience.
• Collect and implement feedback within designated review cycles. Know how to navigate client feedback effectively, even when uninformed.
• Provide design support for Highwire marketing and new business initiatives, including pitch decks, marketing collateral, and agency website updates.
• Brainstorm creative concepts, independently and with account teams.
• Ensure motion and video deliverables remain consistent with client brand systems and standards, even under high-volume production demands, while also serving as a guardian of Highwire's visual brand across all visual communications.
• Work with the Creative Director to provide design mentorship to junior designers, the digital team, and the wider agency.
• Execute strong time management skills and be able to independently adjust priorities according to deliverables across clients and internal teams.

Success Factors:

• Graphic design or visual effects degree or equivalent experience with an eye for brand
• 5+ years of professional design experience, with at least 2+ years focused specifically on motion graphics and video production (agency experience preferred)
• A compelling portfolio showcasing motion graphics and video work at a campaign level, alongside a solid understanding of broader design principles and brand systems
• Expert knowledge of After Effects and Premiere, alongside strong working knowledge of Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Experience working with and creating design systems
• A keen understanding of UX design principles, including expert knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage time independently. Must be able to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and proactively flag conflicts with account and creative teams
• Comfortable operating in a high-volume, fast-turnaround production environment, balancing speed and scale with brand consistency and craft quality.
• A finger on the pulse of the latest design, social, and digital trends
• Experience with AI-powered creative tools (such as generative design, motion, or video tools) is a plus

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $105,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Hybrid
About Highwire
Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.
At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone-regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities-can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.
We ensure that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.
Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

• Team Empowerment
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusion Always
• Fierce Distinction

We're looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.
Highwire. Above all.
Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

• Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment
Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.
Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.
Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..
Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.
Join the Highwire team
If you're inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.
Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!