Animation Studio Manager Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Management_Executive 605Pay Range: $78,200.00 - $129,000.00

Job Description

The Supervisor, Studio Media Design is a senior creative leader responsible for elevating the overall visual quality and strategic coherence of WGU Studios multimedia output, with a key focus on producing highly engaging video, print, conference/event content and social media designs. This hands-on leader will be involved in day-to-day design and utilize their professional skillset to lead a team of multimedia designers/animators, providing day-to-day creative direction, mentorship and project oversight across video, motion graphics, digital, print and experiential/live event platforms.
The Supervisor, Studio Media Design will partner closely with studio producers, content strategists, technical staff and clients spanning the university and corporate enterprise. It is also critical that this leader has experience interfacing with executives and is comfortable turning complex ideas/concepts into strong visual outputs. Typical outputs include (but are not limited to) print graphics, digital & web graphics, titles, illustration, animation, motion graphics and kinetic typography across digital, print, video and experiential platforms. The ideal candidate brings deep craft expertise, a collaborative spirit and the leadership presence to coach and grow a high-performing design function inside a fast-paced, purpose-driven studio environment serving all partners across the university.

• Lead, manage and mentor a team of multimedia designers, providing clear creative direction, ongoing feedback and professional development support.

• Use creativity and artistic vision to shape and drive the graphic design strategy and vision, working alongside designers, producers, and video and audio technicians to tell compelling stories by producing digital and print graphics, video motion graphics and branding.

• Champion, steward and uphold WGU's brand and visual identity, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints through well-executed design systems and scalable templates.

• Design, illustrate and animate best-in-class digital and print graphics, video motion graphics, and 2D/3D animations.

• Create storyboards and animatics to scope animation projects and communicate milestones with team members, clients, and stakeholders.

• Lead art direction for video and photography shoots, delivering dynamic, on-brand content that resonates with diverse audiences while adhering to budget parameters.

• Oversee the development of world-class media assets, digital campaigns, and promotional materials, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

• Craft compelling visual narratives that translate complex, strategic objectives into engaging, consumer-centric storytelling.

• Responsible for maintaining a library of content and assets with a high level of detail.

• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for process improvement, social media best practices, and platform-specific requirements.

• Responsible for communicating and effectively collaborating with team members and stakeholders at all levels to ensure a smooth transition from initial concept to final deliverable.

• Assist other departments as directed, including live events, podcasts, and more.

• Effectively visualize data in marketing and editorial videos to make complex concepts compelling and understandable.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that encourages creative risk-taking, curiosity and continuous improvement.

• Train and assist staff in the operation of design software, equipment, and systems where needed.

• Continuously explore emerging design trends, tools, and technologies to push creative boundaries and maintain a competitive edge.

• Assist producers and management in establishing industry best-practice workflows.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong conceptual thinker with a keen eye for typography, composition, and color theory.

• Skilled in group presentation and excels in nuanced communication that can be tailored to company organizations and executives for maximum effect.

• Familiarity and experience interfacing with and translating complex topics and ideas from leaders into visual designs (for events, presentations, and more).

• Mastery in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, with a portfolio to match. Experienced in Davinci Resolve, Avid Pro Tools a plus.

• Strong understanding of print processes, image proofing, and print solutions for events and signage.

• Mastery of converting designs from Sketch, Figma, Illustrator, and Photoshop designs into refined motion graphics.

• Proficient in 3D programs such as: Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Cinema 4D, Blender, or equivalent.

• Proficient in the entire video post-production process, including video editing, color-correction, audio sweetening, motion graphics, animation, compositing, visual effects, and exporting final deliverables.

• Understanding and ability to implement best practices related to media organization & backup and video engagement.

• Ability to create educational, training, product demo, UI, and explainer animations.

• Self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to continually learn and adapt in a constantly evolving media environment.

• Deep understanding of visual culture, emerging design trends, and brand storytelling.

• High-level problem solving, high attention to detail, strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Film/TV Production, Communications, Multimedia, or a related field.

Experience

• 8 or more years of experience with an agency, in-house team, or post-production studio. Experience must be in producing, directing, videography, editing, graphic design, motion graphics or similar, with a demonstrated focus on videography, editing, motion graphics, and visual effects.

• Previous experience producing and managing video, live production, and photoshoots.

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience leading, directing or formally mentoring other designers or creative team members

• Must have a portfolio of work.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

• Ability to lift and transport audio equipment (up to 60 lbs).

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours.

• Ability to travel up to 25% as required.

Experience in lieu of education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.