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Senior Animation Director Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

At HLK, Senior Art Directors are the drivers of breakthrough creative. You'll concept and lead the ... animation, websites, presentations and more. * Present work with confidence and clarity to clients ...

Art Director

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$113K - $118K/yr

Create graphics, photography concepts, and GIF animations to support digital marketing efforts ... Partner with the Creative Manager and Senior Designer to plan photography and creative projects

Art Director

Clayton, MO · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Create graphics, photography concepts, and GIF animations to support digital marketing efforts ... Partner with the Creative Manager and Senior Designer to plan photography and creative projects

Art Director

Clayton, MO · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Create graphics, photography concepts, and GIF animations to support digital marketing efforts ... Partner with the Creative Manager and Senior Designer to plan photography and creative projects

Art Director

Clayton, MO · On-site

$113K - $118K/yr

Create graphics, photography concepts, and GIF animations to support digital marketing efforts ... Partner with the Creative Manager and Senior Designer to plan photography and creative projects

Senior Animation Director information

What does a senior animation director do?

A Senior Animation Director oversees the creative and technical aspects of animation projects, guiding teams of animators, storyboard artists, and other professionals to ensure the final product meets the desired artistic vision and quality standards. They are responsible for setting the animation style, reviewing work for consistency, and collaborating closely with producers, writers, and other department heads. Their role also involves managing schedules, budgets, and mentoring junior staff to ensure efficient workflow and professional development within the animation team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior animation director?

To thrive as a Senior Animation Director, you need advanced expertise in animation principles, storytelling, and visual design, often backed by a degree in animation or a related field and significant industry experience. Mastery of animation software like Maya, Toon Boom, or Adobe After Effects, along with experience managing production pipelines, is typically required. Exceptional leadership, creative vision, and communication skills help you inspire teams and effectively convey concepts to stakeholders. These skills ensure cohesive, high-quality animation projects that align with creative goals and production timelines.

What are some common challenges faced by a senior animation director when leading a large animation team?

As a Senior Animation Director, one common challenge is balancing creative vision with production constraints such as deadlines and budgets. Overseeing a large team requires strong communication skills to ensure that animators, storyboard artists, and other departments are aligned and motivated. Managing feedback from multiple stakeholders while maintaining a coherent artistic direction can also be demanding. Additionally, Senior Animation Directors often mentor junior staff, which means investing time in training and fostering a collaborative, productive work environment.

What is the difference between Senior Animation Director vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectSenior Animation DirectorAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall animation vision, leads creative teams, and ensures project qualityManages day-to-day animation production, coordinates team tasks, and maintains schedules
CredentialsExtensive animation experience, leadership skills, strong portfolioProven animation skills, team management experience, technical knowledge
Work EnvironmentCreative leadership in studios or production companiesSupervisory role within animation teams, often on-site or remote

While both roles require strong animation skills and leadership, the Senior Animation Director focuses on the creative vision and overall project direction, whereas the Animation Supervisor handles daily team management and production workflows. The Senior Animation Director typically has more strategic responsibilities, guiding the artistic style and quality, while the Animation Supervisor ensures timely delivery of animation tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Animation Director jobs in Missouri?

For Senior Animation Director jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Senior Animation Director jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Senior Animation Director job openings:

Senior Art Director

HLK

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Lead concepting and development of original, integrated creative ideas across multiple clients.

  • Present work with confidence and clarity to clients and internal teams, telling a compelling story.

  • Partner with Copywriters, Producers, Strategists, and Account leads to ensure the work ladders up to business objectives.


Job description

At HLK, Senior Art Directors are the drivers of breakthrough creative. You’ll concept and lead the visual expression of big ideas across channels, ensuring the work is not only beautiful, but smart, strategic, and effective. You’ll partner closely with Copywriters and strategists to craft integrated campaigns that surprise and move audiences, while mentoring junior creatives along the way. Your leadership will help shape both the work and the creative culture of HLK.

If you’re someone who:

… thrives on solving complex challenges with bold ideas

… brings vision and clarity to creative teams

… values collaboration but can confidently lead the room

… cares deeply about craft and consistency while pushing boundaries

… knows how to elevate individual tactics while owning the big picture

This is the place for you.

Responsibilities

  • Lead concepting and development of original, integrated creative ideas across multiple clients.
  • Consistently deliver work that is strategically sharp, on-brand, and executed with excellence including print, video, digital, social, motion/animation, websites, presentations and more.
  • Present work with confidence and clarity to clients and internal teams, telling a compelling story.
  • Partner with Copywriters, Producers, Strategists, and Account leads to ensure the work ladders up to business objectives.
     
  • Maintain a strong point of view on the work and push for brave, unexpected solutions.
  • Steward brand guidelines while knowing when and how to evolve them.
  • Balance hands-on execution with leadership and oversight.
  • Embrace feedback and use it to refine and elevate your work
  • Take personal accountability for delivering high-quality work on time
  • Contribute to agency culture by championing creative excellence and “what’s possible” thinking.
  • Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication or a related field from an accredited college/university or equivalent work experience
  • 5-10 years of experience in an advertising agency or related creative environment
  • Based in Chicago or St. Louis (the position is open to St. Louis, MO or Chicago, IL residents only)
  • Strong portfolio that demonstrates conceptual thinking, craft, and integrated campaign experience. 
  • Proven ability to lead projects from concept to production.
  • Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to build client trust.
  • An excitement for jumping head-first into experimentation and the ability to communicate novel thinking
  • Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and craftsmanship
  • A collaborative mindset and ability to work across different teams
  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with Figma or similar design tools 
  • Strong experience in design principles, composition, typography, motion, and UX/UI

bout HLK:

We believe in the power of people to drive brands. Together, we shape a brand's identity and inspire its next move. We believe that brands have the power to influence people. We create brands in constant motion and on a mission to connect, surprise, and change behavior. 

Our mission is to provide an environment where passionate problem solvers can thrive. Every day, we encourage our people to do three things: Be Curious. Seek out the right problems to solve. Embrace criticism. Dig deeper and dream bigger. Be Thoughtful. Empathy transforms information into insight. We remove roadblocks to solutions, helping and supporting each other to solve client problems. And Be Brave. Take calculated risks, push the work, and move forward fearlessly.

There are many benefits to working at HLK, including the following:

A flexible work environment

A casual and creative atmosphere

Unlimited time off

Paid sabbatical

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with a company match

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.