Small Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Klein Tools, curiosity powers discovery, ownership inspires excellence, and urgency means we run towards opportunities. We deliver quality and innovation in everything we do, designing and launching hundreds of groundbreaking products each year. Join us and be part of a legacy built to last.
Perks for you include:
• Paid Vacations & Holidays
• Profit Sharing & Matching 401(k)
• Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, & Dental)
• Discounts on Klein Tools products
• Education and Professional Development Assistance
As the Social Media & Digital Content Creator, you are responsible for conceptualizing, storyboarding, producing, and editing high-quality visual content for (predominantly) social media that showcases Klein Tools' product differentiation and premium brand presence with a tone that matches our brand values. This role focuses on creative content production, working collaboratively with the Digital Marketing Manager, Social Media Specialist, and marketing team to bring campaigns and content ideas to life. You are a creative storyteller with a passion for the authenticity and pace of social content, video production, visual excellence and a well-timed edit - able to take a concept and develop into effective content with a high level of autonomy.
Develop creative content by conceptualizing and storyboarding creative video and photo social media content that aligns with brand messaging and marketing objectives. Collaborate with Digital Marketing team to ensure content aligns with campaign or post goals and is effective for target
• Produce high-quality, engaging content that highlights product features, customer stories, and brand narratives.
• Experienced in planning your own content capture, platform best practices, native mograph, VFX and audio tools - you are a problem solver who adapts to the ever-changing social content landscape and understand how to do this within the guardrails of a brand.
• Plan, shoot, and edit videos and photos for use across digital/social platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn (and emerging platforms as identified). Ensure all content meets technical specifications of the intended platforms and meets brand guidelines.
• Own pre-production, developing detailed storyboards and shot lists to guide content creation from briefs and offering ideas to improve the concept. Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external talent (if needed) to prepare for shoots: collecting samples, scouting locations, prepping equipment and ensuring all production needs are met to execute efficiently and effectively.
• Partner with the Digital Marketing team to align content production with posting schedules and audience engagement strategies. Participate in cross-functional brainstorming sessions to develop new content ideas and participate in fast-moving social trends.
• Build and maintain an organized library of raw and edited assets for future use to maximize investments, as well as organized information on available sites and talent to leverage for future content needs.
• Stay curious - experiment with new production techniques and tools to create innovative content.
• As part of the in-house Media team, cross-train on other productions like live broadcasting, 3D animation and lifestyle content shoots to build new skills and support team initiatives.
Job Qualification Requirements
Skills for Success
• Strong expertise in videography, photography, and creative editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) as well as native platform editing capabilities
• Experience with lighting, sound, and production equipment
• Exceptional storytelling skills with a portfolio showcasing creative content production
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with a team that moves at the pace and content frequency of social media
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, self-organizing and motivating
Education/Experience Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Digital Media, Film Production, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in content production and editing, preferably for a consumer brand.
Physical Demand Requirements
Occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers to touch, pick or pinch objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use foot or leg controls; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. For all jobs no one should lift over 50lbs on their own. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Your main focus:
• Quality
• Customer Obsession
• Innovation
• Ownership
• Teamwork
Klein Tools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For candidates with disabilities and needing assistance, please email us at hr@kleintools.com.