The University of Texas at Austin is hiring: Multimedia Animator in Austin

Overview

The Multimedia Animator in University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) at The University of Texas at Austin brings stories to life through engaging motion graphics content that supports the University's brand visibility across multiple platforms. This role is responsible for concepting, designing, and producing motion assets across video and digital channels. The ideal candidate is a hands-on creative professional who balances strategic thinking with expert-level production execution, transforming briefs into compelling, platform-appropriate video content that connects with audiences and elevates brand expression. This position blends creative design, art direction, and technical animation expertise to translate complex academic and institutional material into accessible visual narratives. With deep technical fluency in motion design and video editing, this professional brings mastery of design and motion graphics software. A proactive problem solver and self-starter, they collaborate closely with multimedia producers, marketers, fellow creatives, and external partners to support projects that drive engagement and strengthen brand affinity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of high-quality 2D/3D animations and motion graphics to support video, social media, digital content, and other multimedia productions
• Apply advanced motion design principles and techniques to inform, educate, inspire, and evoke emotion
• Translate graphic assets, scripts, and creative briefs into dynamic motion design concepts
• Design graphics, illustrations, and visual elements that support multimedia projects
• Create video thumbnails and supporting design assets for video distribution
• Utilize pre-visualization techniques including storyboarding and animatics to facilitate collaboration
• Basic video editing in Adobe Premiere
• Assist in other areas as needed in video pre-production, production, and post-production

Project Management & Collaboration

• Consult with stakeholders to conceptualize animated sequences and visual storytelling approaches
• Develop creative concepts and storyboards that communicate ideas effectively
• Collaborate with multimedia producers, designers, content strategists, marketers, and other creatives
• Manage production timelines for multiple animation projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work
• Coordinate with project managers and team leads to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines
• Organize project files, asset libraries, and templates while maintaining documentation for workflow continuity
• Develop scalable video and motion templates for streamlined versioning and rapid adaptation across campaigns

Brand Standards & Quality Control

• Ensure all animated content adheres to University brand guidelines and visual standards
• Maintain high-quality design standards while innovating within brand parameters
• Adapt content specifications and formatting requirements for different digital platforms and channels
• Archive completed projects and maintain organized digital asset management systems
• Research and incorporate emerging trends and tools in motion graphics
• Stay current with industry best practices and software updates
• Contribute to a culture of creative innovation within the UMAC team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Multimedia, or a related field
• Two (2) years of professional motion design experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in animation, design, and visual storytelling
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Demonstrated passion for storytelling and ability to transform design concepts into compelling animations
• Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and typography
• Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Experience creating content for various digital platforms and formats
• Professional portfolio showcasing motion graphics, animation, and design work relevant to institutional communications

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design, animation, or motion graphics, including advanced animation production
• Motion design experience at an agency, in-house creative department, or similar environment
• Experience providing art direction or creative direction for video projects
• Experience with video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Experience working in higher education or academic communications
• Demonstrated experience with multiple production formats, including different aspect ratios
• Ability to learn and adapt to new trends, technologies and publishing specs
• Knowledge of 3D modeling and animation software is a plus (e.g., Unreal Engine, Blender, Cinema 4D)
• Experience creating assets for virtual production shoots is a plus (e.g., Unreal Engine)
• Understanding of accessibility standards
• Experience using cloud-based collaboration and project management tools (Asana, Frame.io)
• Experience in other areas of video production

Salary & Working Conditions

Salary Range: $65,000 + depending on qualifications

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Occasional overtime during peak periods.
• This position is based in Austin, TX and is required to work on campus.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Link to online portfolio showcasing animation, motion graphics, and design work relevant to the position

Important Information for Applicants

For applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

For Current university employees and contingent workers: You MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility & Compliance

• Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings recruited through University-Wide or Open Recruiting.
• Retirement Plan Eligibility: The retirement plan is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
• Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on various bases.
• Pay Transparency: UT Austin discloses pay information as allowed by policy and law.
• Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) and E-Verify: You will need to complete the I-9 and may be verified via E-Verify. See required posters and information in the application.

The Clery Act requires notification of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report availability. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy from University Compliance Services.