Director of Motion Graphics & 3D Animation

Job Summary:

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is looking for the Director of Motion Graphics & 3D Animation to join our in-house production team. The Director of Motion Graphic and 3D Animation will be responsible for a wide range of projects for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers creating impactful and engaging content to improve the fan experience and generate revenue, implement the organizations brand design look, and feel and establish consistency across all platforms for arena, ballpark, digital and broadcasting. The Director is additionally responsible for mentoring and managing a team of motion graphics designers. The position is based in Detroit, MI.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as an innovative design leader on creative materials for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment via signage, digital platforms, and various branding applications
• Assist in developing concepts, storyboarding and pre-production as well as managing in-house motion designers while also being the first line of approvals and art direction for freelanced motion graphics work.
• Take the design lead on all major/high-profile Motion Graphic projects.
• Mentor motion graphic designers, helping them raise their design abilities, technical proficiency, and professionalism.
• Work through multiple active creative requests, identifying priorities, providing status updates, and remaining flexible as priorities shift.
• Producing in-venue graphics including all digital signage throughout Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Ballpark interior and exterior.
• Responsible for the creation of impactful and entertaining pumpers, player personality videos, opens and other content used in-arena during games.
• Creates unique content to be used on social media and other digital platforms to engage with fans and generate revenue. Assists in creating compelling content that can be used for paid media to assist with ticket sales, co-brand sponsor promotions, retail sales and other essential business objectives.
• Collaborates with Art Directors to plan, concept and create the organizations brand look and feel for each season. Ensures this look is used properly across all content channels.
• Strong ability to integrate 3D elements into motion graphic productions.
• Creates compelling motion graphics and infographics and helps create consistency and quality of all graphics.
• Helps manage content that is used on all platforms by working with game time operators.
• Helps with finishing edited productions (overlays, color correction and other video treatments)
• Assists with conceptual and storytelling productions.
• Continuously looks for new and innovative ways to create new fan experience content.

Supplemental Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university.
• 7+ years related experience and/or training. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Possess the highest integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent collaboration skills. Must be able to work with a team.
• Strong knowledge of various digital media and equipment use.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to inspire creative thinking and create innovative solutions.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively and maintain professionalism in high stress situations.
• Strong understanding of motion graphic development.
• Strong ability to integrate 3D elements into motion graphic productions.
• Mastery of Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Mastery of a 3D application, preferably 3DS Max, Maya or Cinema 4D.
• Intermediate knowledge or Premiere, Avid or other non-linear editing system
• Experience designing style guides and storyboards for motion graphics.
• Experience with finishing edited productions (overlays, color correction and other video treatments).
• Strong conceptual and storytelling ability.
• Provide and receive artistic feedback.

Working Conditions:

• Irregular and extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Continuous visual attention
• Exposure to moderate noise level

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment