What are the responsibilities and job description for the Motion Graphic Designer, PBS News position at WETA?
Brief Description
The Motion Graphic Designer will possess strong graphic design and storytelling skills to support our broadcast design team. They will gather information and illustrative material, including stills, for the creation of graphic content for the PBS News Hour. They will work with, producers, journalists, and control room personnel on a daily basis to ensure their graphic needs are delivered to on time and to a high standard.
Primary Responsibilities
WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.
Company Overview
WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits | WETA
Equal Employment Opportunity
WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
- A PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION**
The Motion Graphic Designer will possess strong graphic design and storytelling skills to support our broadcast design team. They will gather information and illustrative material, including stills, for the creation of graphic content for the PBS News Hour. They will work with, producers, journalists, and control room personnel on a daily basis to ensure their graphic needs are delivered to on time and to a high standard.
Primary Responsibilities
- Produce quick turnaround graphics for major live news events, like debates, speeches etc.
- Develop original work and build animated and still graphics for local and national television productions including programs (opens, packaging elements), interstitial materials (campaigns, tune-in promos and key art).
- Keep abreast of technologies as they apply to motion graphics, digital technology and graphic design; and recommend design tools for generating and executing design work.
- Provide feedback to producers and participate in editing and post-production sessions to ensure that design is properly placed and executed.
- Takes initiative on projects and delivers new and innovative solutions to tell stories.
- Responsible for archiving all program graphics.
- Maintaining accurate work and billing hours and other financial records.
- Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of and ability to use graphic design, animation, postproduction, and editing tools.
- Demonstrated understanding and application of computer technology to efficiently accomplish tasks. Extensive knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects and Blender. Cinema 4D is a plus.
- Candidates without experience in After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop or Premiere will not be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully perform in busy atmosphere on multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
- Excellent typographic and compositional skills with a solid understanding of animation fundamentals.
- Able to work with vector, raster, and audio elements to create animated graphics and videos.
- Self-motivated, task-oriented, and able to work within a team.
- Able to receive and give constructive feedback in a collaborative environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to interact with a wide variety of people using diplomacy, tact and discretion.
- Excellent attention to detail and time management
- Experience with Ross Xpression or similar CG platform is a plus.
- Familiarity with Adobe Motion Graphics Templates (MOGRTS)
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, animation or related field.
- 2-3 years of motion graphic design experience.
- A background in graphic design to support your motion graphics work.
- Demonstrate the ability to translate complex topics into compelling and accessible visual designs.
WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.
Company Overview
WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits | WETA
Equal Employment Opportunity
WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.