Creative Marketing Designer I - Motion

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Marketing Designer I - Motion

Company: The Minnesota Star Tribune

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in crafting compelling brand creative assets across diverse digital, print, and social media channels, with a specialized focus on motion graphics and video production.

• The position requires maintaining rigorous brand and sub-brand consistency across all creative outputs, ensuring a unified and impactful brand presence.

• Collaboration is key, involving active participation in brainstorming sessions and contributing creative input to campaign concepting, working closely with the Senior Creative Marketing Designer and the broader Growth & Marketing team.

• The role will also explore and leverage emerging AI-based motion and video tools, contributing to the team's broader innovation goals in this space.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title and description point to a creative design role, the emphasis on brand consistency, cross-functional collaboration platforms, and contribution to marketing campaigns suggests a strong alignment with marketing operations functions, particularly in asset management and campaign execution support. The exploration of AI tools also indicates a forward-thinking operations approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of brand creative assets, encompassing digital advertisements, print collateral, and social media content, with a distinct emphasis on motion and video.

• Ensure unwavering brand and sub-brand consistency across all creative outputs and distribution channels, adhering to established design systems and guidelines.

• Actively contribute creative ideas and visual concepts during brainstorming sessions for campaign development and conceptualization.

• Collaborate with the Senior Creative Marketing Designer to develop, maintain, and update design systems and templates for key marketing channels such as email, RON (Run of Network), social media, and ROP (Run of Press).

• Develop and produce dynamic motion graphics and engaging video content tailored for social media, email marketing campaigns, and broader campaign deliverables.

• Construct mood boards and concept decks to effectively communicate creative concepts and their alignment with specific campaign objectives and target audiences.

• Partner with the Senior Creative Marketing Designer to research, test, and integrate AI-based motion and video tools (e.g., Creatify) into the team's workflow and innovation strategy.

• Build proficiency in cross-functional coordination platforms to manage project coverage and ensure seamless workflow execution, especially during periods of high demand or when colleagues are unavailable.

• Draft initial baseline copy for owned creative projects, ensuring it aligns with visual elements and campaign direction, while deferring core messaging strategy to campaign partners.

• Design and produce compelling email creative for both brand and sub-brand campaigns, managing the process from initial concept development through to final layout and deployment.

• Undertake other assigned duties that contribute to the overall success of the marketing and creative teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative execution and operational efficiency within the marketing function. The emphasis on design systems, templates, and cross-functional coordination platforms points to a need for structured workflow management and asset standardization, core tenets of marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in a relevant field is preferred, though not strictly required if equivalent experience is demonstrated. Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in a related creative design role, with a strong preference for experience in motion graphics and video production. Required Skills:

• Proven experience and/or demonstrated interest in motion graphics and video editing software, such as Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, or equivalent industry-standard tools.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Strong proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Excellent typography and layout design skills, with a proven ability to create visually appealing and effective designs for various media, including email.

• Keen attention to detail, with the ability to meticulously adhere to brand guidelines while also innovating and pushing brand aesthetics forward.

• Robust time management and organizational skills, with a demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines effectively.

• Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, with a track record of working effectively within creative teams and with cross-functional partners.

• Comfort and aptitude for learning and navigating new platforms and marketing systems, including emerging AI applications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-based motion and video tools, such as Creatify, or a strong interest in exploring their application.

• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and best practices for email design.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems and templates.

• Basic copywriting skills for marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills and operational acumen. Proficiency in design software is expected, but the inclusion of "comfort learning and navigating new platforms" and interest in AI tools suggests an operational mindset geared towards efficiency and innovation, crucial for modern marketing operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of creative work with a strong emphasis on motion graphics and video production.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Figma.

• Include examples of design work across digital, print, and social media platforms, highlighting versatility.

• Showcase specific projects that demonstrate an understanding of brand consistency and the ability to apply brand guidelines effectively.

• Present case studies or examples of projects where motion graphics or video were used to achieve specific campaign goals or enhance user engagement. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of workflow processes for creative asset development, from concept to final delivery.

• The portfolio should ideally include examples of how design systems and templates were utilized or created to streamline production.

• Evidence of experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, implying an understanding of project management and prioritization processes.

• Showcase any experience or understanding of cross-functional coordination platforms and their role in efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role bridging creative and operations, the portfolio is critical. It needs to not only showcase artistic talent but also the candidate's ability to work within structured processes, manage projects efficiently, and contribute to standardized creative outputs, which are key indicators of operational capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly compensation range for this position is $24.03 - $26.44 per hour. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; wellness program with financial incentives; commuting subsidy.

• Financial: 401(K) with company match; flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO), flexible holidays, one dedicated volunteer day, and two wellness days per year.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave, paid caregiving leave, and tuition reimbursement.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work arrangements, employee assistance program.

• Additional Perks: Pet insurance, access to a fitness center, golf simulator, and rooftop patio at the modern downtown office.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the hourly rate. The comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs, financial support, and work-life balance initiatives, is highly competitive and attractive to operations professionals who often value stability and well-being. The hybrid work arrangement is also a significant operational benefit for employee flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Journalism

Company Size: The Minnesota Star Tribune is a large, established media organization. While the exact employee count isn't provided, its status as a major regional newspaper and its range of benefits suggest a substantial workforce, likely in the hundreds or thousands. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific departments.

Founded: The company was founded 159 years ago, indicating a deep-rooted history and a legacy of journalistic excellence, evidenced by its seven Pulitzer Prizes. This longevity suggests a stable organization that has adapted through various technological and market shifts.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Associate Creative Director, working closely with a Senior Creative Marketing Designer.

• This position is part of the broader Growth & Marketing team, implying a collaborative structure focused on driving business objectives through creative and marketing initiatives.

• Collaboration is expected daily with team members and potentially with other departments across the organization. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes journalistic excellence and community connection, suggesting a data-informed approach to understanding its audience and market.

• The mention of exploring AI-based tools indicates a forward-thinking methodology focused on innovation and efficiency in creative production and marketing operations.

• The company's commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace points to a culture that values varied perspectives and inclusive practices in all operations.

Company Website: https://www.startribune.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and commitment to innovation (e.g., AI tools, Fast Company recognition) suggest a culture that respects tradition while embracing change. For operations professionals, this means understanding established processes while being open to adopting new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level (0-2 years) within the creative and marketing functions. While not a direct "operations" role in title, it involves operational aspects of marketing campaign execution, asset management, and workflow adherence. It serves as a foundational role for individuals looking to build a career in creative marketing or transition into more specialized marketing operations roles.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Marketing Designer - Motion reports to the Associate Creative Director, working in close proximity with a Senior Creative Marketing Designer. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance, crucial for early-career professionals.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts marketing campaign success by producing high-quality creative assets, ensuring brand consistency, and exploring innovative tools. This contributes to the overall effectiveness of marketing efforts, which in turn drives audience engagement, subscription growth, and revenue for the Star Tribune. The exploration of AI and efficient workflows indirectly supports operational excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video production, and AI-driven creative tools.

• Broader Marketing Operations Exposure: As proficiency grows, there's potential to take on more complex projects involving design systems, campaign coordination, and process optimization within the marketing team.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gaining experience working with different departments can lead to a broader understanding of business operations and potential career paths within the media industry.

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrating strong creative and operational skills may lead to future opportunities in senior design roles or specialized marketing operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The entry-level nature of the role provides a clear pathway for growth. For operations-minded individuals, this role offers a chance to hone skills in asset management, workflow efficiency, and technology adoption within a creative context, which are transferable to many GTM operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Star Tribune boasts a modern downtown office in Minneapolis, featuring amenities like a fitness center, collaborative spaces, a golf simulator, and a rooftop patio. This indicates a contemporary and amenity-rich work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the company's headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. The job description specifies a hybrid work arrangement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The modern office design with collaborative centers and direct interaction with the Senior Creative Marketing Designer and Associate Creative Director fosters a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Standard office equipment is provided, along with access to Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and potentially other marketing and AI tools relevant to the role.

• Team Interaction: Daily collaboration with the immediate creative team and broader Growth & Marketing team is expected, allowing for continuous learning and idea exchange.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week) with a hybrid work arrangement, offering a degree of flexibility in managing work hours and location, balancing on-site collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and modern office amenities are attractive operational perks. For creative and marketing operations roles, a well-equipped and flexible workspace can significantly contribute to productivity and employee satisfaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and mandatory portfolio. Candidates without a portfolio link or document will likely not be considered.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Assessment: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on motion graphics, video editing skills, Adobe Creative Suite/Figma proficiency, and brand consistency examples.

• Skills-Based Interview: Discussion of technical skills, experience with specific software, and understanding of design principles. This may include scenario-based questions about handling design challenges or tight deadlines.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions assessing collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, adaptability to new technologies (like AI), and alignment with the Star Tribune's values and mission.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, potential impact, and long-term career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Motion & Video: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest motion graphics and video editing work. Clearly articulate your role and the tools used in each project.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples across different media (digital, print, social) and demonstrate your ability to adapt to various brand styles while maintaining consistency.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any projects had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement on social media, improved email click-through rates), mention these. For this role, demonstrating aesthetic appeal and technical skill is primary, but any data is a bonus.

• Organize for Clarity: Use a clean, easy-to-navigate online portfolio (e.g., personal website, Behance). Categorize your work logically.

• Address AI Exploration: If you have experience or a strong interest in AI creative tools, highlight this and explain how you envision using them to enhance efficiency or creativity, aligning with the company's innovation goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach concept development and mood board creation.

• Practice articulating your design process, especially for motion graphics and video projects.

• Understand the Star Tribune's brand and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate research and cultural alignment.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with collaboration platforms and how you ensure smooth project handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific software proficiency indicates that the review process is rigorous and technically focused. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative output but also their understanding of efficient workflows and their ability to integrate new technologies, aligning with operational best practices in creative production.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop for graphic design and layout.

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Expertise required in Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro (or equivalent software) for creating and editing motion graphics and video content.

• Design & Prototyping: Strong command of Figma for collaborative design, UI/UX elements, and potentially prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, familiarity with how creative assets perform in digital channels (social media, email) is beneficial. Understanding metrics that inform creative effectiveness is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Cross-functional Coordination Platforms: Proficiency is expected in platforms used for managing projects and collaborating across teams (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar).

• Email Design Tools: Experience with email design best practices and familiarity with email marketing platforms will be advantageous.

• AI Innovation Tools: Familiarity with or a strong interest in exploring AI-based motion and video tools like Creatify is a key area of exploration for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards industry-standard creative software. However, the inclusion of "cross-functional coordination platforms" and "AI-based motion and video tools" points to an operational aspect where efficiency, system integration, and adoption of new technologies are valued, characteristic of modern marketing operations environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Adaptability: A strong drive to explore and implement new technologies, such as AI in creative production, and adapt to evolving media landscapes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that emphasizes working together across teams, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals, especially within the Growth & Marketing department.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to journalistic integrity and high-quality creative output, maintaining brand standards while pushing creative boundaries.

• Efficiency & Process Improvement: An implicit value placed on streamlining workflows, utilizing design systems, and adopting tools that enhance productivity and asset management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with the Senior Creative Marketing Designer, Associate Creative Director, and the broader Growth & Marketing team, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture where feedback is shared constructively to refine creative concepts and improve final deliverables.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights on new tools, techniques, and best practices, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of motion graphics and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Star Tribune's culture appears to balance a commitment to traditional journalistic values with a forward-looking embrace of technology and innovation. For operations professionals, this means understanding the importance of data-driven insights and efficient processes within a creative and mission-driven context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Innovation with Brand Consistency: The primary challenge will be to push creative boundaries with motion graphics and video while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines across diverse platforms.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying current with advancements in motion graphics software, video editing techniques, and particularly AI tools in creative production requires continuous learning.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and managing workload to deliver high-quality assets for various campaigns and channels simultaneously.

• Integrating New Tools: Learning and effectively integrating new AI-based tools into existing workflows requires adaptability and a proactive approach to skill development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Motion Graphics & Video Specialization: Deepen technical skills and creative expertise in advanced motion graphics and video production techniques.

• AI Tool Adoption: Gain hands-on experience with emerging AI tools for creative asset generation and explore their strategic application in marketing operations.

• Design System Development: Contribute to and learn about the creation and maintenance of design systems and templates, a key aspect of marketing operations efficiency.

• Cross-functional Project Management: Develop skills in coordinating creative projects across different teams, enhancing project management and stakeholder communication abilities.

• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of the latest trends in media, design, and marketing technology through company-sponsored learning and industry resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of the role, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. For operations-oriented individuals, the emphasis on integrating new technologies and improving workflows presents a fertile ground for developing advanced operational skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing motion graphics or video content for a marketing campaign, from initial concept to final delivery. How do you ensure it aligns with campaign goals?"

• "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across different creative assets and platforms, especially when working with motion graphics?"

• "Given our interest in AI innovation, how would you explore and potentially integrate AI tools like Creatify into your workflow? What are the potential benefits and challenges you foresee?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Minnesota Star Tribune and our mission to connect communities through journalism?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who may have different creative styles or priorities?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a new software or workflow. How did you ensure success?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story for each project – the objective, your creative solution (emphasizing motion/video), the tools used, and any outcomes.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific techniques and software features you utilized to achieve particular effects in your motion graphics and video work.

• Demonstrate Brand Awareness: Show examples where you successfully worked within or adapted to brand guidelines.

• Showcase AI Interest: If you've experimented with AI creative tools, be prepared to share those examples and your insights on their potential.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's workflow, creative challenges, and the role of technology in their operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also an understanding of operational efficiency, brand governance, and adaptability to new technologies, aligning with the company's stated values and the role's responsibilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Marketing Designer I - Motion position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ultipro recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest motion graphics and video editing projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any relevant AI creative tools. Categorize your work logically and be prepared to walk through specific examples.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight relevant experience, specifically mentioning your skills in motion graphics, video editing, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any experience with brand consistency or workflow management. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially for motion and video projects. Prepare to discuss your approach to brand consistency, collaboration, and your interest in AI innovation. Think about specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Minnesota Star Tribune's mission, recent campaigns, and its position in the media landscape. Understand their commitment to journalistic excellence and community connection, and consider how your creative skills can contribute to these goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.