Graphic Designer Senior- Creative Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Senior - Creative Services

Company: PNC

Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States (with flexibility for Philadelphia, PA; Tysons Corner, VA; Washington, DC; Cleveland, OH; Houston, TX)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative Services / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative development and execution of advanced motion design, animation, and video content to support PNC's brand, business, and customer objectives, leveraging expertise in visual storytelling and digital media.

• Serve as a primary video editor for enterprise-wide content, including in-branch digital signage, sponsorship activations, social media campaigns, and internal executive communications, ensuring high-quality production from concept to final delivery.

• Drive innovation in motion graphics and video production by exploring and integrating AI-enabled creative technologies, such as Adobe Firefly and Premiere Pro AI features, to enhance efficiency, creative exploration, and scalability.

• Act as a brand steward for all motion and video assets, ensuring strict adherence to PNC's brand standards, visual identity, and customer experience principles while modernizing approaches and establishing scalable motion design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer within PNC's Creative Services team, with a significant emphasis on motion design and video editing. The integration of AI technologies suggests a forward-thinking department focused on efficiency and cutting-edge creative execution. The role requires a blend of technical design skills, strategic brand understanding, and collaborative project management within a large enterprise marketing environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and production of motion graphics, animations, and video content, translating complex ideas into engaging visual narratives that support business objectives and strengthen audience engagement.

• Execute end-to-end video editing for various channels, including in-branch digital signage (DCN), sponsorship activations, social media campaigns, and internal executive video requests, managing post-production workflows such as editing, color correction, sound design, and animation integration.

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, writers, marketers, product teams, and business stakeholders to develop storyboards, animatics, motion systems, and video treatments that align with brand strategy and campaign goals.

• Champion PNC's brand standards and visual identity across all motion and video work, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with accessibility, regulatory, and technical requirements.

• Drive innovation by identifying and implementing emerging trends in animation, video, and digital storytelling, and by leveraging AI-enabled creative tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Premiere Pro AI) to improve production quality, efficiency, and creative exploration.

• Develop and maintain scalable motion design systems and reusable assets to enhance consistency and operational efficiency across marketing initiatives.

• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously from concept through final production and distribution, balancing creative excellence with timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced designers within the Creative Services team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and hands-on role, requiring not only creative execution but also leadership in evolving creative processes and adopting new technologies. The emphasis on AI integration is a key differentiator, suggesting the company is investing in advanced creative operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically required. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, industry-specific certifications, and relevant work experience (including military service) may be considered.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in motion design, animation, video editing, or multimedia production within an agency, in-house agency, production studio, or enterprise marketing environment.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional portfolio demonstrating advanced expertise in motion graphics, animation, visual storytelling, and video editing.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Media Encoder.

• Strong understanding of storyboarding, visual communication principles, pacing, typography, composition, and cinematic storytelling techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and diverse stakeholders effectively within a fast-paced, enterprise environment.

• Experience creating and optimizing content for various digital, social, sponsorship, experiential, environmental, and enterprise communication channels.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards, captioning requirements, and best practices for digital media delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-enabled creative technologies such as Adobe Firefly, Premiere Pro AI features, and After Effects AI capabilities.

• Familiarity with virtual production, generative media, and automated post-production optimization techniques.

• Experience in developing and implementing scalable motion design systems.

• Knowledge of brand management and marketing communications (MarCom) strategies.

• Proficiency in online advertising and advertising campaign execution.

• Strong writing and communication skills for presenting creative concepts and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for AI tool experience indicates a company that values innovation and efficiency. The emphasis on a strong portfolio underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this creative role. The inclusion of "Managing Multiple Priorities" and "Products and Services" competencies suggests a need for organizational skills and an understanding of the business context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional work in motion design, animation, and video editing, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and brand alignment.

• Demonstrate expertise in translating complex concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives across various media formats (digital, social, experiential).

• Include case studies or examples that highlight the application of Adobe Creative Cloud tools (After Effects, Premiere Pro, etc.) and any experience with AI-driven creative tools.

• Showcase projects that adhere to brand guidelines and demonstrate an understanding of accessibility and technical delivery standards. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally illustrate a clear process from concept ideation, storyboarding, and asset creation to final execution and delivery, highlighting problem-solving and iterative improvements.

• Examples demonstrating the creation and application of reusable motion systems or templates that improved workflow efficiency and brand consistency.

• Documentation or discussion of how projects were managed, including stakeholder collaboration, timeline adherence, and adaptation to feedback or changing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior creative role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just display finished work but also the strategic thinking, process, and technical execution behind it. Demonstrating an understanding of workflow efficiency and AI integration will be key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $91,000.00 – $202,800.00 annually.

Explanation for Estimate: This range is provided directly by PNC and reflects a broad spectrum for a Senior Graphic Designer role, accounting for variations in location (Pittsburgh vs. higher cost areas like DC/Houston), individual experience, and specific skill sets, particularly the advanced motion design and AI proficiency required. The upper end suggests significant compensation for highly experienced individuals with specialized skills and a proven track record of impact.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, prescription drug coverage (with HSA option), dental, and vision insurance.

• Financial Security: Employee and spouse/child life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, 401(k) with PNC match, pension plan, and stock purchase plans.

• Work-Life Support: Dependent care reimbursement account, back-up child/elder care, adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement.

• Professional Development: Educational assistance (including fully paid select programs), robust wellness program with financial incentives.

• Paid Time Off: Between 15 to 25 vacation days annually (depending on career level and service years), up to 11 paid holidays, and 9 occasional absence days.

• Family Leave: Maternity and/or parental leave.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, PNC emphasizes a supportive culture for employee balance, suggesting potential for flexibility within the on-site framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is quite wide, typical for senior roles in large corporations where internal equity and location play significant factors. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and financial stability, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking. PNC operates within a highly regulated industry where brand trust, reliability, and customer-centricity are paramount. The "Brilliantly Boring" brand platform aims to differentiate PNC by focusing on steady, dependable financial services, allowing customers to pursue bolder lives.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees, given the scale of operations and the mention of an "in-house agency"). This size implies structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and significant cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: 1852. PNC has a long-standing history, suggesting a stable and established organization with a deep understanding of the financial market. This history also implies a need to balance traditional values with modern innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Marketing organization, specifically the Creative Services team, which functions as an "in-house agency." This team likely comprises various creative specialists (writers, designers, motion graphics artists, video editors) reporting to creative leadership (e.g., ACD, Creative Director).

• The reporting structure is likely hierarchical within Creative Services, with clear lines of responsibility and collaboration.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close partnerships with marketers, product teams, business stakeholders, and potentially external partners for enterprise-wide initiatives. Methodology:

• Data analysis is likely integral, with performance metrics from campaigns informing creative decisions and strategy refinement.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially with the emphasis on efficiency, scalable systems, and the integration of AI tools.

• Automation and efficiency practices are actively being explored and implemented, particularly through AI technologies in motion design and video production.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Brilliantly Boring" ethos is a unique cultural element that influences creative output. It suggests that while innovation is encouraged, it must be grounded in reliability and customer benefit, avoiding overly flashy or risky creative approaches. The large company size means operations and process are well-defined, but also ripe for optimization by skilled individuals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer within Creative Services. This level signifies a high degree of technical expertise, creative judgment, and the ability to lead projects independently. It involves not only execution but also strategic input, mentorship, and potentially contributing to process improvements.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to Creative leadership (likely an Associate Creative Director or Creative Director) within the Marketing organization's Creative Services team. Collaboration will be extensive with fellow designers, writers, marketers, and business stakeholders across the enterprise.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts PNC's brand perception, customer engagement, and business growth by creating compelling visual content for critical channels like in-branch experiences, sponsorships, and digital platforms. High-visibility projects and executive communications mean the work has a direct line to leadership and customer-facing outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI-driven creative technologies, advanced motion graphics, or virtual production, becoming a go-to specialist within PNC.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles like Associate Creative Director or Creative Director, managing teams, overseeing larger creative strategies, and influencing brand direction. Opportunities for formal leadership training are likely available.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on diverse enterprise initiatives, potentially leading to opportunities in broader marketing strategy, brand management, or project management roles within Marketing or related departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the broad salary range suggest a role with significant responsibility and potential for career progression. The emphasis on AI and evolving technologies offers a clear path for skill development and future-proofing one's career in creative operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PNC is an "in-office company," indicating a preference for on-site work to foster collaboration and company culture. While not explicitly hybrid, the mention of a supportive culture for balance might imply some flexibility within the on-site framework.

Office Location(s): The primary location is "One PNC Plaza (PA370)" in Pittsburgh, PA. However, the posting lists flexibility for other major PNC hubs: Philadelphia, PA; Tysons Corner, VA; Washington, DC; Cleveland, OH; and Houston, TX, suggesting strong regional presence and potential for internal mobility or team distribution.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "supportive" and fosters collaboration. As part of an in-house agency, expect a dynamic, project-driven atmosphere with opportunities to interact closely with creative peers and marketing stakeholders.

• Access to industry-standard operations tools and technology is implied, particularly the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, and likely advanced hardware for video editing and motion graphics.

• Opportunities for team interaction are high, given the collaborative nature of creative projects and the on-site work requirement.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, likely Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. The emphasis on work-life balance suggests that while meeting deadlines is crucial, the company aims to prevent chronic overwork, encouraging efficient work practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment, with the understanding that PNC aims to support employee well-being within that structure. The multiple location options could be advantageous for candidates seeking specific regional opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely review applications, focusing on resume alignment with required experience and skills, especially portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where creative leadership (ACD, Creative Director) will thoroughly evaluate the submitted portfolio for technical skill, creative vision, storytelling ability, and adherence to brand principles.

• Technical/Creative Interview: This may involve a discussion about specific portfolio pieces, problem-solving scenarios, and technical proficiency with design and video software. Expect questions about workflow, AI integration, and handling complex projects.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Meeting with potential collaborators (writers, marketers) and possibly other designers to assess cultural fit, communication style, and ability to work within a team and enterprise environment.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, overall fit, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work showcasing motion graphics, video editing, AI integration, and brand alignment.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include brief explanations of the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your creative process (storyboards, animatics), and the final outcome with measurable results if possible.

• Highlight AI Integration: If you have examples of using AI tools (Adobe Firefly, Premiere Pro AI, etc.) to enhance efficiency or creativity, make sure to feature them prominently and explain the impact.

• Tailor to PNC: If possible, include or reference work that aligns with PNC's "Brilliantly Boring" ethos or demonstrates an understanding of financial services marketing – emphasizing clarity, reliability, and customer benefit.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable, visually appealing, and free of errors. A dedicated website or a well-organized PDF is recommended.

Challenge Preparation:

• Creative Challenge: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might be asked to develop a concept or storyboard for a specific type of content (e.g., an in-branch video, a social media animation). Focus on demonstrating your thought process, understanding of the brand, and creative problem-solving.

• Technical Questions: Review advanced features of After Effects and Premiere Pro, especially AI-related tools and efficient post-production workflows.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders or prioritize competing project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to articulate not just what they created but why and how, especially regarding process, technology, and strategic alignment with PNC's brand.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in After Effects (motion graphics, animation), Premiere Pro (video editing), Photoshop (asset creation, image manipulation), and Illustrator (vector graphics, logo work).

• Media Encoder: For efficient video encoding and delivery.

• AI Creative Tools: Experience with Adobe Firefly, Premiere Pro AI features, and After Effects AI features is highly preferred, indicating a need for candidates comfortable with generative AI and AI-assisted workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for this role, understanding how video and motion graphics performance is tracked (e.g., engagement metrics on social media, viewership on DCN) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms might be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly part of the core responsibilities, but awareness of how marketing assets integrate into broader campaign management or CRM systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is centered around Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong emphasis on AI integration. This points to a modern creative workflow where efficiency and cutting-edge capabilities are valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focused: All creative output must align with customer needs and enhance their experience, supporting PNC's "Brilliantly Boring" ethos of providing steady, dependable financial services.

• Managing Risk: Adherence to brand guidelines, compliance requirements, and accessibility standards is crucial in the financial services industry. Creative work must be responsible and well-governed.

• Creativity: A core value for this role, encouraging innovative visual storytelling and the exploration of new technologies, balanced with strategic objectives.

• Collaboration: Essential for working effectively within the Creative Services team and with various internal stakeholders to achieve unified marketing goals.

• Efficiency & Innovation: Driven by the integration of AI and the need to establish scalable systems, this value focuses on optimizing workflows and leveraging technology for better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with writers, marketers, product teams, and business stakeholders is expected to ensure creative solutions are strategically aligned and meet business needs.

• Process Review: A culture that likely encourages feedback and iterative improvement on creative work and operational processes, especially concerning motion design systems and AI workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Within the team, sharing best practices, new techniques, and insights, particularly around emerging technologies like AI, is likely encouraged to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values, particularly "Customer Focused" and "Managing Risk," are deeply rooted in the financial services industry. The creative team must balance innovative expression with the need for reliability, compliance, and customer trust.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Brand Governance: Effectively integrating cutting-edge AI and motion technologies while strictly adhering to PNC's established "Brilliantly Boring" brand guidelines and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied and sometimes competing requirements from different business units and leadership into cohesive, impactful visual content.

• Scalability of Creative Output: Developing and maintaining motion design systems and workflows that can efficiently support a large enterprise with diverse content needs across multiple channels.

• Pace of Technological Change: Staying current with rapidly evolving AI tools and animation techniques, and effectively applying them to enhance production quality and efficiency without compromising brand integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI-driven creative tools, advanced animation software, and efficient post-production workflows through internal training, workshops, or industry certifications.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant creative technology conferences, webinars, or industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends in motion design and video production.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, contribute to strategic creative discussions, and potentially grow into leadership roles within Creative Services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the intersection of rapid technological advancement (AI) and the inherent conservatism of a large financial institution. Successfully navigating this will require strong technical skills and excellent communication/stakeholder management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex project where you had to balance aggressive timelines with high creative quality. How did you manage stakeholder expectations and ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on project management, communication, and problem-solving).

• "How would you approach developing a motion graphics system for a large financial institution like PNC, considering brand consistency and potential AI integration?" (Focus on strategic thinking, scalability, and understanding of brand governance).

• "Walk us through a recent project where you leveraged AI tools in your motion design or video editing workflow. What were the benefits and challenges?" (Focus on practical application of AI, efficiency gains, and critical evaluation). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Our brand platform is 'Brilliantly Boring.' How would you interpret this, and how would it influence your creative approach to motion design and video for PNC?" (Focus on understanding the brand ethos and applying it creatively).

• "Describe your experience collaborating with writers and marketers. How do you ensure creative alignment and effective communication to achieve business objectives?" (Focus on cross-functional collaboration and communication skills).

• "How do you stay current with emerging trends in animation, video editing, and creative technologies like AI?" (Focus on continuous learning and proactive skill development). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem, your solution (showcasing your creative process), and the outcome. Quantify results if possible.

• Highlight AI & Efficiency: Specifically call out instances where AI tools or optimized workflows improved efficiency, quality, or creative exploration. Explain the tangible benefits.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Select projects that showcase your ability to adapt your style to different brand guidelines or, ideally, demonstrate an understanding of the financial services context.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your work, software choices, and any challenges encountered during production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency (especially with Adobe CC and AI tools), strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills, all within the context of a large, regulated financial institution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the PNC careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate and Polish Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features advanced motion graphics, video editing, and examples of AI tool integration. Tailor your selection to highlight relevant experience for a financial services brand.

• Optimize Your Resume: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, focusing on achievements in motion design, video editing, Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, and any AI-related creative work. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key projects, emphasizing your process, strategic thinking, technical execution, and the impact of your work, especially any AI-driven efficiencies or creative breakthroughs.

• Research PNC: Understand the "Brilliantly Boring" brand platform, PNC's position in the financial services market, and the company's commitment to innovation and customer focus.

⚠️ 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.