Motion Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Motion Graphic Designer

Company: Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop high-quality 2D/3D motion graphics for diverse digital channels, including social media, websites, and paid advertising campaigns, to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Producer/Editor and the broader Marketing Team to conceptualize and execute visually compelling animated content that aligns with brand guidelines and marketing objectives.

• Create dynamic visual assets for various video production needs, such as explainer videos, product showcases, commercials, live show graphics, and branding packages, ensuring a cohesive and impactful visual narrative.

• Leverage advanced post-production software to bring creative ideas to life, focusing on strong visual design, typography, color theory, and animation principles to produce eye-catching and effective motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on creating dynamic visual content for the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission's marketing efforts, requiring a blend of technical proficiency in motion graphics software and strong creative design skills. The emphasis on "eye-catching, dynamic motion graphics" and collaboration with a "Marketing Team" suggests a fast-paced environment where creative output directly supports promotional campaigns and brand storytelling.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design a wide spectrum of 2D/3D motion graphics for varied projects including explainer videos, product videos, brand commercials, live shows, and social marketing materials, ensuring high visual quality and engagement.

• Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop concepts, creating storyboards and mood boards that effectively set the design direction and aesthetic for each project.

• Design and animate branded backdrops for commercials, ensuring they are on-brand, visually captivating, and effectively highlight Lottery products.

• Create comprehensive live show graphic packages, encompassing show opens, outros, lower thirds, transitions, and other essential on-screen elements.

• Translate ideas and narratives into compelling visuals through expert application of design principles, typography, color palettes, and animation techniques.

• Design and animate branding packages and logos, ensuring consistency and impact across all media.

• Select and apply appropriate color schemes for characters and settings to enhance visual storytelling and brand identity.

• Render and export completed assets, meticulously adhering to specified aspect ratios and technical file requirements for various platforms.

• Provide visual effects (VFX) and compositing work for various creative productions, integrating seamlessly with live-action footage or other graphic elements.

• Continuously research and implement current animation trends and styles to innovate and refresh the Lottery's motion graphics, maintaining a cutting-edge visual presence.

• Support the Lottery's daily live drawing operations or other remote/studio productions as required, contributing graphic elements and real-time visual support.

• Undertake additional duties as assigned by management to support the marketing and creative objectives of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on role requiring end-to-end motion graphics creation, from conceptualization and storyboarding to final rendering and delivery. The inclusion of "live show graphic packages," "daily live drawing," and "branding packages" indicates a need for versatility and the ability to work across different formats and project scopes within a government agency context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Portfolio/Demo Reel: A strong, comprehensive portfolio or demo reel is mandatory, showcasing technical proficiency, creative range, and successful project execution.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a specific emphasis on After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Motion Graphics Software: Demonstrated command of common motion graphics and design software beyond the Adobe suite.

• Technical Animation Skills: Thorough understanding and practical application of keyframes, null objects, basic After Effects scripting, compositing techniques, and working within a 3D space.

• Design Principles: Solid grasp of foundational design principles, including composition, color theory, illustration techniques, and typography.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational capabilities, with a proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and consistently meet project deadlines.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong ability to work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders, inspire creativity, and effectively receive and implement feedback.

• Adaptability: Willingness to accept constructive feedback and adapt designs accordingly.

• Availability: Flexibility to work occasional nights and weekends as project demands require.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Design Software: Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Maya, Cinema 4D, or Blender.

• Virtual Environments: Knowledge or experience working with virtual environments.

• Video Editing: Competence in video editing software, specifically Premiere Pro.

• Web Technologies: Basic understanding of HTML5 is considered a plus.

• Production Experience: Prior experience in production environments.

• Presentation Software: Experience with PowerPoint is desirable for presentations and internal communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. Candidates should curate their best work that directly aligns with the responsibilities outlined, showcasing versatility in 2D/3D animation, branding, and commercial work. The "3-5 years" experience with a preference for agency background suggests the employer is looking for someone who can hit the ground running with industry-standard techniques and a proactive creative approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Present at least 2-3 detailed case studies of significant motion graphics projects. Each case study should outline the initial brief, your creative process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome.

• Demonstrated Technical Proficiency: Showcase a range of technical skills, including complex After Effects animations, effective use of 3D elements (if applicable), seamless compositing, and clear application of design principles (typography, color theory, composition).

• Branding and Campaign Work: Include examples of branding packages, logo animations, and motion graphics created for specific marketing campaigns or commercials, demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency and marketing objectives.

• Versatility in Output: Feature examples across different media types (social, web, video) and project scopes (short animations, longer explainer videos, live show graphics) to highlight adaptability.

• Process Documentation: For at least one project, briefly document the workflow, from concept generation and storyboarding to asset creation, animation, rendering, and final delivery, emphasizing efficiency and problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for approaching a new motion graphics project, from receiving a brief to final delivery.

• Demonstrate an understanding of version control and asset management best practices for creative projects.

• Articulate how you measure the success or impact of your motion graphics, even if informally, by referencing engagement metrics or feedback received.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a showcase of final products but a demonstration of the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and technical command. Emphasize projects that required creative conceptualization and execution under specific constraints, mirroring the likely environment at a state agency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• State Employee Benefits: As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. While specific details are not listed, this typically includes:
  • Health Insurance: Access to state-offered health insurance plans (e.g., Group Insurance Commission - GIC).
  • Retirement Plan: Participation in the Commonwealth's pension system (e.g., the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System or State Employees' Retirement System), offering long-term financial security.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for training and development relevant to state government roles.

Working Hours:

• Standard work week is typically 40 hours.

• Occasional work on nights and weekends may be required depending on project deadlines and production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed starting salary of $84,090.55 indicates a structured pay scale for state employees. Candidates should research the typical benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to fully understand the total compensation. The willingness to work occasional nights and weekends is a key requirement to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (specifically, Lottery and Gaming Operations)

Company Size: The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC) is a significant state agency, employing a substantial number of individuals across various departments, including marketing, finance, operations, and IT. While exact numbers fluctuate, it operates as a large public organization.

Founded: The Massachusetts State Lottery was established by legislative action in 1971.

Team Structure:

• The Motion Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing Department, reporting to the Senior Producer/Editor.

• This team is expected to be collaborative, working closely with other marketing specialists, producers, designers, and potentially external vendors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: While creative, the Lottery's marketing efforts are heavily influenced by sales data, player engagement metrics, and campaign performance analysis. Designs will likely need to align with strategic objectives aimed at driving revenue.

• Process Optimization: As a government entity, there's an inherent focus on efficiency, adherence to regulations, and clear process documentation for creative workflows and approvals.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent and trustworthy brand image is paramount for a state-run lottery. All visual assets must align with established brand guidelines and messaging.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a state agency like the Massachusetts State Lottery means operating within a structured, compliance-focused environment. While creativity is valued, it must be balanced with the agency's mission to generate revenue for the Commonwealth and adhere to public sector protocols. The team likely comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to public service.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level position (3-5 years of experience) focused on specialized creative execution. It represents a significant step up from junior roles, requiring independent work and creative problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The Motion Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Producer/Editor, who likely oversees video production, content creation, and overall marketing asset development. This provides a clear line of communication and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, engaging motion graphics contribute to increased brand awareness, player engagement, and ultimately, Lottery revenue generation for the Commonwealth. This role plays a vital part in translating marketing strategies into compelling visual narratives that resonate with the public.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced 2D/3D animation, VFX, compositing, and potentially explore emerging technologies like AR/VR within the context of Lottery promotions.

• Leadership Potential: With proven success and experience, opportunities may arise to lead smaller projects, mentor junior designers, or specialize in specific campaign areas.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse marketing initiatives, potentially collaborating with digital marketing, social media, and advertising teams, broadening understanding of the full marketing lifecycle.

• Public Sector Advancement: Opportunities for career progression within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' broader civil service system, potentially leading to senior creative roles or management positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While growth within a specific state agency can sometimes be more structured than in the private sector, the emphasis on continuous learning of "animation trends and styles" suggests that professional development is encouraged. The candidate should view this role as building a strong foundation in motion graphics within a stable, public service environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position based at the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission's offices. The work environment is likely professional and collaborative, typical of a government agency.

Office Location(s): The primary location is listed as 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston, Massachusetts. This is a central location within Boston, likely offering accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with the Senior Producer/Editor and other members of the Marketing Team, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and feedback.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard hardware and software (Adobe CC, After Effects, etc.) will be provided to facilitate the creation of high-quality motion graphics.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project reviews, and brainstorming sessions are anticipated, providing ample opportunities for interaction and contribution.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While the role requires occasional work on nights and weekends, the majority of work will likely adhere to standard business hours. The nature of creative production may involve periods of intense work leading up to deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, suggesting the need for direct collaboration, access to specific studio resources (if any), and participation in live events or production support. Boston offers a vibrant city environment with good public transport links.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio/demo reel.

• Technical Interview & Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely undergo an interview where they present their portfolio. This will involve discussing their creative process, technical skills, problem-solving approaches, and how their work aligns with the Lottery's brand and marketing needs. Expect to be asked about specific projects in detail.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical test or a take-home assignment may be given to assess proficiency in After Effects and overall design/animation skills. This might involve creating a short animation based on a given brief.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Interviews will assess collaboration skills, ability to receive feedback, understanding of design principles, and how well the candidate fits within the existing marketing team and the broader agency culture. Questions about working under pressure and meeting deadlines are probable.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or department heads to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates 2D/3D motion graphics, branding, commercial work, and social media assets.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, your specific contribution, and the outcome. Use brief verbal explanations or on-screen text.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of storyboards, style frames, or early concepts to illustrate your creative process and problem-solving abilities.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your reel and project examples clearly demonstrate your command of After Effects, keyframing, compositing, typography, and color theory.

• Tailor to the Lottery: If possible, include a sample piece or concept that reflects the type of work the Lottery might need (e.g., a dynamic animation for a new game or a branding element).

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice with After Effects: Be ready to perform common tasks efficiently, such as creating text animations, animating shapes, basic character rigging, or simple compositing.

• Understand Design Principles: Be prepared to explain your design choices (color, typography, layout) and how they serve the project's goals.

• Time Management: If given a take-home challenge, allocate your time wisely, focusing on delivering a polished, complete piece within the deadline, even if it means simplifying some elements.

• Communication: Clearly articulate your thought process during any live challenge or when discussing your submitted work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices and demonstrate a practical understanding of how their work contributes to marketing and revenue goals, especially within a public sector context where accountability is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: The core software for motion graphics creation. Expect proficiency in animation, keyframing, expressions, and effects.

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector assets, logos, and graphic elements that will be animated.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for creating and editing raster graphics, textures, and compositing elements.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Preferred for video editing, sequencing animations, and final assembly of video projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools (Preferred):

• 3D Design Software: Maya, Cinema 4D, or Blender for 3D animation and rendering.

• Virtual Environment Tools: If the Lottery explores virtual reality or augmented reality marketing.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint for presenting concepts and final work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects, is non-negotiable. Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop for asset creation is equally important. The preferred tools, especially 3D software, could set a candidate apart for more complex or innovative projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A core value within government agencies, emphasizing the commitment to serving the citizens of Massachusetts and generating revenue for public services.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and being accountable for all creative output and its impact.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving for optimized workflows and impactful creative solutions that achieve marketing objectives within budgetary and time constraints.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Staying current with industry trends and adapting creative approaches to keep the Lottery's brand engaging and relevant.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with the Senior Producer/Editor and the broader marketing team. Expect regular feedback loops and joint brainstorming sessions.

• Responsive: A willingness to adapt to feedback and iterate on designs based on input from stakeholders and management.

• Process-Driven: While creative, the team likely operates with defined processes for project management, approvals, and asset delivery to ensure smooth workflow and accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding that working for a state agency involves a culture of public service and adherence to established protocols. While creativity is key, it's applied within a framework that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and the agency's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Working within the specific brand guidelines and objectives of a state lottery, which may have different creative parameters than a private sector agency.

• Meeting Evolving Demands: Adapting to new animation trends and technologies while also supporting the Lottery's consistent marketing needs and potentially tight production schedules.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively translating feedback from various stakeholders into actionable design revisions while maintaining creative integrity.

• Public Sector Pace: Navigating the approval processes and operational pace inherent in a government organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in After Effects, explore advanced scripting, expressions, and potentially learn 3D software like Cinema 4D or Blender.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest motion graphics techniques, visual styles, and emerging platforms relevant to marketing and gaming.

• Production Workflows: Gaining practical experience in live production environments and understanding the end-to-end video production pipeline.

• Career Pathing: Potential to grow into senior motion graphics roles, lead creative projects, or specialize in areas like branding or VFX within the Lottery or broader state government.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a stable environment to hone specialized creative skills within a public service mission. The challenges are typical of creative roles in structured organizations, with opportunities to grow through continuous learning and practical application.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your problem-solving process and ability to adapt.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest motion graphics trends, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Highlight your proactive learning and how you apply new techniques.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a storyboard and executing a complex animation from start to finish." (Detail your workflow, tools, and decision-making at each stage.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State Lottery specifically?" (Research the Lottery's mission and contributions to the state.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize your collaborative and receptive attitude.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with your most impactful and relevant project.

• Concise Explanations: For each piece, provide a brief overview of the objective, your role, and the key creative/technical decisions. Avoid lengthy technical jargon unless asked.

• Focus on Impact: If possible, mention any positive outcomes or feedback received for the showcased work.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific techniques, software features, or design choices in detail.

• Interactive Elements: If presenting digitally, be prepared to navigate smoothly between your presentation and live software examples if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate not just what you created, but why you created it that way, connecting your design choices to potential marketing effectiveness and brand alignment for the Lottery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Motion Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the official Taleo portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio or demo reel is readily accessible and showcases your strongest work relevant to 2D/3D motion graphics, branding, and video content creation, with a focus on clarity and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of motion design experience, proficiency in Adobe CC (especially After Effects), and any relevant technical or design skills mentioned in the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on explaining your creative process, technical approach, and the outcomes of your projects, anticipating questions about your design decisions and collaboration skills.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission's mission, recent campaigns, and its role in supporting public services in Massachusetts to better articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

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