MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER - WCSC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER - WCSC

Company: FOX Carolina News

Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and animate high-impact motion graphics for news broadcasts, promotional content, and digital platforms to enhance storytelling and brand visibility.

• Collaborate closely with marketing producers, newsroom staff, and sales/marketing teams to conceptualize and deliver compelling visual assets across various media.

• Develop dynamic graphic packages, show opens, lower thirds, explainers, and other visual elements that improve clarity and engagement in news reporting and programming.

• Maintain strict brand consistency and a high standard of visual quality across all deliverables, ensuring a polished and professional presentation on every screen.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a traditional broadcast media environment, focusing on enhancing news content and promotional material through dynamic visual design. The emphasis is on speed, adaptability, and creating impactful visuals that drive audience engagement across linear TV, digital, and social media channels. Success will be measured by the ability to translate complex information into clear, visually appealing graphics that resonate with a local news audience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ideate, design, and animate bold, high-impact motion graphics for news segments, broadcast promotions, digital content, and sales/marketing initiatives.

• Collaborate with marketing producers on the end-to-end development of on-air promos, from initial brainstorming and concepting to final delivery.

• Design dynamic and visually engaging graphic packages to support investigative reporting, special event coverage, and franchise programming.

• Partner with the newsroom to create essential broadcast elements such as show opens, bumpers, lower thirds, and explainer graphics that clarify stories and enhance their visual appeal.

• Produce polished, platform-ready creative assets for digital, social media, print, and internal marketing projects, ensuring brand consistency and a high level of finish.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational efficiency, critical in a fast-paced broadcast news environment. The role requires not only artistic talent but also the ability to translate editorial and marketing objectives into effective visual communication under tight deadlines. Proficiency in rapid prototyping and iterative design will be essential for success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's/Associate Degree in Graphic Design, Video Production, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in motion graphics design and video production.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe After Effects for motion graphics, Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation, and Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics.

• Strong visualization and graphic design skills with a keen eye for brand identity, typography, and effective layout design.

• Proven ability to animate graphics that are dynamic, engaging, and tell a compelling visual story.

• Demonstrated experience in creating broadcast-quality graphics and promotional materials.

• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams including marketing, newsroom staff, and sales.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for articulating creative concepts and gathering project requirements.

• Solid organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D animation software (e.g., Cinema 4D) for enhanced visual depth.

• Familiarity with broadcast news workflows and the specific demands of a live television environment.

• Understanding of digital and social media best practices for graphic optimization and engagement.

• Experience with project management tools to track and manage creative deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a demo reel is paramount. Candidates should curate a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their motion graphics capabilities, with specific examples relevant to news, broadcast promotion, and digital content. Highlighting projects that show brand integration, clear storytelling, and visual impact will be key to standing out. The experience level suggests a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision on standard tasks, while also being capable of contributing creatively to new concepts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive demo reel showcasing a range of motion graphics projects, with a focus on broadcast, news, and promotional content.

• Case studies or project breakdowns demonstrating the creative process from concept to final execution for at least two distinct projects.

• Visual examples of graphic packages, including show opens, bumpers, and lower thirds, that highlight design versatility and technical execution.

• Demonstrations of brand consistency across different platforms and applications, showing how core branding elements were adapted for various media.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow contributions, such as how initial concepts were developed into final animated sequences.

• Documentation illustrating the collaborative process with producers or newsroom staff to achieve project goals.

• Any personal process refinements or system optimizations used to improve efficiency in design and animation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool for this role. Applicants must ensure their demo reel is easily accessible and professionally presented, clearly distinguishing their motion graphics work from other design disciplines. It should ideally showcase projects that align with the fast-paced, storytelling-focused nature of broadcast news. Demonstrating an understanding of the broadcast pipeline and how graphics fit into that process will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: An estimated annual salary range of $55,000 - $75,000 USD.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development and training in the latest design software and techniques.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and technology within a professional studio environment.

• Potential for participation in Emmy-winning creative projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during breaking news events or major project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for Motion Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in a mid-sized market like Charleston, SC, considering the employer's industry (broadcast media) and company size. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the media industry. The mention of "breaking news events" suggests that flexibility in working hours may be occasionally required, a common characteristic of broadcast news operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Broadcast Media / Television Broadcasting / Digital Media.

Company Size: Gray Media (parent company) is a large media conglomerate, with WCSC being a significant local affiliate. Gray Television operates in 113 markets, indicating a substantial organizational structure.

Founded: Gray Television was founded in 1981, with WCSC having a long history dating back to 1953, signifying a stable and established media presence.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of WCSC's "Emmy-winning creative team," suggesting a dedicated group of creative professionals focused on visual content.

• This team likely collaborates closely with news producers, marketing departments, and potentially sales teams to fulfill project requirements.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "stopping the scroll" and standing out on screens indicates a data-informed approach to creative, likely involving A/B testing or performance tracking for digital content.

• Focus on "elevating storytelling" and "sharpening our brand" points to a strategic, narrative-driven creative process.

• The need to partner with the newsroom suggests an agile and responsive workflow, adapting to breaking news and evolving editorial needs.

Company Website: https://www.live5news.com/ and https://gray.tv/

📝 Enhancement Note: Gray Media's extensive reach and WCSC's dominant market position imply a culture that values high performance, strong local ties, and continuous adaptation to media consumption trends. The "Emmy-winning" status suggests a commitment to quality and creative excellence. The culture likely balances the urgency of live news with the strategic planning required for promotional and digital content.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is positioned for individuals with foundational experience (2+ years) who can independently execute tasks and contribute creatively, but may not yet be leading major strategic initiatives or managing teams.

Reporting Structure: The Motion Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Director of Marketing, or potentially a News Operations Manager, depending on the station's internal structure. Collaboration will be with producers across news, marketing, and digital departments.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts audience engagement, brand perception, and the clarity of information presented to viewers. High-quality motion graphics can significantly influence viewership numbers, digital interaction rates, and the perceived professionalism of the station's content.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas of motion graphics, such as 3D animation, data visualization for news, or advanced broadcast graphics packages.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Motion Graphic Designer or Creative Director role, overseeing projects, mentoring junior designers, and shaping the station's visual identity.

• Skill Expansion: Acquire new skills in areas like AR/VR for broadcast, advanced video editing, or digital marketing strategy to broaden career options within Gray Media or the wider media industry.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Transition into roles within broadcast production, digital content strategy, or marketing management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large media organization. The emphasis on "stopping the scroll" and multi-platform delivery suggests that candidates who can demonstrate adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to visual communication will be well-positioned for advancement. The opportunity to work on award-winning content provides a strong foundation for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at WCSC's broadcast facility in Charleston, SC. This environment is typically fast-paced, deadline-driven, and collaborative, especially within the news and creative departments.

Office Location(s): Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is a vibrant city with a growing economy, offering a good quality of life.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will likely have a dedicated workstation equipped with industry-standard hardware and software (Adobe Creative Suite).

• Proximity to newsrooms and production studios will facilitate close collaboration with journalists, producers, and on-air talent.

• Access to a professional audio/video environment for reviewing graphics in broadcast context.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of broadcast media means occasional adjustments may be necessary to cover breaking news, special events, or critical project deadlines. Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site is crucial for a broadcast motion graphics role, enabling real-time collaboration with news producers and rapid iteration of graphics for live broadcasts. The Charleston location offers a desirable living environment, which can be a significant factor for candidates considering relocation. The fast-paced nature requires a candidate who thrives under pressure and can manage multiple priorities effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and mandatory demo reel to assess technical skills and creative aesthetic.

• Technical/Creative Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other creative team members to delve into the demo reel, discuss design philosophy, and assess problem-solving approaches. This may include a brief, timed design challenge.

• Practical Exercise: A more in-depth, take-home or on-site design challenge requiring the candidate to create a specific graphic asset (e.g., a news intro, a promo bumper) within a set timeframe, demonstrating proficiency in After Effects and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Final Interview: Meeting with department leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that mirrors the style and needs of WCSC (news, broadcast promotion, digital).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the creative process, and the final outcome. Use screengrabs or short clips to illustrate key stages.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that show your ability to work with typography, color palettes, animation styles, and different media formats (broadcast vs. digital).

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your reel is high-resolution and smoothly animated. Be prepared to discuss specific software techniques used.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your skills and growth as a designer, emphasizing how you solve problems visually.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect any design challenge instructions. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Brand Immersion: Thoroughly research WCSC's current branding, on-air graphics, and digital presence. Identify their visual language, color schemes, and typography.

• Time Management: Plan your approach to the challenge, allocating time for concepting, execution, and final polish.

• Focus on Objectives: Ensure your created asset directly addresses the prompt's requirements and effectively communicates the intended message.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a demo reel and a practical exercise indicates that the hiring team will heavily rely on tangible evidence of the candidate's skills. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design choices and demonstrate an understanding of broadcast graphic standards and the specific needs of a local news station. Familiarity with the Charleston market or similar markets would be a plus.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: The core tool for motion graphics creation, animation, and compositing. Proficiency in its various features, plugins, and workflow is essential.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing, incorporating motion graphics into longer-form content, and final delivery.

• Adobe Photoshop: For creating and optimizing graphic assets, textures, and backgrounds used in After Effects.

• Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, and scalable graphic elements that maintain quality when resized.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this creative role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed could provide context for sales/marketing collateral design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard for motion graphics and video production. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of After Effects, including its animation principles, effects, and expression capabilities. Familiarity with common broadcast graphics workflows and asset management systems used in media organizations would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually stunning and engaging content that stands out.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams (news, marketing, sales) to achieve shared goals.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to high production standards and delivering polished, professional results, as evidenced by Emmy wins.

• Adaptability & Responsiveness: The ability to react quickly to breaking news and evolving project needs in a dynamic environment.

• Audience Focus: Understanding how visual elements impact viewer engagement and perception.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership with news producers, marketing specialists, and potentially sales teams to translate their objectives into visual narratives.

• Feedback-Driven: An open environment for constructive criticism and iterative refinement of designs based on input from various stakeholders.

• Agile Workflow: A responsive approach to content creation, capable of handling urgent requests and adapting to changing news cycles or marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative freedom and operational efficiency. Team members are expected to be self-starters, capable of working independently while also being strong collaborators. The "Emmy-winning" aspect suggests a culture that values high achievement and creative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Deadline Pressure: The fast-paced nature of broadcast news and promotional cycles requires managing multiple projects with tight turnarounds.

• Creative Demands: Consistently producing fresh, engaging, and high-quality visuals that meet diverse stakeholder needs.

• Technical Evolution: Staying current with the latest software updates, animation techniques, and emerging visual trends in media.

• Brand Consistency: Balancing creative expression with the strict adherence to brand guidelines and established visual identities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in After Effects, explore plugins, or learn new creative software.

• Broadcast Industry Insights: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of broadcast production workflows, news gathering, and audience analytics.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Emmy-winning designers and creative professionals within the Gray Media network.

• Portfolio Building: Working on high-profile projects that can significantly enhance a designer's professional portfolio and career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to grow within a stable, large-scale media organization. The challenges are typical of the broadcast industry but are balanced by clear growth paths and the chance to contribute to award-winning content. Candidates who are proactive in their learning and development will find ample opportunities to advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a news promo from concept to final delivery. How do you ensure it's engaging and adheres to brand standards?" (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and brand adherence)

• "How do you approach designing graphics for a complex investigative report? What visual elements would you prioritize to make the information clear and compelling?" (Focus on problem-solving, visual storytelling, and clarity)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about WCSC and the Charleston market? How do you think your design style can best serve our audience?" (Demonstrate research and audience understanding)

• "How do you handle creative feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when opinions differ?" (Assess collaboration and communication skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through your projects and your design journey.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how specific projects demonstrate your proficiency in After Effects, typography, animation, and storytelling.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your graphics performed (e.g., increased engagement on social media), present it. Otherwise, focus on the qualitative impact (clarity, brand enhancement).

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples that show you can adapt your style to different project needs and brand identities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not only technical skill but also an understanding of the broadcast news environment, strong communication abilities, and a collaborative spirit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their demo reel in detail, explaining their creative decisions and problem-solving approaches. Demonstrating an understanding of WCSC's local market and brand is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided UltiPro link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GRA1017GRYT/JobBoard/ae441110-89bd-444d-8ad2-b76c7b9db7a9/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=f1d840bb-332f-4283-97b7-cefae77ffd69

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator), broadcast graphics, motion graphics design, and any relevant collaborative projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Demo Reel: Ensure your demo reel is polished, easily accessible (e.g., Vimeo, personal website), and showcases your strongest motion graphics work relevant to news, broadcast promotion, and digital content. It is a mandatory requirement.

• Research WCSC: Familiarize yourself with WCSC's current on-air graphics, news segments, promotional style, and digital presence. Understand their brand identity and target audience.

• Practice Portfolio Presentation: Be ready to walk through your demo reel, explaining your creative process, technical choices, and the impact of your work for specific projects.

⚠️ 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.