Motion Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Motion Graphic Designer

Company: TEGNA Inc.

Location: Denver, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: 2-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and animate complex broadcast graphics, infographics, and video assets for TEGNA's local news stations and digital platforms.

• Collaborate closely with a team of artists, designers, and production staff within the internal creative department known as the Design Tank.

• Communicate effectively with station personnel nationwide to understand project needs and deliver high-quality visual branding solutions.

• Leverage expertise in motion graphics, 3D animation, and video editing to support daily operational needs and larger branding initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Motion Graphic Designer at TEGNA, while creative, involves significant operational aspects related to supporting multiple broadcast stations and digital platforms. This means a focus on efficiency, clear communication, and adherence to brand guidelines will be critical, aligning with revenue operations and GTM support functions that ensure consistent brand messaging across all channels.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and animate broadcast-quality graphics, including logo design, informational graphics, full branding packages, and marketing project assets for TEGNA's local news stations.

• Create compelling kinetic typography and dynamic video assets that enhance storytelling and engagement across linear television and digital channels.

• Actively communicate with stakeholders at various TEGNA stations to gather project requirements, provide updates, and ensure alignment with station-specific needs and brand standards.

• Work collaboratively within the Design Tank team, contributing to daily graphics production and supporting larger, strategic branding and marketing campaigns.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively to meet operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the scope of supporting numerous local news stations, the Motion Graphic Designer will likely be involved in creating template-based graphics and animations that can be easily adapted. This requires a systematic approach to design and animation, emphasizing process efficiency and repeatable workflows, which are core tenets of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred, with formal training in design/art school or a specialized motion graphics curriculum at a trade school or college.

Experience: 2-4 years of experience as a Motion Graphic Designer in a professional graphic design environment; recent graduates with strong portfolios are also encouraged to apply. Broadcast experience is desired.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Strong command of design principles, typography, color theory, and composition.

• 2D Animation Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe After Effects for creating dynamic motion graphics and visual effects.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for asset creation and manipulation.

• Video Editing: Strong editing experience, preferably in Adobe Premiere Pro, for integrating motion graphics into video content.

• Portfolio: A professional portfolio demonstrating compelling, aspirational designs and strong animation capabilities.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Time Management: Proven ability to perform under very tight deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Animation Software: Proficiency in Cinema 4D and/or Blender is highly preferred.

• Broadcast Graphics Systems: Experience with broadcast-specific graphics systems like Chyron is a plus.

• AI Tools: Flexibility and experience with current design and editing AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency.

• Customer Service: Strong customer service orientation to effectively support internal station clients.

• Adaptability: Ability to react to change, take direction effectively, and incorporate feedback productively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "formal training" and "designer" qualifications suggests a need for candidates with a strong foundational understanding of design principles, not just software proficiency. For operations-minded candidates, this means framing experience through the lens of design systems, brand consistency, and efficient asset production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of motion graphics projects demonstrating expertise in 2D animation, kinetic typography, and infographic design.

• Include examples of broadcast-specific graphics, such as news intros, lower thirds, and station branding elements, if available.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of brand consistency and the ability to adapt designs to different platforms (broadcast, digital, social).

• Provide case studies or project descriptions that explain the design process, challenges faced, and the impact of the created graphics, emphasizing efficiency and problem-solving. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow design for creating and delivering graphics under tight deadlines, detailing steps from concept to final render.

• Showcase experience with asset management and version control for graphics projects to ensure consistency and ease of access for station teams.

• Illustrate methods for incorporating feedback and iterating on designs efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.

• Highlight any experience with automation scripts or templates that streamline the production of common graphic elements, showcasing an operations-minded approach to creative production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. Operations candidates should ensure their portfolio clearly communicates not just aesthetic skill but also their ability to manage creative projects efficiently, work within established brand guidelines, and deliver high-quality assets consistently. Quantifiable results or efficiency gains are highly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $62,000 Annually / $26.44 - $29.81 Hourly. This range is based on the provided pay information and reflects typical compensation for Motion Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Denver.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Two medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, dental and eye care coverage, fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance.

• Virtual Health: Nine free virtual doctor’s appointments via Teladoc and 12 free annual therapy sessions via Spring Health for all employees and eligible family members.

• Retirement: 401(k) program with a 100% company match on contributions up to 4% of pay, with immediate vesting.

• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and nine paid holidays per year.

• Insurance: Disability and life insurance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time workweek, likely around 40 hours. However, the role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and potentially adjust schedules to meet broadcast demands and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Denver-based Motion Graphic Designer role with this experience level. The extensive benefits package, particularly the focus on virtual health and the robust 401(k) match, highlights TEGNA's commitment to employee well-being and long-term financial security, which can be attractive factors for operations professionals seeking stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media and Broadcasting. TEGNA operates 64 television stations across 51 U.S. markets, focusing on delivering trusted local news and services. The company's mission is to help people thrive in their local communities.

Company Size: TEGNA is a large, publicly traded company with a significant national presence in local media. This scale implies structured processes and a need for consistent brand execution across numerous entities.

Founded: TEGNA was formed in 2015 as a spin-off from Gannett Company, inheriting a long legacy in broadcasting and media.

Team Structure:

• The Motion Graphic Designer will be part of the TEGNA Design Tank, an internal creative department.

• They will work within a team of artists and designers, reporting to creative leadership (Sr. Creative Director, Art Director, Sr. Mgr. Design & Production).

• Close collaboration is expected with Production Coordinators and employees across all TEGNA stations nationwide. Methodology:

• Design & Animation: Focus on creating high-quality, visually engaging graphics for broadcast and digital platforms, adhering to brand guidelines.

• Collaboration & Communication: Emphasis on clear communication with station clients and internal teams to ensure project success and satisfaction.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: Need to produce graphics under tight deadlines and adapt to changing project requirements and feedback, utilizing AI tools where beneficial.

Company Website: www.tegna.com (Design Tank specific site: www.tegnadesigntank.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Tank" concept suggests a centralized, high-performing creative hub. For operations professionals, this implies a dynamic environment where efficiency, process adherence, and clear communication are key to supporting a large network of clients (the stations). The company's focus on local communities also suggests a need for graphics that are relevant and impactful at a local level.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level designer, requiring 2-4 years of professional experience, with potential for growth into senior design roles or specialized areas within broadcast media.

Reporting Structure: The Motion Graphic Designer reports to creative leadership within the Design Tank, likely a Sr. Creative Director or Art Director, and collaborates with production management. This structure allows for direct mentorship and project oversight.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Motion Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perceived quality and professionalism of TEGNA's broadcast and digital products. High-quality, consistent graphics are crucial for brand reputation, viewer engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation through advertising and subscriptions. Efficient production processes ensure that stations have the necessary visual assets to operate effectively daily.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like 3D animation (Cinema 4D, Blender), advanced After Effects techniques, or broadcast graphics systems.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Senior Motion Graphic Designer roles, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, or specializing in art direction.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience in different facets of broadcast production, marketing, and digital content creation through collaboration with various teams and stations.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of and implementing new design tools, AI technologies, and animation techniques relevant to the media industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded individuals, framing growth in terms of process improvement, efficiency gains, and scalable design solutions will be key. Demonstrating how creative output can be optimized and standardized for broader impact is a valuable career progression path within this type of role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in Denver, Colorado, and is described as Hybrid. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The "Design Tank" may be a dedicated creative studio space.

Office Location(s): Denver, Colorado. Specific office amenities and accessibility details would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Design Tank is an internal creative department, implying a team-oriented workspace where designers collaborate on projects.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially 3D software) and potentially broadcast-specific hardware or systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with fellow designers, art directors, and production staff, fostering a creative and supportive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (likely 40 hours/week) is expected, but with a requirement for flexibility to accommodate broadcast needs, tight deadlines, and potential evening/weekend work. This flexibility is common in media production environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role offers a balance between in-person collaboration essential for creative brainstorming and remote work flexibility. Operations professionals often value structured hybrid models that balance team synergy with individual focus time.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and a mandatory link to your professional portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will have their portfolios thoroughly reviewed by the creative leadership team to assess design skills, animation capabilities, and relevant experience.

• Screening Call: A preliminary call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role and company culture.

• Creative Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to meet project objectives under simulated conditions.

• In-Depth Interviews: Interviews with the Sr. Creative Director, Art Director, and potentially other team members to evaluate technical skills, creative thinking, collaboration style, and fit within the Design Tank.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with higher-level management to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize broadcast graphics, motion graphics, animation, and any 3D work.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, and your design decisions. Highlight efficiency or unique solutions.

• Highlight Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate adaptability across different styles and platforms (news, branding, marketing).

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any of your work led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand perception), mention it.

• Ensure Clarity: Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate and that links are functional. Use high-quality renders and clear descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process and rationale for creative choices.

• If given a design challenge, focus on understanding the brief, delivering a solution within the specified constraints, and articulating your approach clearly.

• Practice explaining how you would manage your time and resources to meet tight broadcast deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenge underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this creative role. Operations candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative talent but also their ability to execute efficiently and communicate effectively within a structured production environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Essential for 2D motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for creating and editing graphic assets, textures, and source files.

• Adobe Illustrator: Necessary for creating vector graphics, logos, and illustrations for animation.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Key for video editing, assembling final projects, and integrating motion graphics.

• Cinema 4D / Blender: Highly preferred for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. Proficiency here is a significant advantage.

• Chyron: Experience with broadcast graphics systems like Chyron is a plus, indicating familiarity with industry-standard broadcast workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly an analytics role, understanding how graphics perform (e.g., viewer engagement metrics, brand recall) could be beneficial. Familiarity with tools that track content performance or audience engagement might be indirectly relevant.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable, but understanding how graphics are requested and managed through internal systems (e.g., project management tools) could be relevant for operational efficiency. Experience with AI tools for design and editing workflows is explicitly mentioned as a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific software like Cinema 4D, Blender, and Chyron indicates the technical depth expected. For operations professionals, it's important to note how these tools integrate into a larger production workflow and contribute to efficiency and output quality for the broadcast stations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: Delivering high-quality, polished graphics consistently under pressure.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within the Design Tank and with station personnel across the country.

• Adaptability & Responsiveness: Being able to react quickly to changing needs, feedback, and project requirements.

• Innovation: Embracing new tools and techniques (including AI) to improve creative output and efficiency.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of the internal broadcast station clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The Design Tank operates as a collective, requiring designers to support each other and contribute to shared goals.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive criticism from art directors, creative directors, and station clients.

• Cross-Functional: Regular interaction with production coordinators, editors, and potentially newsroom staff to integrate graphics seamlessly into broadcast content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "customer service" and "reacting to change" signals a culture that values responsiveness and client satisfaction, mirroring operational priorities in GTM and RevOps. Candidates should highlight their ability to work collaboratively and adapt within a fast-paced media environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of broadcast news requires rapid turnaround times for graphics. Operations candidates can leverage experience in managing workflows and prioritizing tasks under pressure.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent brand identity across 64 different television stations while allowing for some local customization. This requires strong adherence to brand guides and efficient template usage.

• Technical Versatility: Keeping up with evolving software (including AI tools), hardware, and broadcast technologies.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating with diverse teams across various locations nationwide.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in 3D software (Cinema 4D, Blender) and advanced animation techniques.

• Broadcast Industry Insights: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of broadcast workflows, news production cycles, and the role of graphics in media.

• AI Tool Integration: Learning to leverage emerging AI technologies to enhance creative processes and efficiency.

• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects for potential advancement within TEGNA or the broader media industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded individuals, framing these challenges as opportunities to optimize processes, implement better workflow management, and contribute to scalable design solutions will resonate well. The growth opportunities align with continuous improvement, a core operational value.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create graphics under a very tight deadline. How did you manage your workflow and ensure quality?" (Focus on process, prioritization, and efficiency.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects or different platforms?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and systematic approaches.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a complex animated graphic sequence, from brief to final delivery." (Detail your workflow, software usage, and problem-solving steps.)

• "How do you incorporate feedback from clients or stakeholders into your designs?" (Emphasize communication, adaptability, and revision management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about TEGNA and the Design Tank specifically?" (Research TEGNA's mission, recent work, and the Design Tank's portfolio.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team, especially when working with remote colleagues?" (Discuss teamwork, communication tools, and conflict resolution.)

• "What are your thoughts on the use of AI in motion graphics design?" (Prepare to discuss both the benefits and potential challenges, showing a balanced perspective.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For your featured projects, don't just show the final product; tell the story behind it. What was the objective? What challenges did you overcome? What was the outcome?

• Process Demonstration: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used. If you have examples of process work (storyboards, style frames), be prepared to share them.

• Highlight Efficiency: If any project involved creating templates, streamlining workflows, or using time-saving techniques, emphasize this.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your presentation covers a range of skills, from quick-turnaround news graphics to more complex branding projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing, operations candidates should consider how their project management, process optimization, and communication skills translate into effective motion graphics production. Frame creative achievements within an operational context of efficiency, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Motion Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a clear, functional link to your professional portfolio through the TEGNA Inc. careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest motion graphics work, highlighting broadcast-relevant examples, 3D skills (if applicable), and your ability to work efficiently under deadlines. Tailor the highlighted projects to align with TEGNA's brand and the Design Tank's aesthetic.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant skills such as Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, animation techniques, video editing, project management within creative contexts, and any experience with broadcast or media production. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, workflow management, and collaborative skills. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet tight deadlines and handle feedback effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research TEGNA's mission, its local stations, and the work showcased on the TEGNA Design Tank website. Understand their brand identity and the role graphics play in their content delivery.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored for a creative role. All details should be verified directly with TEGNA Inc. before making application decisions.