Principal Designer, Motion

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Designer, Motion

Company: WeWork

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute motion design projects from concept to final delivery, aligning with global brand vision and creative direction.

• Craft compelling visual narratives through animation, motion graphics, and video editing for diverse platforms including global campaigns, social media, paid media, web, and sales enablement.

• Develop and maintain motion design toolkits, guidelines, and standards to ensure brand consistency and efficiency across the creative team and external partners.

• Collaborate closely with the Global Creative Director, marketing teams, and performance marketing to iterate on creative strategies based on data and user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within a creative team focused on brand storytelling and visual communication. The "Principal" title suggests a senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and a strong influence on the company's visual output, particularly in motion graphics and video. The emphasis on "hands-on" work and "After Effects" indicates a strong technical requirement alongside creative leadership. The mention of "Operations" in "Work with Ops on timing and flag risk early" suggests a need for collaboration with operations teams, potentially for project management, timeline adherence, or resource allocation, which is a key aspect of GTM and RevOps environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop creative ideas, storyboards, and style frames based on direction from the Global Creative Director, contributing innovative concepts to team brainstorms.

• Execute all aspects of motion design and video production, including 2D animation, motion graphics, title sequences, and design-led video content for social, paid media, web, sales, and events.

• Manage the editing process for footage, focusing on pacing, color correction, sound design, music integration, and creating versions for various formats and platforms.

• Undertake original footage shooting when required by a project and ensure high-quality execution.

• Provide clear direction and guidance to external production partners to ensure their animation work meets WeWork's brand standards and quality expectations.

• Collaborate with operational teams to manage project timelines, identify potential risks early, and ensure efficient project delivery.

• Assist in building and refining motion design guidelines with the Creative Director, covering elements such as timing, transitions, typography, and sound design.

• Develop and maintain reusable motion design toolkits and templates within After Effects and other relevant software to streamline the team's workflow and enable efficient versioning.

• Establish and enforce clear file management standards, aspect ratio requirements, captioning protocols, accessibility considerations, and licensing procedures for all motion assets.

• Proactively identify creative opportunities, propose innovative ideas, and drive projects forward with minimal oversight.

• Share new skills, techniques, and learnings with the team to elevate the overall quality of animation and video production.

• Partner with Performance Marketing to conduct creative tests, analyze results, and use data-driven insights to refine and optimize future creative iterations.

• Integrate and leverage AI tools to enhance speed and efficiency in the creative process without compromising the quality of craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative input and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "From Brief to Final Frame" and "Animation, Edit, and Finish" underscores the need for a candidate who can manage an entire project lifecycle independently. The requirement to "Work with Ops on timing and flag risk early" is a direct link to operational efficiency and project management, crucial for GTM and Revenue Operations alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Motion Design, Animation, Film, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in motion design and video production, with a proven track record of independently leading projects from concept through to final delivery.

Required Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Deep expertise in Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro. Strong command of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma.

• Motion Design Expertise: Proven ability in 2D animation, motion graphics, title design, and design-led video creation.

• Video Production: Comprehensive skills in video editing, including pacing, color correction, sound mixing, and music selection.

• Creative Concepting: Ability to craft compelling concepts, storyboards, and style frames that translate creative direction into visual narratives.

• Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of design principles including typography, composition, color theory, and visual pacing.

• Self-Direction: Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, take initiative, and proactively drive projects forward with minimal supervision.

• Communication: Excellent presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate and explain creative work and strategic rationale to team members and stakeholders.

• Footage Handling: Competence in shooting original footage and performing effective video editing.

Preferred Skills:

• B2B Experience: Prior experience working within B2B environments, particularly in industries such as Real Estate, Hospitality, or Professional Services.

• Global Versioning: Experience in adapting and versioning creative assets for different international markets and languages.

• 3D/Compositing: Familiarity with 3D software or advanced compositing techniques, though not a primary requirement for current workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a senior-level individual contributor who is not only a master of their craft (After Effects, Premiere) but also a strategic thinker capable of contributing ideas and managing projects independently. The "Self-directed" and "Spot the opportunity, bring the idea, and move before you are asked" points are critical for operations roles that require proactive problem-solving and initiative.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong body of motion design and video work, demonstrating ownership from initial idea generation to final polished output.

• Link and password required for portfolio access.

• Projects should highlight a range of styles and applications, including social media content, paid media assets, web animations, and sales enablement materials.

• Demonstrations of understanding and application of design fundamentals (typography, composition, color, pacing) within animated pieces. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have developed and implemented motion design guidelines, toolkits, or standards for a team or organization.

• Case studies illustrating your process for taking a project from brief to final delivery, detailing concept development, animation techniques, editing workflow, and final output.

• Evidence of your approach to working with external partners, including how you provide direction and ensure quality control.

• Documentation of your understanding of file management, aspect ratio requirements, accessibility considerations, and licensing protocols in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about the final output, but the candidate's ability to articulate their process, problem-solving approach, and how they ensure quality and efficiency. This aligns with operations' focus on documented processes and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $105,000 - $140,000 annually. This range reflects the seniority of the Principal Designer role, considering the extensive experience and advanced skill set required. The specific placement within this range will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and alignment with WeWork's needs.

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off: 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per full calendar year.

• Public Holidays: Approximately 13 paid holidays.

• Sick Leave: 80 hours of paid sick time per full calendar year.

• Parental Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave, supporting new parents.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Competitive healthcare benefits package.

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan for long-term financial planning.

• Insurance: Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be an expectation for flexibility to meet project deadlines and collaborate with global teams across different time zones, which is common in creative operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Principal-level creative role in New York City, reflecting the high cost of living and the specialized skills required. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for work-life balance and employee well-being, which are important considerations for operations professionals looking for stable and supportive employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Flexible Workspace Solutions / Real Estate Technology. WeWork operates in a dynamic and evolving industry, providing co-working spaces and flexible office solutions globally. This context means the brand needs to be agile, innovative, and visually compelling to attract and retain members.

Company Size: Large (typically over 1000 employees, based on WeWork's global presence). This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific teams. For operations professionals, this size often means sophisticated systems and cross-functional collaboration opportunities.

Founded: 2010. WeWork has a relatively young history but has experienced rapid growth and significant market impact, indicating a culture that can be fast-paced, innovative, and adaptable.

Team Structure:

• The Principal Designer, Motion will report directly to the Global Creative Director, indicating a senior position within the brand's creative leadership.

• The role is part of a "nimble creative team," suggesting a collaborative and agile unit focused on continuous content creation.

• This team will likely work closely with various marketing functions, sales teams, and potentially product/design teams, requiring strong cross-functional communication and alignment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: The role involves working with Performance Marketing to "run creative tests" and "let the results sharpen the next round," emphasizing a data-informed approach to creative optimization.

• Agile Workflow: The description of a "nimble creative team" and the need to "move before you are asked" suggests an agile and proactive work methodology.

• Standardization & Efficiency: Developing motion guidelines, toolkits, and clear file standards points to a focus on creating scalable and efficient creative processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WeWork's industry and history suggest a company that values innovation, community, and adaptability. The creative team's role is crucial in shaping the brand's perception and attracting members. For operations professionals, understanding this dynamic environment is key to aligning their process improvements with business goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "Principal," indicating a senior individual contributor role. It suggests a high level of expertise, autonomy, and responsibility for driving significant creative output and influencing brand standards. In an operations context, this level often involves mentoring junior team members, leading strategic initiatives, and acting as a subject matter expert.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Designer, Motion reports directly to the Global Creative Director. This structure provides clear guidance on brand vision while allowing for significant creative freedom and ownership of projects. In operations, this means working closely with senior leadership on strategic alignment and execution.

Operations Impact: Motion design and video are critical for WeWork's go-to-market strategy, influencing brand perception, member acquisition, and engagement across all channels. The Principal Designer's work directly impacts:

• Brand Awareness & Perception: Shaping how the global community and potential members view WeWork.

• Marketing Campaign Effectiveness: Creating assets that drive engagement and conversion for global campaigns, social, and paid media.

• Sales Enablement: Providing compelling visual tools for sales teams to effectively communicate WeWork's value proposition.

• Internal Communications & Culture: Potentially contributing to internal brand initiatives and employee engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization & Mastery: Deepen expertise in advanced motion graphics, emerging animation techniques, and potentially AI-driven creative tools.

• Creative Leadership: Progress to Associate Creative Director or Creative Director roles within WeWork or other organizations, leading larger teams and strategies.

• Cross-Functional Impact: Gain exposure to broader marketing strategy, performance analytics, and operational efficiency improvements by collaborating with various departments.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of the broader creative team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" designation signifies a high level of influence and potential for growth, not just in technical skills but also in strategic creative thinking and leadership. This is analogous to senior roles in operations where individuals lead complex projects and contribute to strategic planning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at WeWork's office located at 71 5th Avenue, New York, NY. This location offers a dynamic urban workspace environment.

Office Location(s): Primarily New York City, with potential for global collaboration. The 5th Avenue address places it in a central, accessible business district.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Working within a "nimble creative team" suggests a highly collaborative environment where ideas are shared and refined daily.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard software (After Effects, Premiere, Figma, etc.) and potentially new AI tools to enhance workflow and creativity.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with marketing, sales, and potentially other operational teams, fostering a holistic understanding of business objectives and how creative output supports them.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site role. While specific hours are not detailed, the nature of creative production often requires flexibility to meet deadlines. The emphasis on "hands-on" work in After Effects implies dedicated time for focused execution within the office environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a prestigious New York City address underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, ideation, and direct mentorship within the creative team. This environment is conducive to building strong working relationships and fostering a shared creative vision.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and critically, the portfolio link.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Director Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio with the Global Creative Director. Expect to discuss your process, decision-making, and how you approach briefs.

• Team Collaboration Exercise/Interview: Potential for a practical exercise or interview with other members of the creative team to assess collaboration style and technical skills.

• Stakeholder Interview: Discussion with marketing or other key partners to evaluate how you present work and align creative with business objectives.

• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcomes/results. Use visuals and concise text.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your conceptual thinking, storyboarding, animation techniques, editing choices, and how you incorporated feedback or data.

• Technical Showcase: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in After Effects, Premiere Pro, and other required software.

• Accessibility: Make sure the link is active and the password (if provided) is correct. Ensure the portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Motion Design Challenge: Be prepared for a practical challenge that might involve creating a short animation from a given brief, or critiquing existing work. Focus on demonstrating your core skills and problem-solving approach.

• Concept Development: Practice generating multiple creative concepts quickly based on a hypothetical brief.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your work, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and your ability to articulate the strategic 'why' behind your creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior creative role like this will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also to deconstruct their creative process and demonstrate how they contribute to business objectives, a crucial skill for operations-oriented roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: The core tool for animation and motion graphics. Expect deep proficiency requirements.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Essential for video editing, pacing, and final assembly.

• Adobe Photoshop: For asset creation, manipulation, and preparation.

• Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics and assets for animation.

• Figma: For design collaboration, prototyping, and potentially style frame creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how creative performance is measured is key. Familiarity with analytics platforms used by Performance Marketing to track engagement and conversion of motion assets would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with how creative assets are integrated into marketing automation platforms or content management systems might be a plus, though not explicitly stated. The mention of "Work with Ops on timing and flag risk early" implies an understanding of project management and workflow tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects and Premiere Pro, is non-negotiable. Figma's inclusion indicates a move towards collaborative design workflows common in modern GTM teams. Understanding how creative assets integrate into broader marketing and sales operations is a valuable differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A strong emphasis on high-quality execution, where "your work looks designed, not just animated" and AI tools are used to "unlock speed, without dropping the craft bar."

• Proactivity & Initiative: Expectation to "spot the opportunity, bring the idea, and move before you are asked," reflecting a culture that rewards self-starters.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role is part of a "nimble creative team" and requires presenting work to "team and marketing partners," indicating a collaborative spirit is essential.

• Data-Informed Iteration: Working with Performance Marketing to "run creative tests, and let the results sharpen the next round" highlights a commitment to continuous improvement based on data.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Building "motion toolkits" and "clear standards" points to a value placed on creating repeatable processes that enhance team productivity.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Iterative: Working closely with the Global Creative Director, presenting work to the team, and collaborating with marketing partners suggests a style that is open to feedback and iterative refinement.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: The expectation to "share new skills and learnings with the team" fosters a culture of continuous learning and mutual support.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: The need to work with "Ops on timing" and Performance Marketing indicates a need for clear communication and alignment across different functional departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: WeWork's culture, as described, values both high creative output and efficient, data-informed processes. This dual focus is critical for operations roles, where balancing creative vision with operational execution is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed & Craft: The primary challenge will be to maintain a high standard of creative quality and design integrity while working at the pace required for global campaigns, social media, and paid media, especially with the integration of AI tools.

• Translating Vision to Execution: Effectively taking the Global Creative Director's vision and translating it into compelling, original motion design work.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring motion design effectively supports the objectives of various teams (Marketing, Sales, Performance Marketing) and integrating feedback from diverse stakeholders.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously adapting to new animation techniques, software capabilities (especially AI), and evolving platform requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Motion Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge animation styles and workflows.

• AI Tool Integration: Learning and mastering new AI tools that can augment the motion design process, enhancing efficiency and creativity.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Deeper involvement in understanding and shaping WeWork's global brand narrative through motion.

• Performance Marketing Insights: Gaining valuable experience in how creative performance is measured and optimized through data, a key skill for operations.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the strategic direction of the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior creative roles in fast-paced environments, requiring adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways into leadership and strategic creative roles, which aligns with career progression in operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief from the Global Creative Director and translating it into a compelling motion graphic piece." (Focus on concept development, storyboarding, and execution steps.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency and quality across all motion assets, especially when working with external partners or leveraging AI tools?" (Discuss your approach to guidelines, standards, and quality control.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you significantly contributed to the concept and carried it through to final delivery. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your end-to-end ownership.)

• "How do you balance the need for speed and iteration with maintaining a high standard of design craft? Provide an example." (Address your workflow and decision-making process under pressure.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about WeWork's brand and how do you see motion design contributing to our comeback story?" (Research WeWork's recent developments and brand positioning.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing teams and performance marketers to ensure creative assets meet business objectives?" (Highlight your understanding of GTM and data-driven creative.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your creative approach based on performance data or team feedback. What was the outcome?" (Showcase your ability to be receptive to insights and iterate.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem, your solution (the creative execution), and the results.

• Highlight Your Process: Don't just show the final product; explain your thought process, sketches, storyboards, and key animation decisions.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be ready to discuss specific techniques used in After Effects and Premiere Pro.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics (e.g., engagement rates, conversion lift) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work.

• Enthusiasm & Passion: Convey your passion for motion design and your excitement about contributing to WeWork's brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not only technical mastery but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative spirit, all of which are crucial for success in senior operations-adjacent roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Designer, Motion position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://wework.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/WeWork/job/New-York-NY-United-States-of-America/Principal-Designer--Motion_JR-0064047-1

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience in motion design, video production, and your proficiency with After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma. Use keywords from the job description such as "motion graphics," "2D animation," "video editing," "storyboarding," and "creative direction."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio link is prominent on your resume and that it showcases 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Be ready to articulate your process, challenges, and outcomes for each. Ensure it is easily navigable and password-protected if necessary.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse explaining your portfolio projects, focusing on your end-to-end ownership, creative decision-making, and technical execution. Prepare answers to potential interview questions about your process, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

• Research WeWork: Familiarize yourself with WeWork's current brand initiatives, market position, and recent news, particularly concerning their "comeback story" and their presence on TIME's most influential companies list. Understand how motion design supports their go-to-market strategy.

⚠️ 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.