PSE - Motion Graphic Designer (Maidstone Kent)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PSE - Motion Graphic Designer

Company: Essex Police and Kent Police

Location: Maidstone, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years inferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and produce high-quality motion graphics and video content to support Kent Police's social media presence and force-wide campaigns, ensuring clear and impactful public communication.

• Collaborate effectively with Digital Communications, Internal Communications, Marketing, and the Press Office to translate complex or sensitive information into engaging visual assets.

• Manage the end-to-end design project lifecycle, from concept to delivery, adhering to strict accessibility and legal compliance standards.

• Drive improvements in the force’s social media output and maintain robust brand management, offering expert advice to senior leadership and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "PSE" often denotes a "Police Staff Employee" position within UK police forces, indicating a civilian role rather than a sworn officer. The inferred experience level of 5-10 years is based on the expectation of managing complex projects and offering advice to senior leadership, which typically requires a solid track record.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and animate motion graphics and video content for various platforms, with a primary focus on social media and public-facing campaigns.

• Create compelling visual narratives that effectively communicate the force's work, initiatives, and important public safety messages.

• Edit video footage and produce infographics that are both informative and visually appealing, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility requirements.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet competing deadlines and stakeholder expectations in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand project requirements, gather necessary assets, and ensure final outputs align with strategic communication goals.

• Maintain and uphold the Kent Police brand identity across all visual communications, ensuring consistency and professional representation.

• Provide expert advice and support to senior officers and stakeholders on best practices for visual communication and digital content strategy.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in motion graphics, video production, and social media to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the core duties of a motion graphic designer within a public sector communications team, emphasizing project management, content creation, and stakeholder interaction. The need to handle "complex or sensitive information" suggests a requirement for discretion and a nuanced approach to visual communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience is expected. A degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Animation, Digital Media, or a related field would be advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in motion graphic design, video production, and graphic design is anticipated, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual content.

Required Skills:

• Motion Graphic Design: Proven expertise in creating dynamic and engaging motion graphics for digital platforms.

• Graphic Design Software: Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Video Production & Editing: Comprehensive skills in video editing, including storyboarding, asset integration, sound design, and final rendering for various formats.

• Infographic Design: Ability to translate data and complex information into clear, visually appealing infographics.

• Social Media Content Creation: Experience in designing and producing content tailored for social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube).

• Brand Management: Solid understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to ensure consistent brand representation across all visual outputs.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to legal and accessibility standards, especially when handling sensitive information.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines effectively.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with and advise senior officers and diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within internal communications, particularly in a policing or public sector environment.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for digital content.

• Knowledge of visual storytelling techniques to enhance message impact.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are directly extracted from the job description's explicit requirements and inferred from the responsibilities. The preferred skills are added based on common advantages for roles within public sector communication teams. The inferred experience level is based on the complexity of responsibilities and the need for independent work and stakeholder advice.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase a range of projects demonstrating proficiency in motion graphics, video editing, and infographic design, with a clear emphasis on the problem, solution, and outcome.

• Social Media Impact: Include examples of content specifically created for social media platforms, highlighting engagement metrics or campaign success where possible.

• Software Proficiency Showcase: Clearly present work that exemplifies mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Demonstrate an ability to adhere to and effectively implement brand guidelines in various design outputs.

• Project Management Evidence: If possible, include examples that illustrate project scope, timelines, and the applicant's role in managing the process from conception to completion.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to articulate and demonstrate a systematic approach to designing and producing visual content, from initial brief to final delivery.

• Collaboration & Feedback: Showcase how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and collaborate with team members throughout the design process.

• Quality Assurance: Explain your process for ensuring accuracy, compliance with legal/accessibility standards, and overall quality of final assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are crucial for creative roles. This section emphasizes the need for practical examples that prove the candidate's skills and process, particularly in a context requiring adherence to standards and effective communication of information.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £41,856.00 to £47,505.00 per annum (pro-rata for part-time, but this role is full-time). The salary starts at £41,856.00 and increases incrementally within the band to a maximum of £47,505.00.

Benefits:

• Incremental Salary Increases: The salary band allows for progression and increased earnings over time within the role.

• Permanent Contract: Offers job security and long-term employment.

• Full-Time Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, providing a consistent work schedule.

• Defined Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, with no requirement for weekend or evening work, promoting work-life balance.

• Pension Scheme: As part of public sector employment, a comprehensive pension scheme is typically provided.

• Generous Annual Leave: Public sector roles usually offer a competitive annual leave allowance.

• Professional Development Support: Opportunities for training and development to enhance skills in motion graphics and digital communications.

• Vetting and Security Clearance: Comprehensive vetting process is provided, ensuring a secure working environment.

• Inclusivity & Support: Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with provisions for application support and reasonable adjustments.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. Benefits are inferred based on typical public sector employment in the UK, particularly for police forces, to provide a comprehensive overview. The "pro-rata" note indicates flexibility for potential part-time roles, though this specific opening is full-time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Law Enforcement). Kent Police is a territorial police force responsible for policing the county of Kent in England.

Company Size: As part of Essex Police and Kent Police, the organizations are large public sector bodies employing thousands of individuals across various roles, from sworn officers to civilian support staff. This scale implies structured processes, established protocols, and a diverse workforce.

Founded: Kent Police was formed in 1969, with a long history of serving the public. This heritage suggests a culture that values tradition, service, and community engagement.

Team Structure:

• Corporate Communications Team: The role sits within this department, working closely with the Digital Communications Team, Internal Communications, Marketing, and the Press Office. This indicates a collaborative environment focused on external and internal messaging.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The post holder will likely report to the Head of Digital Communications or a similar senior role within the communications department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates strong working relationships with various departments, including senior leadership, requiring effective communication and integration across different units.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Communication: While not explicitly stated, a modern communications team, especially within law enforcement, would likely leverage data to inform content strategy and measure impact.

• Campaign Planning & Execution: A structured approach to planning, creating, and distributing communication campaigns across multiple channels.

• Brand Consistency & Compliance: Emphasis on maintaining a unified brand voice and adhering to all relevant legal, ethical, and accessibility standards.

Company Website: https://www.kent.police.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Information on the company's industry, size, and history is derived from the context of it being a police force. The team structure and methodology are inferred from the job description's mention of collaborating departments and the nature of communications work within law enforcement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level to senior specialist role within the creative and communications function. It requires significant independent work, project management, and advisory capabilities, indicating a level beyond entry-level or junior positions. The title "PSE" (Police Staff Employee) signifies a professional civilian role.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Corporate Communications department, likely to the Head of Digital Communications. This structure provides clear lines of management and support while allowing for autonomy in creative execution.

Operations Impact: The motion graphic designer plays a critical role in shaping public perception and internal understanding of Kent Police's work. Effective visual communication can enhance transparency, build trust, recruit talent, and disseminate vital public safety information, directly impacting community relations and internal morale.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced motion graphics techniques, 3D animation, or specialized video editing software.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Motion Graphic Designer or team lead role, mentoring junior staff and overseeing larger projects.

• Broader Communications Expertise: Develop skills in broader digital communications strategy, content marketing, or campaign management within the public sector.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Gain exposure to different facets of policing and public service through collaboration on diverse projects, potentially leading to opportunities in other communications or operational areas.

• Professional Development: Access to training and development programs, conferences, and certifications relevant to the creative and communications fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact of a creative specialist within a large public sector organization. The growth opportunities are tailored to a role in communications and design, emphasizing both technical and leadership development pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Maidstone, Kent, within a police force environment. This suggests a professional office setting, likely integrated within police headquarters or a dedicated communications hub. It may involve shared office spaces, collaborative workstations, and access to meeting rooms.

Office Location(s): Maidstone, Kent, England. This location is accessible within the county, and candidates should consider commuting options.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with digital communications, marketing, and press office teams, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to foster teamwork.

• Technology & Tools: Access to high-performance workstations, relevant software licenses (Adobe Creative Cloud), and potentially specialized equipment for video production.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues from various communications disciplines, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

• Professional Setting: An environment that upholds professional standards, security protocols, and a commitment to public service.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (assuming a typical 40-hour week, as indicated by ai_working_hours: 40). This structured schedule supports a healthy work-life balance, with no expectation of weekend or evening work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the nature of a public sector office role within law enforcement, emphasizing collaboration, necessary tools, and the professional setting. The Maidstone location is highlighted for practical considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Screening: Applications will be shortlisted based SOLELY on the "reason for application" question, which must detail relevant skills and experience. CVs and cover letters are NOT considered for shortlisting.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Test: Candidates may be asked to complete a practical design task or technical assessment to evaluate their proficiency in motion graphics software and video production. This could involve creating a short animation or editing a piece of footage.

• Interview Panel: A formal interview with members of the Corporate Communications team, potentially including the Head of Digital Communications and other senior stakeholders. This will assess technical skills, creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: During the interview, candidates will be expected to present and discuss their portfolio, highlighting specific projects, their process, and the impact of their work.

• Final Assessment: Evaluation of overall suitability, including communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and alignment with police force values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in motion graphics, video editing, and infographic design, with a focus on social media and public-facing content.

• Showcase Process: For each project, be prepared to discuss your creative process, including concept development, software used, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible. If a piece of content increased engagement, awareness, or achieved a specific communication goal, present that data.

• Address Constraints: Be ready to discuss how you managed complex or sensitive information and adhered to brand, legal, and accessibility standards.

• Tailor Your Presentation: Frame your portfolio examples in the context of Kent Police's mission and communication needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: If a practical task is given, focus on delivering a clear, on-brand, and effective solution within the allocated time. Prioritize meeting the core requirements.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical communication challenges (e.g., "How would you visually explain a new policing initiative?"). Focus on your strategic approach, creative ideas, and process.

• Brand Adherence: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of brand management and how you would apply Kent Police's visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides detailed guidance on the application and interview process, with a strong emphasis on the unique shortlisting criteria and the importance of a well-prepared portfolio, as stressed in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (graphic design, image manipulation), Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, illustrations), Adobe After Effects (motion graphics, animation), and Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing, sequencing).

• Motion Graphics Software: Expertise in After Effects for creating animations, visual effects, and dynamic graphics.

• Video Editing Software: Proficiency in Premiere Pro for assembling footage, editing, colour correction, and final output.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Social Media Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with native analytics tools on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to track content performance.

• Basic Data Interpretation: Ability to understand and utilize engagement metrics (likes, shares, views, reach) to inform future content creation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how content is deployed through digital channels and potentially integrated with wider communication platforms might be beneficial.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Potential exposure to CMS platforms for publishing content to websites or internal portals.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Familiarity with DAM systems for organizing and retrieving design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools are explicitly mentioned in the job description. The section expands on their typical uses within this role and adds related technologies common in digital communications environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service Ethos: A strong commitment to serving the community and upholding the values of Kent Police. This translates to a dedication to clarity, accuracy, and public trust in all communications.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards of conduct, discretion, and ethical practice, especially when handling sensitive information.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams across the organization to achieve common communication goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to embrace new technologies and creative approaches to enhance visual storytelling and reach.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Producing high-quality work that is impactful, meets objectives, and adheres to deadlines and budgets.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in team meetings, project kick-offs, and feedback sessions with colleagues from Digital Communications, Marketing, and the Press Office.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on project progress, seeking clarification, and offering creative solutions.

• Open to Feedback: Welcoming constructive criticism and incorporating feedback from various sources to refine design outputs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices, new techniques, and creative ideas are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred from the context of working for a police force and the nature of a communications role. They highlight the importance of public service, integrity, and collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Sensitive Information: Translating complex or potentially sensitive policing matters into accessible and appropriate visual content requires a nuanced and careful approach.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Meeting creative objectives while adhering to strict brand guidelines, legal requirements, accessibility standards, and tight deadlines can be demanding.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid changes in social media algorithms, platform features, and design trends to ensure content remains effective and relevant.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing expectations and incorporating feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior officers who may have different communication priorities.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible impact of motion graphics and video content on campaign success and public perception in a public sector context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in specialized areas of After Effects, Premiere Pro, or explore new creative software.

• Public Sector Communications: Gaining specialized knowledge in communications within law enforcement and the broader public sector.

• Project Management Skills: Developing stronger project management capabilities to handle larger or more complex campaigns.

• Strategic Communication: Learning to contribute to higher-level communication strategies beyond just content creation.

• Industry Events & Certifications: Potential to attend relevant industry conferences or pursue certifications in design, video, or digital communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the nature of the role and the public sector environment. Growth opportunities are framed to align with career progression within creative communications and public service.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach creating a motion graphic video explaining [a specific policing initiative, e.g., a new community outreach program] for social media?" Prepare to outline your process from brief to delivery, including concept, style, target audience, and platform considerations.

• "Describe a time you had to work with complex or sensitive information in a design project. How did you ensure accuracy and appropriateness?" Focus on your attention to detail, discretion, and systematic approach to handling sensitive content.

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new software features, and how do you apply this knowledge to your work?" Be ready to discuss your learning habits and how you integrate new techniques into your creative process.

• "How would you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders on a single project, especially if there are conflicting suggestions?" Demonstrate your negotiation, communication, and compromise skills. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kent Police and its role in the community?" Research the force's mission, values, recent campaigns, and current challenges.

• "How do you see your role contributing to Kent Police's communication objectives and public trust?" Articulate your understanding of the impact of visual communications in law enforcement.

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What is your preferred collaboration style?" Relate your experience to the cross-functional nature of this role. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the objective, your creative solution, the process, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how specific projects demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and your ability to manage projects and adhere to brand guidelines.

• Address the Brief: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to public sector communications, social media, and conveying information clearly.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow, software choices, and technical challenges you've overcome.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present your strongest work effectively without overwhelming the interviewers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements and context of this role, emphasizing the unique shortlisting criteria, the importance of the portfolio, and the public sector environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the police-jobs.org.uk website.

• Critically, focus on the "reason for application" section. This is your ONLY opportunity for shortlisting. Craft a detailed narrative (up to 9000 characters) that directly addresses the requirements outlined in the job advert and description. Provide specific examples of your experience with motion graphics, video editing, social media content, Adobe software, and handling complex information.

• Prepare your portfolio. Ensure it is well-organized, showcases your best work relevant to this role, and be ready to discuss specific projects and your creative process in detail during an interview.

• Research Kent Police. Understand their mission, values, current communication efforts, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your "reason for application" and demonstrate your interest and suitability for working within a law enforcement environment.

• Practice articulating your skills and experience. Be ready to explain your technical proficiency, project management approach, and how you can contribute to Kent Police's communication goals during the interview stage.

⚠️ 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.