Senior Motion Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Motion Graphic Designer

Company: Player 15 Group

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Sports & Recreation / Marketing

Date Posted: May 04, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and production of high-impact motion graphics for a diverse range of Player 15 Group properties, including the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Valley Suns (G League).

• Elevate the fan experience through compelling visual content for in-arena videoboards, LED displays, live events, broadcast, social media, and digital platforms.

• Drive production efficiency by developing motion templates, animation systems, and reusable assets, and by overseeing freelance motion designers and external production partners.

• Adapt and optimize creative assets for various in-arena display formats, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to brand guidelines across all deliverables.

• Contribute to significant brand campaigns and experiential design initiatives, including production sets and in-venue activations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in shaping the visual narrative and fan engagement for major sports franchises. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of creative artistry, technical proficiency, and project management skills, with a proven ability to deliver exceptional motion graphics in a fast-paced sports and entertainment environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, animate, and produce visually stunning motion graphics for in-arena videoboards, LED displays, live events, broadcast, social media, and digital platforms across all Player 15 Group properties.

• Ensure all motion graphics adhere strictly to established brand guidelines, maintaining visual consistency and technical accuracy while meeting production deadlines.

• Develop and implement motion templates, robust animation systems, and reusable assets to enhance production efficiency for the internal creative team and external freelance collaborators.

• Skillfully adapt and reformat motion content for diverse in-arena display formats, including resizing, optimizing, and ensuring compatibility with various LED and videoboard environments.

• Contribute creatively to a broad spectrum of motion design projects, such as game presentation elements, pre-game and non-game day event content, seasonal design systems, editable motion graphics templates (MOGRTs), and large-scale brand campaigns.

• Support environmental and experiential design initiatives by creating motion elements for production sets, stage designs, and dynamic in-venue activations.

• Proactively manage multiple concurrent projects in a high-pressure sports and live entertainment setting, maintaining exceptional communication, organization, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Provide clear creative direction, manage project workflows, distribute essential templates and brand assets, and ensure quality control for freelance motion designers and external production partners, verifying adherence to brand standards and technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate who can balance high-level creative execution with operational efficiency. Managing external partners and developing reusable assets points to a strategic approach to production that maximizes output and consistency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Experience: 3+ years of dedicated creative design experience, preferably within the sports or events industry, an agency setting, or a comparable in-house creative department.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

• Demonstrated expertise in 3D design platforms such as Cinema4D or Blender.

• Deep understanding of current design trends and a proactive approach to staying informed about emerging motion graphics techniques and aesthetics.

• Experience utilizing project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Wrike) for workflow tracking and team coordination.

• Strong collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively within a team of creative professionals.

• Exceptional organizational skills and adeptness at time management to handle multiple projects under tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication capabilities, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts and creative ideas.

• Proven ability to adhere to and interpret brand guidelines while still pushing creative boundaries.

• Capacity for independent work with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Foundational skills in basic videography, production, and still graphics creation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience creating Motion Graphics Templates (MOGRTs) for efficient content deployment.

• Familiarity with game presentation elements and live event production workflows.

• Experience in environmental and experiential design for physical spaces.

• Basic understanding of videography and production techniques beyond motion graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D software (Cinema4D, Blender) indicates a need for a versatile designer. The requirement for project management tools and the ability to oversee freelance work suggests a senior-level candidate expected to contribute to workflow optimization and team leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio or demo reel showcasing a minimum of 3 years of creative design work, with a strong emphasis on motion graphics within the sports, events, or agency sectors.

• Demonstrations of technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D design software, with clear examples of complex animations and visual effects.

• Evidence of ability to adapt creative content for various display formats and technical specifications, particularly for large-scale LED and videoboard environments.

• Examples of developing reusable assets, motion templates, or animation systems that improved production efficiency.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight adherence to brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management and project organization, potentially referencing use of project management tools like Asana or Monday.com.

• Documentation or case studies that illustrate how you have managed multiple projects simultaneously, met tight deadlines, and maintained attention to detail.

• Evidence of ability to adapt and prepare creative for different technical requirements, such as resizing and reformatting for various digital platforms and display types.

• Examples of creative direction provided to freelance designers or external production partners, showcasing effective communication and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of creative skill and technical capability. Candidates should curate their submissions to specifically highlight projects relevant to sports, live events, and dynamic digital displays, demonstrating both artistic flair and practical application. The inclusion of MOGRTs and reusable asset development in the resume or portfolio would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As a Senior Motion Graphic Designer in Phoenix, Arizona, with 3+ years of specialized experience in the sports/events industry, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $70,000 and $90,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior creative roles, factoring in the high demand for motion graphics expertise in sports entertainment and the cost of living in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverages.

• Life and Disability Insurance options.

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Leave programs.

• Perks include discounts at the Fanatics Team Shop and opportunities for tickets to Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury games. Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the dynamic nature of the sports and live entertainment industry may require flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during peak seasons, events, or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a Senior Motion Graphic Designer in Phoenix, AZ. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive, with unique perks related to the sports franchises, offering significant value beyond standard benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment, leveraging digital and in-arena media to enhance fan engagement.

Company Size: As part of Player 15 Group, which includes multiple sports franchises, the organization is likely large and well-established within the sports and entertainment sector.

Founded: Player 15 Group is the brand behind the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Valley Suns (G League), and Mortgage Matchup Center. While a specific founding date for the group isn't provided, the franchises themselves have long histories, suggesting a company with deep roots and a commitment to innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into a broader Marketing or Creative department, likely comprising other designers, content creators, and marketing specialists.

• The Senior Motion Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with marketing teams, event production staff, and potentially broadcast production.

• This position also involves managing and directing the work of freelance motion designers and external production partners, indicating a leadership or supervisory component within the creative workflow. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven creative decisions, using insights from fan engagement and performance metrics to inform motion graphics and campaign development.

• A proactive approach to workflow planning and optimization, evident in the development of templates and animation systems to improve production efficiency.

• Integration of automation practices where applicable, likely through leveraging MOGRTs and efficient asset management.

Company Website: Player 15 Group operates under the umbrella of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns; the specific group website is not detailed, but career opportunities are often listed on individual team or corporate sites. The provided URL points to Player 15 Group's career portal.

📝 Enhancement Note: Player 15 Group positions itself as an innovative leader in sports and entertainment, emphasizing passion, creativity, and memorable fan experiences. The culture is purpose-driven, encouraging bold ideas and challenging conventions. For a motion designer, this translates to an environment where creative vision is valued, but also needs to be grounded in brand consistency and the unique demands of live sports production.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a candidate expected to be a key contributor and potentially a mentor to junior staff or freelancers. They will be responsible for high-level creative output and have a significant impact on the visual presentation of the franchises.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Director, Director of Marketing, or a similar leadership position within the marketing or creative department. There will be significant collaboration with various internal departments and management of external resources.

Operations Impact: The Senior Motion Graphic Designer's work directly influences fan engagement, brand perception, and the overall excitement of live game presentations and digital content. High-quality motion graphics are crucial for creating a dynamic and memorable experience for audiences of the NBA, WNBA, and G League teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced motion graphics techniques, 3D animation, and new software/plugins relevant to sports and entertainment design.

• Leadership Development: Potential to transition into a Lead Motion Designer or Art Director role, with increased responsibility for creative strategy, team management, and project oversight.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific areas like game presentation, broadcast graphics, or experiential design within the sports industry.

• Cross-functional Learning: Exposure to various aspects of sports marketing, event production, and brand management, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Senior role offers a clear path for growth within the sports and entertainment industry. The emphasis on managing freelancers and developing systems points to potential leadership responsibilities. Candidates should highlight their experience in mentorship and process improvement to align with these growth trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in downtown Phoenix, suggesting a professional office environment. Given the nature of the work and the sports industry, it's likely a dynamic and collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This location provides access to urban amenities and is central to the company's operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with other creative professionals, marketing teams, and event operations staff.

• Access to industry-standard hardware and software, including powerful workstations and the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, is a given.

• Opportunities for interaction with the broader Player 15 Group teams, allowing for understanding of how motion graphics integrate into larger marketing and fan engagement strategies.

• The environment is fast-paced, particularly during game days, seasons, and major event periods, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the role requires flexibility to accommodate game schedules, live events, and urgent project needs. This might involve working evenings, weekends, or holidays during peak periods. The company offers a range of full-time benefit options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is fast-paced and demanding, characteristic of the professional sports industry. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic schedule and a highly collaborative atmosphere where creativity meets execution under tight deadlines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Creative Assessment/Technical Interview: Candidates may be asked to complete a motion graphics challenge or present their portfolio in detail, discussing their creative process, technical approach, and problem-solving skills.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members from marketing, creative, and potentially event operations to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize projects showcasing motion graphics for sports, live events, digital platforms, and branding.

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Demonstrate expertise in After Effects, Cinema4D/Blender, and other relevant software. Highlight complex animations, 3D integration, and efficient workflow techniques.

• Tell the Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign delivery).

• Brand Adherence & Innovation: Include examples that show your ability to work within strict brand guidelines while still injecting creativity and innovation.

• Format Appropriately: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a professional website, Vimeo/YouTube link) and well-organized.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a challenge is given, ensure you grasp the brand, target audience, and objective. Consider the specific needs of a sports franchise like the Phoenix Suns or Mercury.

• Focus on Efficiency: Demonstrate an understanding of creating high-quality assets quickly and efficiently, as is critical in a live sports environment.

• Communicate Your Process: Be prepared to articulate your thought process, software choices, and design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Technical Accuracy: Ensure your final output meets any specified technical requirements (resolution, frame rate, file format).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to walk through their work, explaining the 'why' behind their design choices and demonstrating how they can solve creative challenges specific to the sports and entertainment industry. The candidate must be ready to discuss how they manage projects and collaborate with others.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro (essential for all motion graphics and video editing tasks).

• 3D Design Software: Cinema4D or Blender (critical for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering).

• Project Management Software: Asana, Monday.com, Wrike, or similar (for tracking tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed as a requirement for this role, understanding how motion graphics impact analytics (e.g., social media engagement, video view duration) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards could be helpful for understanding content performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but awareness of how creative assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-integrated digital displays might be advantageous.

• MOGRTs (Motion Graphics Templates): A key tool for creating editable templates that non-designers can use, improving workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and at least one major 3D software is non-negotiable. The ability to create and manage MOGRTs is a strong plus, indicating an understanding of scalable and efficient content production for a large organization with diverse needs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion & Creativity: A drive to create memorable moments and push creative boundaries within the sports and entertainment context.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and design trends to keep content fresh and engaging.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with a diverse team, including other creatives, marketing professionals, and event staff.

• Purpose-Driven Leadership: Contributing to the company's mission of redefining industry standards and creating impactful experiences.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: Meticulous attention to detail in design, technical specifications, and project management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with marketing, event operations, and broadcast teams to ensure motion graphics align with overall campaign goals and live event execution.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve creative output and workflow processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, techniques, and best practices with team members and freelance partners to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values innovation and passion, which translates to an environment where creative risk-taking is encouraged, provided it aligns with brand objectives and enhances the fan experience. A collaborative spirit is essential, as the motion designer will interact with many different departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The demanding nature of professional sports and live events requires rapid turnaround times and the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while consistently producing fresh, innovative, and exciting motion graphics.

• Technical Demands: Adapting designs for a wide array of display formats and technical specifications, ensuring optimal performance across different platforms.

• Managing External Resources: Effectively directing and quality-controlling work from freelance designers and external agencies to ensure brand alignment and timely delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced 3D & Animation Techniques: Deepen expertise in Cinema4D/Blender and explore new plugins or workflows for cutting-edge animation.

• Sports & Entertainment Design Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge of game presentation, fan engagement strategies, and broadcast design specific to professional sports.

• Project Management & Leadership: Develop skills in managing larger projects, leading creative teams, and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Emerging Technologies: Opportunities to explore and integrate new technologies like AR/VR or real-time graphics into motion design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a motion designer to gain specialized experience in the high-energy sports and entertainment industry, with clear pathways for career advancement into leadership or specialized creative roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create motion graphics for a live event under a very tight deadline. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and adaptability.)

• "How do you ensure your motion graphics align with brand guidelines while still maintaining a creative and innovative edge?" (Highlight your understanding of brand stewardship and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through a complex motion graphics project from your portfolio. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare to discuss software, techniques, and workflow.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for a sports and entertainment brand like Player 15 Group, and specifically for the Phoenix Suns/Mercury?" (Show your passion for sports and your understanding of their brand.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as marketing managers or event producers?" (Demonstrate your communication skills and ability to translate creative ideas for different audiences.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest motion design trends and technologies relevant to sports and entertainment?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each project. Explain the "why" behind your creative decisions, not just the "what."

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., increased engagement on social media, positive feedback on in-arena displays).

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss the specific software, plugins, and techniques used, especially for 3D elements and complex animations.

• Brand Alignment: Showcase how you've successfully worked within brand guidelines and how your creative output enhances the brand's identity.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Highlight examples of creating reusable assets or templates that improved workflow efficiency for teams or clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their creative and technical skills but also their understanding of the unique demands of the sports and entertainment industry. Emphasize adaptability, speed, and the ability to translate creative vision into tangible, engaging experiences for fans.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Motion Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Dayforce link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in sports, live events, and dynamic digital media. Prioritize motion graphics projects that demonstrate your skills with Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D software.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 3+ years of experience, focusing on achievements related to in-arena graphics, social media content, and brand campaign contributions. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, preparing to discuss your creative process, technical solutions, and how you manage projects and collaborate with teams. Be ready for potential technical assessments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Player 15 Group brands (Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns), their current visual style, and the broader sports and entertainment landscape. Understand their commitment to fan experience and innovation.

⚠️ 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.