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: 2026-06-09T07:00:00

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce high-quality motion graphics across various platforms, including in-arena videoboards, LED displays, live events, broadcast, social media, and digital channels to enhance fan experience for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns.

• Develop and manage motion creative assets, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries for all Player 15 Group properties.

• Create and maintain motion templates, animation systems, and reusable assets to optimize production efficiency for the internal creative team and external freelance partners.

• Oversee freelance motion designers and external production partners, providing creative direction, managing workflows, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically focused on motion graphics within the sports and entertainment industry, requiring a blend of artistic creativity and technical execution for live events and digital content. The emphasis on "in-arena videoboards" and "LED displays" indicates a need for experience with large-format display graphics and potentially real-time content integration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute visually compelling motion graphics for in-arena videoboards, LED displays, live events, broadcast, social media, and digital platforms.

• Ensure all motion graphics align with Player 15 Group's brand identity and campaign objectives, adapting creative for diverse display formats (resizing, reformatting, optimization).

• Develop and implement standardized motion templates (MOGRTs) and animation systems to streamline production and ensure brand consistency across all creative outputs.

• Provide creative direction and project management for freelance motion designers and external production partners, ensuring adherence to technical requirements and deadlines.

• Collaborate with internal creative teams, marketing, and event production staff to integrate motion graphics seamlessly into game presentations, event content, and marketing campaigns.

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

• Manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced sports and live entertainment environment, maintaining exceptional organization, communication, and attention to detail.

• Adapt creative assets for various in-arena display formats, optimizing motion content for different LED and videoboard environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills, especially in coordinating external resources and ensuring tight deadlines are met within a live sports environment. The focus on "reusable assets" and "motion templates" points to an expectation of building scalable creative solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Experience: 3+ years of creative design experience, preferably within the sports, entertainment industry, agency, or a related in-house environment.

Required Skills:

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

• Experience with 3D design platforms such as Cinema4D or Blender.

• Deep understanding of current design trends and animation principles.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts and creative ideas.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and adhere to strict file structure guidelines.

• Experience adapting creative assets for various digital and display formats. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Wrike).

• Basic videography, production, or still graphics skills.

• Familiarity with creating and implementing Motion Graphics Templates (MOGRTs).

• Experience providing creative direction to freelance designers and external partners.

• Ability to work with and adhere to established brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both 2D (Adobe Creative Cloud) and 3D (Cinema4D, Blender) software indicates a need for a versatile motion graphics artist. The emphasis on "sports or events industry" suggests that experience in this specific fast-paced, high-energy environment is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio or demo reel showcasing a diverse range of motion graphics projects relevant to sports and live entertainment.

• Examples demonstrating proficiency in After Effects, Premiere Pro, and 3D software, with clear explanations of your role and contributions.

• Case studies highlighting projects for in-arena displays, social media, broadcast, or live events.

• Visual evidence of ability to adapt creative for different aspect ratios, resolutions, and display technologies.

• Examples of template creation or system development for efficient workflow. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of how you manage project workflows, from concept to final delivery, including asset organization and file management.

• Examples of process improvements implemented to enhance production efficiency or asset reusability.

• Documentation of experience in coordinating with external vendors or freelance talent, including brief development and feedback loops.

• Evidence of adherence to brand guidelines and technical specifications for various platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as direct evidence of technical skill, creative vision, and industry relevance. The ability to showcase process and workflow efficiency through the portfolio will be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Motion Graphic Designer in Phoenix, AZ, with 3+ years of experience in a sports/entertainment context, the estimated salary range is $70,000 - $90,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage options.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Paid vacation, sick time, and volunteer time.

• Paid company holidays.

• 401(k) plan with a company match.

• Access to unique team member experiences throughout the year, including team offsites, catered lunches, coffee stands, and ice cream trucks.

• Team swag and employee discounts at the Team Shop and online store.

• Complimentary tickets to Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns games, as well as other local sporting events and concerts (subject to availability).

• Access to on-site amenities: full fitness center with locker rooms and showers, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, pickleball court, golf simulator, putting green, and on-site cafeteria.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during peak event seasons or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for a senior-level creative role in Phoenix, AZ, considering the specialized industry. Benefits are comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, team engagement, and unique perks aligned with a sports and entertainment company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports and Entertainment, specifically professional basketball (NBA, WNBA, G League).

Company Size: Player 15 Group is a significant organization, likely employing several hundred individuals across its various sports franchises and related entities. This size offers opportunities for broad impact and collaboration.

Founded: The Phoenix Suns were founded in 1968, and the organization has evolved into Player 15 Group, indicating a long-standing presence and deep roots in the Phoenix community.

Team Structure:

• The motion graphics role likely sits within a broader Marketing or Creative department.

• This department is expected to be cross-functional, collaborating closely with game presentation, digital media, broadcast, and sponsorship teams.

• The Senior Motion Graphic Designer will likely manage or mentor junior designers and external freelance partners, implying a leadership or senior contributor role within the creative workflow. Methodology:

• Data-driven creative execution, using fan engagement metrics and performance data to inform design choices.

• Agile project management adapted for the fast-paced sports and live event environment.

• Collaborative design sprints and review sessions to ensure alignment and quality.

• Emphasis on innovation and embracing new visual trends to keep content fresh and engaging.

Company Website: [Refer to Player 15 Group or Phoenix Suns official website for detailed information]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as people-first, driven by passion, creativity, innovation, and care. This suggests an environment that values collaboration, ownership, and a proactive "I'll do it" mentality. The on-site amenities reinforce this focus on employee well-being and community.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the creative department, indicating a significant level of expertise and responsibility. It suggests a career path that values hands-on creative contribution and potentially team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Director, Director of Marketing, or a similar senior creative lead. There will be close collaboration with various department heads across the organization.

Operations Impact: Motion graphics play a crucial role in enhancing the fan experience, driving brand engagement, and supporting marketing initiatives. This role directly contributes to the visual identity and excitement of live events and digital content, impacting fan perception and ticket sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like 3D animation, real-time graphics integration, or advanced After Effects techniques.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead creative projects, mentor junior designers, and manage external vendor relationships, paving a path towards Art Director or Creative Lead roles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaboration with various departments (marketing, digital, game presentation) can lead to broader understanding of the sports business and potential opportunities in related creative fields.

• Industry Advancement: Building a strong portfolio and network within the sports and entertainment industry can open doors to similar senior roles at other major sports organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of autonomy and the expectation of mentoring or guiding others. Growth paths likely involve increasing creative influence, project scope, and potentially team management responsibilities within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company emphasizes an "in-person collaborative, people-first work environment." This suggests a dynamic office setting with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and creative hubs. The presence of extensive on-site amenities (fitness center, basketball courts, cafeteria) further supports an active, engaged on-site culture.

Office Location(s): The headquarters are in downtown Phoenix, AZ. This location provides access to a vibrant urban environment and is the central hub for Player 15 Group's operations.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative, team-oriented atmosphere where interaction and idea-sharing are encouraged.

• Access to state-of-the-art creative tools and technology required for motion graphics production.

• Opportunities for spontaneous collaboration with colleagues from various departments due to the people-first culture and shared amenities.

• A fast-paced environment that requires adaptability and quick thinking, especially around game days and live events.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. However, given the nature of sports and live events, flexibility is expected, with potential for extended hours, evenings, and weekends, particularly during game days, major events, or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement and emphasis on a "people-first culture" indicate a preference for in-person collaboration and team cohesion. The extensive amenities suggest a desire to foster a strong internal community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with Talent Acquisition to assess general fit, experience, and interest.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: A dedicated session to review the candidate's portfolio/demo reel. This will likely involve discussing specific projects, design choices, technical execution, and process. Expect questions about software proficiency and problem-solving approaches.

• Creative/Team Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the creative team. This stage focuses on cultural fit, collaboration style, understanding of brand guidelines, and ability to work in a fast-paced sports environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and overall contribution to the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate motion graphics for sports, live events, broadcast, or similar high-energy environments.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, specific display requirements met).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your command of After Effects, Premiere Pro, and 3D software. Include examples of complex animations, transitions, and visual effects.

• Showcase Brand Versatility: Include examples that show your ability to adapt to different brand styles and guidelines. If you've worked within strict brand constraints, highlight how you innovated while respecting them.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss file formats, resolution requirements, optimization techniques for various displays, and workflow management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Design Challenge: Be prepared for a short, timed design exercise or a take-home challenge that simulates a real project brief. Focus on rapid ideation, execution within constraints, and clear communication of your creative rationale.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or technical issues during a live event.

• Brand Alignment: Practice articulating how you would approach designing for the Player 15 Group brands (Suns, Mercury, etc.), considering their unique identities and fan bases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on a strong portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their creative process, technical skills, and ability to thrive in a dynamic sports marketing environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Motion Graphics & Editing: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro.

• 2D Design & Asset Creation: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign.

• 3D Design: Cinema4D, Blender.

• Project Management: Asana, Monday.com, Wrike (or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how motion graphics performance is tracked (e.g., social media engagement, in-arena crowd reaction) can be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed might provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and at least one major 3D software is essential. Familiarity with project management tools is expected for effective workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion: A deep enthusiasm for sports, entertainment, and creative storytelling.

• Creativity: Driving innovative and visually engaging content that excites fans.

• Innovation: Staying ahead of design trends and exploring new technologies and techniques.

• Care: A people-first approach, valuing teamwork, support, and positive relationships.

• Ownership Mindset: Taking initiative, accountability, and a proactive approach to tasks.

• "I'll Do It" Mentality: A willingness to go the extra mile and contribute to team success.

Collaboration Style:

• In-person collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together in the office.

• Cross-functional integration: Seamlessly working with marketing, game presentation, digital teams, and external partners.

• Feedback-driven: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance creative output.

• Team-oriented: Prioritizing collective success and supporting colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture strongly emphasizes collaboration, initiative, and a positive, supportive environment. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values and a passion for the sports and entertainment industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Constantly evolving needs of live events and sports seasons require rapid adaptation and quick turnaround times.

• Balancing Brand & Creativity: Meeting strict brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries to produce unique and impactful visuals.

• Technical Demands: Ensuring motion graphics are optimized for a variety of display technologies and formats, including large-scale LED screens.

• Managing External Partners: Effectively directing and managing freelance designers and production companies to ensure consistent quality and adherence to brand standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in 3D animation, motion graphics software, and emerging creative technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Working on high-profile projects for major sports teams provides significant portfolio-building experience.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior creative leaders and guide junior team members.

• Cross-Departmental Learning: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, fan engagement, and event production within the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic sports and entertainment sector, with challenges that foster skill development and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create motion graphics for a live event with very tight deadlines. How did you manage the process and ensure quality?"

• "How do you approach balancing strict brand guidelines with the need to create fresh, engaging creative content?"

• "Walk us through your process for developing a motion graphics template or animation system that improved workflow efficiency."

• "How do you provide creative direction to freelance designers or external partners to ensure they meet your standards?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working in the sports and entertainment industry, specifically with the Phoenix Suns organization?"

• "How do you embody the 'people-first' culture and 'I'll do it' mentality?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to team success."

• "How do you stay current with design trends in motion graphics and the sports industry?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., fan engagement, brand recognition, technical success).

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Be ready to discuss specific techniques, software features, and problem-solving approaches used in your projects.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your workflow, from concept to final asset delivery, including file management and optimization.

• Tailor to Sports: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to the sports and live entertainment context. Show your understanding of game presentation, fan experience, and broadcast needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your creative process, technical skills, and ability to deliver high-impact motion graphics within the unique demands of the sports industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Motion Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience directly relevant to sports, live events, and motion graphics for broadcast/digital platforms. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your best work for this specific role.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and 3D software (Cinema4D, Blender). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased social media engagement by X% through animated graphics").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, technical skills, and ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to meet the role's requirements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Player 15 Group, the Phoenix Suns, Mercury, and Valley Suns. Understand their brand identity, recent campaigns, and the role of motion graphics in their fan engagement 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.