Motion Graphics Designer

Role Overview

CNN is looking for an accomplished Motion Graphics Designer who can turn journalism into engaging visual stories across video, digital, streaming, and social channels. The position works closely with producers, editors, and editorial partners to build motion graphics for formats such as digital series, explainers, video podcasts, breaking news coverage, and long-form features.

The right candidate brings a blend of animation skill, design judgment, speed, and the ability to make complex information easy to understand through clean and compelling visuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Create motion graphics and animations for digital video, social content, streaming projects, and video podcasts.
• Work with producers, editors, and creative leads to shape effective visual storytelling approaches.
• Turn scripts, reporting, and data into accurate and easy-to-follow graphic narratives.
• Deliver work across fast turnarounds, including same-day breaking news needs as well as longer feature projects.
• Build polished animations while meeting strict deadlines.
• Develop templates, toolkits, and reusable animation systems for repeat use across franchises and platforms.
• Create MOGRTs that support efficient workflows for editors and producers.
• Ensure all output aligns with CNN’s visual identity and brand standards.
• Help define the visual language for new shows, series, and editorial initiatives.

Experience and Skills

• At least 3 to 6+ years of professional motion graphics experience in news, media, production, or digital storytelling.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, especially After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and Photoshop; 3D animation is an added advantage.
• Advanced knowledge of After Effects expressions, scripting, and building templated assets as MOGRT files.
• Ability to communicate complicated ideas through motion and design in a clear way.
• Comfort working in high-pressure editorial or production environments.
• Strong grasp of design fundamentals such as typography, color, and composition.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Hands-on experience with data visualization and infographic animation.
• Familiarity with mapping workflows and tools such as GEOlayers, Mapbox, and Google Earth Studio.
• Experience optimizing graphics for social video, streaming platforms, and video podcasts.
• Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends when news demands it.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this role is $62,300 to $115,700. Additional compensation may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The company also offers benefits such as health insurance, employee wellness support, life and disability coverage, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The employer considers applicants fairly and does not discriminate on protected characteristics including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, or protected veteran status. Candidates who need accommodations during the application or recruitment process can request support through the employer’s accessibility process.

Applicants with an arrest or conviction record will be reviewed in line with the applicable fair chance hiring requirements.