Principal, Motion Design

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

We are looking for a Principal Motion Designer who combines exceptional craft, strong storytelling instincts, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of motion design. As a senior creative leader and expert practitioner, you will help define how brands move, interact, and communicate across digital experiences, campaigns, content, and emerging platforms.

Working closely with Creative Directors, Art Directors, Copywriters, Visual Designers, Generative AI Artists, and cross-functional partners, you will help establish the motion systems, standards, and creative approaches that elevate work across the organization. You are both a maker and a mentor, contributing hands-on motion development while helping shape the future of the discipline through innovation, experimentation, and craft leadership.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of storytelling, design, technology, and motion. You bring a strong point of view, deep technical expertise, and a relentless commitment to creative excellence, while continuously exploring new tools, workflows, and AI-assisted approaches that expand what is possible through motion.

You understand that exceptional motion is more than animation alone. You recognize the role of pacing, sound, music, and storytelling in creating emotionally engaging experiences and work closely with creative partners to ensure every element contributes to the final creative outcome.

For this role, we need you to be willing to work EST hours.

• →Shape the motion language, animation systems, and creative standards that guide work across campaigns, digital experiences, and branded content.
• →Conceptualize, design, and execute high-quality motion graphics, animation, UI motion, video content, and emerging motion experiences.
• →Develop storyboards, style frames, motion systems, and visual explorations that help communicate and elevate creative concepts.
• →Partner closely with Creative Directors, Art Directors, Copywriters, Visual Designers, and Generative AI Artists to create integrated audience experiences across channels and platforms.
• →Establish and maintain a high standard of motion craft, ensuring all work demonstrates strong storytelling, technical excellence, and creative originality.
• →Collaborate on music selection, sound design, and audio direction to enhance storytelling, reinforce brand expression, and elevate the overall quality of motion experiences.
• →Mentor and support Motion Designers across the team, helping elevate execution, workflows, and creative thinking.
• →Explore and implement AI-assisted motion workflows, automation, and emerging creative technologies that improve efficiency and unlock new creative possibilities.
• →Contribute to creative reviews, pitches, and innovation initiatives, helping define the future direction of motion within the organization.
• →Stay at the forefront of motion design, animation, filmmaking, AI, sound design, and emerging technologies to continually push the work forward.
• →AI-Enhanced Production Ecosystems: Advanced capability in adopting and implementing generative AI tools (such as Midjourney, Runway, Vizcom, and Weavy) into the design pipeline to maximize asset velocity, explore vanguard concepts, and drive structural innovation.

• 5+ years of professional experience as a Motion Designer, Animator, or similar role.
• A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing outstanding motion design, animation skills, and a solid understanding of design principles (typography, color, layout).
• Expert knowledge of Figma and Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere a plus. 
• Deep understanding of AI workflows and tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Animation, Film, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step. 

DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. 

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. 

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI.

Learn more about DEPT®

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. 

We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.