Lead Animator/Designer, ThunderVision

As the Oklahoma City ThunderVision team, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality content that tells the story of our brand. We are seeking a driven and creative Lead Animator/Designer to join our team.

In this role, you will create visual effects and animations for digital signage and LED systems. You will coordinate, produce, and integrate live-action footage, graphics, text, still imagery, and sound to create 2D and 3D motion graphics. You will also play an integral role in fulfilling corporate sponsorship commitments and developing live entertainment segments.

In this role you will:

• Produce graphic animations for ThunderVision’s digital signage systems
• Conceptualize, design, and transform scripts and visualizations into motion graphic animations and video production while following brand guidelines and project objectives
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of animators and motion designers
• Develop in-game entertainment content, including on-court promotions, video features, fan-interactive elements, mascot skits, etc
• Provide feedback and creative direction to support consistency, quality, and timely completion
• Design and build graphic elements for media presentations for various departments including broadcasting, brand, web, social media, and corporate partnerships
• Research and support the implementation of motion graphics and production software and hardware upgrades
• Establish organized processes that support the department’s daily operations and project completion

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Sports Media, Creative Media, Animation, Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, with at least five years of experience in motion graphics design and animation
• Three to five years of team leadership experience, gained through formal supervisory responsibilities or informal leadership roles, preferred
• Proficiency in Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Blender, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel preferred
• Live production experience preferred, including knowledge of Daktronics Show Control, Chyron Click Effects, and Ross XPression
• Ability to manage projects independently and respond effectively to the needs of a fast-paced production team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to take projects from concept through completion
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams

Additional details:

This is a full-time hourly position reporting to the Manager, ThunderVision. The work schedule will include office hours, Oklahoma City Thunder home games, Oklahoma City Blue home games, and in-arena events that could include evenings, weekends, and holidays. The role requires the ability to work in a live event environment with loud crowd noise, music, and in-arena lighting, including strobe lights.

We offer a positive office environment and a robust benefits package including excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k with matching funds, paid downtown parking, tuition reimbursement, employee ticket options, family gym membership subsidy, parental leave, team shop discount, and much more!

The Thunder recognizes that teams with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills make a stronger company. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Thunder organization considers applicants fairly on the basis of qualifications, experience and business needs and provides equal opportunity regardless of race, color, age, sex, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, religion, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Applicants are considered regardless of past legal system involvement, based upon the needs of the role, nature of and recency of legal history. The Thunder is committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees through its RAVE culture – Respect and Value Everyone.