Job Description

This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and follows a hybrid work schedule that combines in-office and remote workdays for eligible employees. Fully remote arrangements will not be considered. 

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them. 

Position Description

The Senior Animator + Motion Graphics Producer will report to and work directly with FIRE’s director of video, in addition to collaborating with other FIRE Communications creatives and outside vendors. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Providing technical and creative animation and motion graphics support across all phases of video production — including development, pre-production, principal and secondary photography, and post-production.
• Collaborating in developing, pitching, and creatively helming high-impact animated video projects and motion graphics packages that align with FIRE’s guidelines and expand the reach and impact of its video work.
• Actively researching, brainstorming, and pursuing new storytelling opportunities that promote FIRE’s mission, values, and messaging through film and video.
• Partnering with the director of video and Communications personnel to track performance metrics (KPIs) and identify strategies to grow FIRE’s audience.
• Maintaining up-to-date project tracking and accountability using FIRE’s task management platforms (e.g., Monday.com).
• Assisting in the maintenance and organization of FIRE’s video production studio in Philadelphia and podcast studio in Washington, DC, ensuring operational readiness and creative support for ongoing productions.
• Assisting in maintenance and organization FIRE’s inventory of video production equipment, post-production hardware, and digital asset libraries.
• Coordinating with outside vendors under the guidance of the director of video to support active productions.
• Supporting day-to-day FIRE operations and collaborating with other departments on both general and project-specific initiatives as needed.
• Helping maintain an environment of collaboration, mentoring and support within the video team as well as the greater Communications team.

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects including but not limited to assisting with FIRE’s ongoing internal video, animation and motion graphics needs; providing technical and creative advising as requested; and collaborating with other Communications department personnel however necessary to support FIRE’s ongoing Communications mission.

This position involves a moderate amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

The expected start date for this position will be as soon as possible.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have 7-10 years of experience designing, animating, and delivering motion graphics and animation projects across a range of platforms and formats. They will have the ability to lead motion design and post-production workflows, collaborating effectively with cross-functional creative colleagues and teams. A bachelor’s degree or substantial relevant experience is required. Advanced expertise in Adobe After Effects and motion design tools is required. Strong proficiency in visual storytelling, typography, animation timing, data visualization, and branded motion design is required.

The candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe After Effects, including advanced use of tools and plugins similar to and/or including Duik, RubberHose, Joysticks 'n Sliders, Motion 4, and Ray Dynamic Color. Strong working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro for integrated design and animation workflows.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in animation and motion graphics, with a focus on storytelling, visual communication, and creative leadership in both narrative and informational content.
• Proven ability to work independently to develop and execute original projects to completion as well as in a team setting to collaborate with creative colleagues on concurrent projects, demonstrating creative flexibility and sound decision-making when navigating evolving production needs and tradeoffs.
• Proven ability to create dynamic, high-quality animations — including 2D character animation, data visualization, motion graphics packages, and branded kinetic typography — from concept through final delivery.
• Strong grasp of visual design principles, including typography, color, composition, and timing in motion.
• Experience translating abstract or complex ideas into clear, engaging visual stories, in collaboration with writers, producers, editors, and campaign strategists.
• Skilled in managing animation pipelines and post-production workflows, coordinating with colorists, sound mixers, VFX artists, and other creative professionals to ensure delivery standards and deadlines are met.
• Familiarity with audio integration, syncing, and basic sound design for motion projects.
• Comfortable producing for a variety of platforms and formats, including broadcast, social media, YouTube, podcasts, and web.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across all production stages, balancing quality, timelines, and creative vision.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, including mentoring junior creatives, working with talent, and coordinating with vendors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to articulate complex ideas simply and persuasively under tight deadlines.
• Deep understanding of FIRE’s mission, with the ability to translate values like free expression and individual rights into visual storytelling with nuance and impact.
• Experience working within nonprofit, advocacy, or mission-driven environments is a strong plus.

Extensive experience with character animation is highly valued. Familiarity with sound design and cross-platform optimization is a strong plus.

Salary and Compensation

FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan. 

Applications

Applicants should provide a CV, cover letter, a link to a reel or a link to other demonstration of work (portfolio, for example), salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, chief people officer.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.

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