Job Description

Job Title: Animator (3D Motion Graphics Artist-Animator) Location

Alexandria, VA Primarily On-Site at NSF Headquarters

Position Type

Full-Time | Federal Government Contract Support

Role Summary

The Animator (3D Motion Graphics Artist-Animator) develops original 2D and 3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects to support NSF's science storytelling, educational programming, outreach initiatives, and social media content. The role collaborates closely with producers, editors, and multimedia staff to create visually compelling materials that communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop 2D and 3D animations for videos, social media, and educational materials.
• Create motion graphics and visual effects to enhance storytelling and engagement.
• Support post-production workflows by developing graphics and visual assets.
• Develop original artwork and illustrations to complement animation projects.
• Collaborate with producers, editors, and content teams to conceptualize and execute creative ideas.
• Adapt animations and graphics for multiple platforms, including web, broadcast, and social media.
• Ensure consistency with NSF branding and accessibility standards for visual content.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in motion graphics and animation.
• Proficiency in After Effects and other industry-standard animation software.
• Demonstrated experience producing scientific, educational, or technical animations.
• Experience using 3D animation platforms and tools.
• Strong skills in creative concept development and visual storytelling.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary production teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with video production pipelines and post-production workflows.
• Experience creating animations for federal, academic, or research-focused organizations.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards for multimedia content, including captioning or alternative formats.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight production deadlines.

Professional Attributes

• Highly creative with strong visual storytelling skills.
• Detail-oriented with precision in motion and timing.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Adaptable and able to incorporate feedback into iterative animation processes.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work,

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