Lead Animator/Designer, ThunderVision

Oklahoma City Thunder; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 3,444,000 - 5,510,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401k with matching funds

Tuition reimbursement

Employee ticket options

Parental leave

Job summary

Oklahoma City Thunder is seeking a Motion Graphics Lead for ThunderVision in Oklahoma City. You will produce animations for digital signage and on-court entertainment, lead a team of designers, and ensure quality aligned with brand guidelines.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of motion graphics experience, with proficiency in Cinema 4D and Adobe software. Live production experience is a plus; work includes evenings and game days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 5+ years in motion graphics.
• Experience leading a small team of animators or designers.
• Proficiency in Cinema 4D and Adobe Creative Suite required.
• Live production knowledge and ability to work during events preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce graphic animations for ThunderVision’s digital signage systems.
• Conceptualize and transform scripts into motion graphics while following brand guidelines.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of animators and motion designers.
• Develop in-game entertainment content for on-court and fan experiences.
• Provide feedback to ensure quality and timely completion.
• Design graphic elements for media presentations across departments.
• Research and support motion graphics software/hardware upgrades.
• Establish organized processes for daily operations and projects.

Skills

Motion graphics leadership

Team leadership

Project coordination

Creative collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Sports Media, Creative Media, Animation, Design, or related field

Tools

Cinema 4D

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Premiere

Blender

Chyron Click Effects

Ross XPression

Job description

Job Details
Job Location: Business Office - Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Position Type: Full Time
Job Category: Video Production

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

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.

Additional details

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.

Qualifications