Senior Designer, Brand & Motion

Highwire; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work model

401(k) matching

Generous vacation policy

Job summary

Highwire is seeking a Senior Designer, Brand & Motion, to lead creative strategies in Chicago. The role emphasizes motion graphics, video content creation, and close collaboration with the Creative team.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of design experience, particularly in motion graphics, supported by excellent project management skills and proficiency in design tools like After Effects and Premiere. A strong portfolio is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional design experience with focus on motion graphics.
• Expert knowledge of After Effects and Premiere.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create motion graphics and video assets for campaigns.
• Manage multiple design projects and deadlines.
• Present design concepts to clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Motion graphics expertise

Video editing

Adobe Creative Suite proficiency

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Graphic design or visual effects degree

Tools

After Effects

Premiere

Figma

Job description

Highwire's creative team sits within the agency's digital practice. We lead the creative strategy, design and execution of powerful, valuable, and impactful ideas that drive business impact for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Designer, Brand & Motion, you'll work closely with the Creative team to drive the development of motion graphics, video, and animated content across high-volume, fast-turnaround campaigns, while staying grounded in brand systems and standards. This includes motion design for social content, digital campaigns, event experiences, and branded video, as well as supporting static design work, such as decks, presentations, and digital mockups, when needed. You'll work seamlessly with our creative strategy leads, creative director, digital strategists, project managers, and digital designers to create awe-inspiring ideas, campaigns, and assets.

What You'll Gain

You'll work inside a dedicated, close-knit team built for high-volume production. You'll build deep expertise in motion and video at scale, with a steady, significant volume of work to sharpen your craft against. You'll be part of a growing investment in Creative in a motion and video capacity at Highwire, joining at a point where innovation is central to how the agency delivers for clients.

About You

• Brand Motion Craft & Technical Fluency: Your portfolio demonstrates strong command of motion graphics, video editing, and animation, with an understanding of pacing, timing, and visual storytelling. You can push creative boundaries while staying within brand parameters, even under high-volume production timelines. You have expert proficiency in After Effects and Premiere, alongside strong working knowledge of Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), as well as Keynote and Powerpoint/Google Slides for supporting static work.
• Professionalism & Project Management: You have a buttoned-up approach to project management, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at once, both when collaborating as part of a team and when managing independently. You have exquisite attention to detail.
• Communication & Problem-Solving: You are an excellent writer and communicator, with the ability to self-motivate, pivot as needed, and voice frictions and roadblocks as they arise. You possess a solution-oriented attitude.

Essential Functions

• Conceptualize, design, and execute motion graphics, animated content, and video assets across high-volume campaigns, maintaining brand consistency and craft quality under fast-turnaround timelines.
• Conceptualize and develop design solutions, including supporting static and digital design work, that adhere to client brand standards and meet business goals across mediums such as presentations, landing pages, and digital collateral.
• Present design work to both Highwire account teams and external clients. Must be able to both a.) communicate effectively with other creatives and b.) explain the rationale for decisions in language appropriate for a non-designer audience.
• Collect and implement feedback within designated review cycles. Know how to navigate client feedback effectively, even when uninformed.
• Provide design support for Highwire marketing and new business initiatives, including pitch decks, marketing collateral, and agency website updates.
• Brainstorm creative concepts, independently and with account teams.
• Ensure motion and video deliverables remain consistent with client brand systems and standards, even under high-volume production demands, while also serving as a guardian of Highwire's visual brand across all visual communications.
• Work with the Creative Director to provide design mentorship to junior designers, the digital team, and the wider agency.
• Execute strong time management skills and be able to independently adjust priorities according to deliverables across clients and internal teams.

Success Factors

• Graphic design or visual effects degree or equivalent experience with an eye for brand
• 5+ years of professional design experience, with at least 2+ years focused specifically on motion graphics and video production (agency experience preferred)
• A compelling portfolio showcasing motion graphics and video work at a campaign level, alongside a solid understanding of broader design principles and brand systems
• Expert knowledge of After Effects and Premiere, alongside strong working knowledge of Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Experience working with and creating design systems
• A keen understanding of UX design principles, including expert knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage time independently. Must be able to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and proactively flag conflicts with account and creative teams
• Comfortable operating in a high-volume, fast-turnaround production environment, balancing speed and scale with brand consistency and craft quality.
• A finger on the pulse of the latest design, social, and digital trends
• Experience with AI-powered creative tools (such as generative design, motion, or video tools) is a plus

Benefits

• Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment

Salary

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth.

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live. Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week. We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you're inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Equity & Inclusion

We foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities—can feel safe, celebrated and worthy. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture.