Associate Creative Director, Studio, Ruder Finn Job at Ruder Finn in Chicago

About RF Studio53

RF Studio53 (www.rfstudio53.com) is a New York-based creative studio focused on building powerful creative experiences through graphic design, moving image, interactive content and much more. Working internationally with leading businesses and industry associations within the healthcare, technology, and life sciences sectors, we specialize in communicating innovation and change in ways which people embrace. Our work reaches people through brand communications, advocacy, corporate storytelling, employee engagement, brand strategy, paid media and all the spaces in between.

We are looking for an articulate, intelligent Associate Creative Director to work across a diverse range of design projects for a variety of clients This is an opportunity for an ambitious candidate to help lead, inspire, and help develop our creative team, to ensure we continue to create the very high standard of work our clients have come to expect. Are you ready to see what's next?

Responsibilities

• Participate in brainstorming sessions to generate unique and innovative concepts for motion design and animation projects
• Work closely with the creative team to develop and refine ideas, ensuring that the creative vision is maintained throughout the project
• Oversee the entire production process, from initial storyboarding to final animation, ensuring alignment with client goals and studio standards
• Mentor and guide junior motion designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering their professional growth
• Liaise with clients to present ideas and updates and incorporate their feedback to refine the work
• Stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies to integrate innovative techniques into projects and maintain a competitive edge
• Ensure the highest quality of animation and design work, paying close attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Coordinate with multiple team members and manage various projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met
• Utilize expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma to produce high-quality digital deliverables. Familiarity with 3D workflows [i.e. Cinema4D] is a plus
• Interpret and visualize complex information effectively to create clear and compelling static & motion-based data visualizations

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Animation, Graphic Design, or a related field is essential. Advanced degrees or certifications in animation or related fields are a plus
• At least 8 years of experience in animation and motion graphics, ideally in an agency or production studio
• Demonstrated success in overseeing motion design & animation projects from concept to completion
• Demonstrated grasp of design fundamentals, with a key emphasis on typesetting, use of color and shapes, and compositional layouts
• Proficiency in industry-standard software, including Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and other animation tools. Ability to work in editing software to help in compiling motion graphics over footage is a plus
• Advanced Power Point skills; with a strong understanding of how-to setup master slide templates
• A strong portfolio showcasing innovative and high-quality animation work. Ability to generate and execute unique creative concepts
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a creative team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively to clients and team members
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering outstanding results
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and client needs, maintaining a high level of creativity and quality under pressure
• Deep understanding of current industry trends and emerging technologies in animation, and the ability to apply them to enhance project outcomes
• Strong writing and organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Experience working with different workflows and overseeing process
• Previous experience in healthcare or technology industry a plus but not required
• Experience working on digital deliverables and a keen interest in digital trends
• Ability to manage multiple projects, team members and deadlines

Benefits and More

• You will receive a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity
• You will also be able to enroll in our Health, Dental, Vision, company paid Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, as well as 401k (match) plan.
• Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, etc.
• Generous PTO policy with paid maternity/paternity leave
• Transit benefits
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Workplace flexibility
• On-site and off-site social gatherings

Ruder Finn provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Ruder Finn will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Ruder Finn believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.