Twin Cities PBS is hiring: VFX Artist & Graphic Designer in Saint Paul

POSITION SUMMARY:

Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is seeking a talented and detail-oriented VFX Artist & Graphic Designer to contribute to high-quality visual effects, motion graphics, and animation for broadcast, digital, and promotional content. Reporting to the Creative Director within the MarComm department, this role requires a creative and technical expert who can manage projects efficiently, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with producers, lead artists, and supervisors. The ideal candidate will bring strong artistic vision, problem-solving skills, and a passion for storytelling through visual effects.

Your resume and portfolio/showreel are required to apply.

Compensation: This position is paid according to the NABET union schedule of $37.48 to $43.25 per hour in addition to company provided benefits.

Hybrid Work Environment: Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Twin Cities Metro area and report to onsite office three days per week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Visual Effects & Content Creation (45% of time)

• Conceptualize and execute original visual effects, motion graphics, and animation for television, digital platforms, and promotional materials.
• Develop and implement creative design solutions that align with current trends and effectively meet client and project needs.
• Ensure all graphics, animation, and effects are produced in compliance with TPT and PBS brand standards and technical specifications.
• Oversee the visual identity of new productions, creating unique "look and feel" elements when needed.

Production & Workflow Management (35% of time)

• Collaborate with producers, lead artists, and supervisors to track and manage project workflows across departments.
• Organize and document meetings, dailies, and reviews, ensuring clear follow-ups.
• Communicate project updates effectively through meetings, email, and Microsoft Teams.
• Maintain accurate progress reports and oversee client deliveries of all temp and final assets.
• Develop original, compelling visual content that aligns with brand messaging and strategy.
• Ensure all designs adhere to TPT's branding guidelines in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team.

Project & Deadline Management (20% of time)

• Deliver high-quality VFX assets on time, meeting client expectations.
• Handle feedback and revisions efficiently while maintaining an organized workflow.
• Work independently while incorporating direction from production leads and supervisors.
• Stay composed and adaptable in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget to support departmental and corporate financial goals.

Technical Expertise & Qualifications

• Visual Effects & Motion Graphics: Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in VFX, motion graphics, and animation, with a sharp eye for composition, typography, color, lighting, shadow, and motion.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of industry-standard tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign, Addition), and web design tools such as Figma. Experience with 3D motion graphics, shaders, modeling, dynamics, and compositing a plus.
• Asset & Media Management: Organize and maintain media acquisition, storage, and retrieval processes to ensure assets are readily available when needed.
• Artistic & Cinematic Knowledge: Strong visual awareness and ability to create high-quality VFX/motion graphics. Understanding of photography principles, including depth of field, shutter speed, aperture, composition, and framing for seamless VFX integration.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong project management abilities to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability & Growth: Enthusiastic about learning and professional development. Open to direction, feedback, and iteration in a fast-paced production environment.
• Data Feeds: Experience integrating and managing data feeds (RSS, URLs, tickers, etc.) within workflows to streamline content delivery.
• Third-Party Software: Design and develop content using third-party graphic software for integration into our platform.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must be proficient in the following:

• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• After Effects
• Premiere

Bonus

• Addition
• InDesign
• Figma
• Blender
• Nuke
• Maya
• DaVinci

Business Tools

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Teams
• Robohead
• Vimeo
• Proficient in both Mac and PC operating systems, with the ability to troubleshoot and work efficiently across platforms.

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Effects or Bachelor of Science in Animation and VFX.
• Master of Arts in Animation and VFX a plus.
• A combination of education and experience in design may be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)