Job Description

Job Summary:

The Manager, Animation helps lead the ESPN Creative Studio Animation/Animation FX team and their workflows. They are responsible for balancing creative and production priorities with efficiency, staff development, and long-term strategic planning. The Manager oversees animation staff, technology resources, schedules, and team performance. They have a comprehensive understanding of animation team software, hardware, workflows, along with knowledge of individual staff skillsets and development areas. They are proactive problem-solvers with an eye on emerging production trends to anticipate future animation needs. They help create an innovative, collaborative, and creatively positive environment for the entire team. They engage and align with internal leaders on workflows to deliver against company priorities and key business goals.

Responsibilities:

• Daily leadership, planning, monitoring, and support of all staff and assignments
• Daily assessment of workloads and priorities to keep projects running smoothly
• Easily pivot attention to where needed & readily open to diverse ideas and discussion
• Direct management, mentoring and coaching of supervisor- and staff-level personnel
• Develop and align team workflows and strategies with ESPN Creative Studio priorities
• Assess staff capabilities & proactively plan against known and anticipated project needs
• Foster a team environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and skills growth
• Identify and drive resolutions to technical, operational, and organizational challenges
• Collaborate with IT partners to guide enhancements to team software and hardware
• Engage with ECS leaders and outside vendors to influence and align on workflows

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in animation, design, tv production
• Strong understanding of industry-standard animation software and workflows
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Confident problem solver; able to think quickly in pressure situations
• Technical curiosity; keen to generate and explore new ideas
• Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and group dynamic skills
• Excellent coaching and motivational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience supervising in-person and remote creative teams
• Proven experience working with DEET/IT and outside vendors
• Strong knowledge of ESPN studio and event animation packages
• Strong technical troubleshooting abilities
• Deadline Render Manager experience
• Microsoft 365 application experience

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Degree in Animation, VFX, Graphic Design, TV/Film Production, or related field

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $126,800.00 to $170,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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