Sr Social Media Designer

Departmental Summary

ESPN Social is looking for a talented video editor/designer to help us bring creative sports content to life across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and Snapchat. Each day you’ll be tasked with blending creativity, sports knowledge, journalistic instincts, and design skills to produce industry-leading content seen by millions of sports fans.

Position Summary

A Senior Designer, Social Content will be expected to create multiple high-end creative assets that span a variety of accounts and platforms in any given week. Ideal candidates should have experience managing other creatives and an ability to utilize audience data to inform how ESPN evolves its design. A Senior Designer will be expected to interpret ESPN content authentically for social media platforms and represent the off-platform content team in group meetings with internal stakeholders.

This position can be based in Bristol, CT, New York, Charlotte or CA.

Responsibilities:

• Create video content across off-platform destinations that are uniquely optimized to fit each social media audience and align with ESPN's social brand identities
• Utilize Adobe After Effects, Premiere, and other video editing software to create custom content for a diverse slate of platforms
• Work in a fast-paced environment that requires quick-turning numerous pieces of content in a day
• Demonstrate an ability to balance multiple projects and the flexibility to pivot from a plan to react to breaking news or viral moments
• Collaborate alongside social media specialists and help them execute their visions
• Pitch ideas in weekly brainstorms and daily content meetings
• Work with Social Specialists and Creative Manager on co-leading content plans for priority events and initiatives
• Educate social media specialists to advance their understanding of basic design concepts to maintain the ESPN visual brand and create content that is optimized for social media
• Communicate with managers and producers to regularly update project timelines and report on progress
• Note that sports happen on nights, weekends, and holidays and those shifts are to be expected in this position
• Will lead on projects that require interfacing with internal partners within the company, as well as outside freelancers
• Strong ability to vet content (beyond design layout) to ensure visuals adhere to ESPN’s values and brand with the social media audience in mind

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years’ design experience with at least 2 years designing for social media
• Experience using 3D software like Blender or Cinema 4D
• Online portfolio/demo reel showcasing your creativity, design, and type layout skills
• Proficient in video editing software, including but not limited to Adobe After Effects and Premiere
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work under high pressure and tight deadlines
• Understanding of social media and other emerging platforms
• Basic knowledge of the sports landscape, including current athletes, rules, and events
• Understanding of and appreciation for audience analytics

Preferred Qualifications

• Willing to learn about new editing software and implement it with ESPN Social’s design team when appropriate
• Commanding knowledge of the sports landscape
• Strong familiarity with social media and pop culture trends
• Highly skilled in interpreting and applying social data to influence design choices

Required Education

• High school diploma and a suitable combination of related training and experience.
   

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree in graphic design or related field.

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