Job Purpose

The Digital Artist / Animator will be responsible for developing and elevating visual content to support MBZUAI’s marketing and communication initiatives. This role plays a crucial part in producing visually compelling and dynamic multimedia content across various digital platforms, ensuring alignment with the university’s brand identity and storytelling objectives. As a key member of the creative team, the candidate will combine artistic vision with technical expertise to create animations, digital illustrations, and other multimedia assets that enhance MBZUAI’s visual presence. This position is integral to maintaining the university’s visual identity and contributing to integrated communications campaigns through high-quality, impactful content. The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to translate complex written concepts into visually engaging designs or animations, demonstrating creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of data visualization and storytelling techniques for digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Development

• Design and create high-quality 2D/3D animations, motion graphics, and digital assets for campaigns, social media, websites, and presentations.
• Develop visually compelling illustrations and digital art tailored to project needs.
• Conceptualize and storyboard ideas to communicate creative visions effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, content, product, etc.) to ensure designs align with strategic goals.

Project Management

• Lead the design and animation process from concept to final output, ensuring timely delivery.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Mentor assigned team members, providing guidance on techniques, workflows, and creative problem-solving.
• Be a part of strategic planning of content delivery for marketing campaigns, interpreting requirements, and providing expert advice on all aspects of all in-house services considering costs and value for money.
• Commission and manage external animation and graphic design services on behalf of the Marketing & Communications team for university stakeholders when appropriate.

Technical Execution

• Utilize advanced tools and software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to create cutting-edge digital content.
• Optimize animations and graphics for various formats, including web, social, and large-scale presentations.
• Basic retouching of photographs and images where relevant.
• Stay updated on emerging design and animation technologies, incorporating innovations into workstreams.

Brand Alignment

• Ensure all designs and animations adhere to the organization’s branding guidelines and creative standards.
• Innovate while maintaining consistency in tone, style, and messaging across platforms.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Work closely with creative directors, copywriters, and other designers to bring ideas to life.
• Present creative concepts to stakeholders, incorporating feedback and revisions effectively.

Other Duties:

• Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in multimedia production, film, video, communication, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

Essential

• 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in graphic design, design thinking, motion graphics, 2D animation, brand management.
• Experience in project management, client communication, and working with cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of Arabic for creating bilingual assets.
• Understanding of and experience with social media and other online media advertising platforms.
• Knowledge of marketing and branding concepts.
• Prior experience and a proven track record of delivering premium quality work is also crucial.
• Agency or digital newsroom experience.

Preferred

• Previous experience in working in UAE culture.
• Experience in creating bespoke visual assets that are unique for a brand.
• Arabic and/or another language working proficiency.