The Jr. Graphic Designer/Motion Arist will sit within MLS Creative Services. The Creative department is an in-house team – part of the Brand & Integrated Marketing Department – that services all internal constituents of the League, including Clubs and Soccer United Marketing, the commercial and operational subsidiary representing other non-MLS soccer-related properties.

The Jr. Designer is responsible for conceptualization and design of solutions from ideation to completion. They will need strong communication and management skills and understanding of layout, typography and color theory. Some projects require producing animations and motion graphics in After Effects and HTML 5. Other projects are for static digital assets such as web banners, social graphics and video slates, while other projects are print-based and require knowledge of print design and production. The position requires working with both internal and external clients, and there is frequent interaction with other functional departments (e.g. Marketing, Communications, Events, Media, Community Relations). 

Primary Responsibilities

• Design of static digital assets (e.g. web banners, social media graphics).
• Design and animation of digital assets (e.g. in-stadium LED animations, brand intros, swipes, tune-in banners etc.) with After Effects and HTML5.
• Design and production of print assets (e.g., guidelines, flyers, environmental signage)
• Developing concepts around brand touchpoints (e.g. campaigns, big events)
• Support creative lead on big events, bringing to life entire platform, including marks, color schemes and secondary elements usage guidelines and applications
• Provide support across Creative Services general workflow: production, file preparation and other pre-production requirements
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2+ years proven experience in graphic design and animation

Design/Technical Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of design concepts and techniques, as well as brand worlds and systems
• Knowledge of broadcast and streaming graphic packages and their components
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects
• Proficiency in HTML 5 animations (for web banners)
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to bring concepts to life from a brief or creative toolkit

Requirements

• Great teammate and ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Outstanding organization and attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal direction
• Strong interpersonal skills: effective communicator, both written and verbal with other departments and partners
• Schedule flexibility
• High-level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage meetings and presentations
• Knowledge of design in sports (range of applications, technical requirements)

 Desired Skills

• Experience in Sports, pop-culture and entertainment environment a plus
• Knowledge of Spanish Language advantageous
• Knowledge of the sport of Soccer a plus
• Knowledge of eSports and Gaming world a plus

 Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $64,200 – $68,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

• Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
• Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
• Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. MLS/SUM complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding disability discrimination and accommodation.