Motion Graphics Designer

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

As a motion graphic designer, reactive news video you’ll design motion graphics and animation for the Guardian’s multimedia department with a particular focus on news and explainers, helping to explain complex stories and ideas to our diverse audiences.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract or internal staff secondment.

Examples of the sort of work you would be working on: 

• US-Israel war on Iran: what maps tells us about the unfolding Middle East crisis – video
• Visual investigation: How Rio’s deadliest police raid unfolded
• What to know about the Thailand-Cambodia conflict – video analysis
• Why alliances in the Iran-US war are not simple – video

About the role

• Design motion graphics and animation for the Guardian’s reactive news video team for use in videos published on and off-platform. 
• Working with the video team and the reactive news editor, to create bespoke audience-focused motion graphics and explanatory animations to a consistently high standard for one-off video productions across all areas of our digital journalism – including social media, news videos, documentaries, and interactives 
• Create graphics templates for video producers to use in their productions, and maintain our portfolio of existing brand graphics and template assets
• Use imagination and flair to maintain and develop consistent high standards of design, Guardian style & brand and visual reporting, and work closely with the design department. 

About you

• Experience of creating high quality motion graphics and animation, translating ideas into engaging, dynamic, visual storytelling with strong use of typography, colour, composition and brand.
• Demonstrable interest in visualising data and explanatory design, and understanding of how to use animation/motion to simplify complex topics.
• Experience developing new video formats, styles and guidelines, such as explainers, news video and documentaries.
• Experience of working collaboratively with video producers, designers and editors.
• Comfortable in the practical aspects of video production; from concept, to design, to animation, post-production and understanding how to incorporate sound and music.
• Experience working in a newsroom is an advantage
• Enthusiastic about experimenting with new formats and ways of reaching audiences.
• Ideally, you’ll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role

We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media

We currently operate a hybrid environment working at least 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for. 

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13th May 2026.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Sean on sean.brinkley@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.