Motion graphics designer

Guardian Australia is part of Guardian News & Media (GNM), publisher of theguardian.com. As a leading global media organisation, we are renowned for our pioneering independent journalism and our award-winning digital products.

We are seeking for a motion graphics designer to join our editorial team, to design motion graphics and animation for the Guardian Australia’s multimedia department, including onsite and off-platform videos, social carousels and explainers crafting strong motion graphics/animations which explain complex stories and ideas and engage our audience.

This role is being offered on a full-time, 12-month contract, with early starts and/or late finishes. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

In this role you will…

• Design motion graphics and animation for use in videos on and off-platform.
• 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.
• Create graphics templates for video producers and editors 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.
• Liaise with video producers, multimedia editors, journalists, social video producers, art directors, designers, developers and other specialists at Guardian Australia.
• Work on interactive journalism projects as required.
• Undertake training as required.

You’ll bring….

Knowledge and experience

• At least four years of professional 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 digital newsroom is an advantage.
• Ideally, you’ll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role.

Skills / behaviours

• A strong understanding of Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop and Premiere Pro is preferred.
• Additional technical specialism, e.g. Photoshop animation, stop motion or sound design is advantageous.
• Able to manage projects to strict deadlines.
• Good understanding of After Effects expressions, and how to create and maintain our Motion Graphics Templates used for branding in Adobe Premiere Pro edits.
• Good editorial judgement, with an interest in and knowledge of current affairs and world events.
• Collaborative, open and inclusive in approach.
• Enthusiastic about experimenting with new formats and ways of reaching audiences.
• Understanding of audience needs and behaviour across different platforms.
• Comfortable engaging with analytics to take a data-informed approach to decision-making.
• Open to learning new skills and adaptable in applying your existing expertise in new ways.
• Keen to innovate and experiment in your daily work, seeing every outcome as a chance to learn and improve.
• Ability to follow senior editorial and art direction.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage time effectively, with attention to detail and patience.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, and accept constructive feedback.
• Understanding of our values - honesty, integrity, courage, fairness, and a sense of duty to the reader and the community.
• A passion for independent journalism and an understanding of our editorial code and values

About working at Guardian Australia…

• Hybrid working
• Employee assistance program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing
• Paid volunteer leave
• Dedicated diversity and inclusion employee groups, action plans (including our Reconciliation Action Plan) and cultural competency training
• Guardian digital subscription

For more information please view the full job description here.

This role is being offered on a full-time, 12-month contract, with early starts and/or late finishes. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

To apply for this position, please apply online and upload your résumé (maximum three pages) plus covering letter. In your covering letter please outline your motivation for applying for the role and why you think you are suitable.

Closing date for applications: Thursday, 22 October 2026

If you have application questions or if you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please email australia.hr@theguardian.com

GNM Australia Limited (Guardian Australia) is proud to be a fair and ethical employer. Australian editorial minimum rates of pay by band and grade are outlined in the Journalists (GNM Australia Pty Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024 for roles that fall under its coverage.

We believe that our role in the Australian media is to give a voice to the most marginalised people in society and value and respect all differences in all people — including people of colour, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from different social classes, people with diverse gender and sexual identities, and people with disabilities (seen and unseen). We believe that these communities must be centred in the work we do, bringing a new perspective and a diversity of thought. We also encourage flexible working and aim to create a work environment where all employees feel respected.