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.
We are seeking a motion graphic designer to design motion graphics and animation which explain complex stories and ideas and engage our audiences, with a particular focus on sport.
The stories you'll work on could span a wide range of subjects in sport journalism. Recent projects include videos that explain historic rivalry between national teams, untouchable power at the top of football's governing body, and uncover the societal impacts of massive sport events. Working alongside journalists, producers and designers, you'll use visual journalism to make complex reporting accessible, compelling and memorable for millions of readers.
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract or internal staff secondment, on a 9-day fortnight working pattern (with regular weekend working).
About the role
- Design motion graphics and animation, primarily for the Guardian's sport social video team for use in videos published on and off-platform, and occasionally for other editorial desks as required.
- Working with members of the Guardian's Sport and video teams, and as directed by the executive producer for sport, 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.
- 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 and brand and visual reporting, and work closely with the design department.
- Liaise with video producers, multimedia editors, sport editors and journalists, social video producers, art directors, designers, developers and other specialists at the Guardian
About you
- Demonstrable 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.
- Ideally have an interest in/knowledge of sport
- 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
- 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 operate in a hybrid environment working at least 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross.
The salary for this NUJ position starts from £47,731 with a package commensurate with the skills, level of experience and responsibilities of the role.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 18th August 2026.
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.
Motion Graphics Designer, Sport employer: GUARDIAN NEWS & MEDIA
At the Guardian, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions diversity and fosters personal and professional growth. As a Motion Graphics Designer in our dynamic Social Platforms team, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as six weeks of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to wellness initiatives, all while contributing to impactful journalism from our modern King's Cross office. Join us to create compelling visuals that engage audiences and make a difference in the media landscape.
