2D Animator / Motion Designer

MDR Strategy Group is a Canadian advisory firm that helps public-interest organizations strengthen how they communicate, operate, and govern.

We are seeking an experienced 2D Animator / Motion Designer for a full-time position of approximately one year.

This is a hands-on creative and production role for an experienced animator who can take a project from script through storyboard, creative presentation, animation, and final production. The successful candidate will produce polished, short-form animated videos combining 2D animation, motion graphics, typography, illustration, voiceover, music, and sound. Working from approved scripts, brand standards, and creative direction, the 2D Animator / Motion Designer will develop the visual approach for each project, create and present detailed storyboards, and carry approved concepts through animation and final production.

This is a demanding, fast-paced production role that requires a high degree of professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. The successful candidate must be comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining exceptional standards for accuracy, consistency, and production quality.

At MDR, speed does not come at the expense of quality. Every video must reflect a commitment to creative excellence and meticulous execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The 2D Animator / Motion Designer will:

• Review and interpret scripts, creative briefs, brand standards, and project objectives to develop the visual approach for each video.
• Develop a storyboard for each project, translating scripts and voiceovers into clear, scene-by-scene visual concepts.
• Determine visual composition, animation concepts, transitions, pacing, typography, imagery, and other creative elements during the storyboarding process.
• Present storyboards and creative concepts to MDR team members and clients, clearly explaining the proposed visual direction.
• Receive and incorporate feedback, revise storyboards, and obtain creative approval before moving into animation.
• Create professional 2D animated and motion-graphics videos based on approved storyboards.
• Assemble animation, voiceover, music, sound effects, illustrations, graphics, typography, and other visual elements into cohesive finished videos.
• Develop animation sequences that visually support and strengthen the narration rather than simply replicate what is being said.
• Create and animate characters, icons, illustrations, infographics, text, transitions, and other visual assets.
• Synchronize animation and visual transitions precisely with voiceover and music.
• Edit and mix supplied voiceover, music, and audio assets as required for final production.
• Apply established MDR and client brand standards consistently.
• Adapt existing animation templates and visual assets for multiple organizations while maintaining consistency across a broader video series.
• Prepare videos in appropriate formats, dimensions, resolutions, and compression settings for websites, social media, presentations, and other digital platforms.
• Maintain organized storyboards, source files, project assets, and version histories.
• Conduct quality-control reviews to ensure accuracy, consistency, timing, audio quality, and visual polish.
• Manage multiple video projects and production deadlines simultaneously.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Professional experience in 2D animation and motion design is required.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated professional experience producing high-quality 2D animation and motion-graphics content.
• A compelling professional portfolio of comparable work demonstrating the quality of animation expected for this role.
• Demonstrated experience developing storyboards and translating scripts into effective visual narratives.
• Strong visual conceptualization skills and the ability to develop an animation concept from written material.
• Experience presenting storyboards, visual treatments, and creative concepts to colleagues and clients.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain creative decisions and respond professionally to feedback.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe After Effects and strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, or comparable professional software.
• Proficiency with professional storyboarding, illustration, and design tools.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, composition, typography, visual hierarchy, pacing, and visual storytelling.
• Experience editing video and integrating voiceover, music, and sound.
• Ability to translate complex or abstract information into clear and engaging visual sequences.
• Experience working within established brand systems and creative standards.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly with typography, timing, synchronization, and visual consistency.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and respond efficiently to revisions and creative direction.
• Strong organizational and file-management practices.
• Experience producing explainer videos, educational content, public-information campaigns, corporate communications, or content for professional organizations is strongly preferred.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Success in this role begins before animation starts. The successful candidate will be able to take a written script, understand what needs to be communicated, develop a strong visual concept, and demonstrate what the finished product can become through an effective storyboard. They will be comfortable presenting their creative thinking, receiving feedback, refining concepts, and translating an approved storyboard into a polished final product. The successful candidate will understand that effective animation is not simply about making graphics move. It is about using movement, pacing, imagery, typography, voice, music, and sound together to make information easier to understand and more compelling to watch.

HOURS

This is a full-time position of approximately one year. The successful candidate must have the availability and capacity to consistently meet the requirements of a full-time production schedule throughout the term.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must be located in Canada. To apply, submit:

• A resume outlining relevant professional experience.
• A compelling portfolio or reel featuring examples of similar 2D animation and motion-design work. Applications without relevant work samples will not be considered.
• Examples of storyboards or visual treatments, where available, demonstrating the applicant's ability to develop a project from concept through production.
• A brief introduction outlining the applicant's experience and suitability for the role.
• Expected monthly salary or compensation for this full-time engagement.

MDR is seeking an experienced professional who can contribute immediately.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate both the creative quality of their work and their personal role in developing and producing the portfolio examples submitted.