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 looking for a motion graphics designer to join our Social Platforms team. You will design motion graphics and animation for the Guardian’s multimedia department, with a particular focus on TikTok and Instagram, to craft compelling visuals that explain complex stories and engage our audience.
Examples include same-day news explainers, longer form social-first investigations, evergreen data analysis videos - as well as infographic headline cards and bespoke designed off-platform carousels.
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract or internal staff secondment.
About the role
- Working with members of the Guardian’s video and social team, and as directed by the social platforms editor, to create bespoke audience-focused motion graphics and explanatory static cards, carousels and animations to a consistently high standard for productions across all areas of our digital journalism focusing on social media
- Design graphics for the Guardian’s social media team including, but not limited to, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube shorts
- Create graphics templates for internal and external 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
- Liaise with video producers, multimedia editors, journalists, social video producers, art directors, designers, developers and other specialists at the Guardian
- Work on interactive journalism projects with the visuals team, as required.
About you
- Demonstrable professional experience of creating high quality motion graphics, animation and static design, translating ideas into engaging, dynamic, visual storytelling with strong use of typography, colour, composition and brand
- Ideally, you will have a strong understanding of Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop, Figma and Premiere Pro
- A keen interest in visualising data and explanatory design, and understanding of how to use animation/motion to simplify complex topics
- Experience in developing new video formats, styles and guidelines, such as explainers, with a focus on social media content and news videos
- 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
- 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 three days a week from our offices in King’s Cross in London.
Job share applications are welcome. If you are keen to apply jointly with someone else as a job share, you should make a single application and combine your application documents.
The salary for this NUJ position starts from £47,731, with a package commensurate with the skills, level of experience and responsibilities of the position.
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.
We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. Thank you for bearing with us during the screening process.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday August 12 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.
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.
