Animator

At Awana, we believe true change happens in the communities when children and youth are transformed by the gospel and engaged in Biblical discipleship in the presence of a caring adult. We believe that kids can come to know, love, and serve Jesus, following Him for a lifetime. This is why, for 70+ years, Awana has been working with leaders in local churches in the US and around the world, providing solutions that equip these women and men to make disciples in children and youth. 

Today, God is using Awana to reach over 6.4 million kids in 135 countries around the world. With over 500,000 equipped leaders in 68,000 clubs/churches, Awana is able to play a vital role in global evangelism and discipleship of children and youth.

Summary

This position works to advance the ministry of Awana by bringing scripts and storylines to life through visually captivating digital animations in collaboration with various departments to achieve business and campaign objectives. They will also assist in scriptwriting to convey our brand's message effectively and create narratives that engage and interact with our audience.

This position is primarily remote with occasional travel required based on strategic organizational meetings. Primary travel locations would be our offices in St. Charles, IL or Nashville, TN.

Hiring Range for this position is: $50,000 to $60,000

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on animation tasks and projects with the curriculum and brand teams.
• Produce high-quality animations across various styles and project types, including keyframe. 
• Align delivery of work with project requirements and artistic direction.
• Interact with Production leadership and adhere to shot deadlines.
• Implement changes and finalize shots on schedule.
• Participate in team reviews to decipher and apply feedback to enhance animation quality.
• Clearly communicate workflow and/or deadline concerns to Production and Leadership.
• Attend training sessions and potentially conduct supervisor-approved training.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of production tools.
• Support, uphold and demonstrate the Awana cultural values in internal and external communications and relationships. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of studio production experience.
• Efficient team and independent work capabilities.
• Proficiency in After Effects and Premiere Pro.
• Versatility in animation styles.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, including weight, physics, balance, appeal, clear timing, spacing, and staging.
• General understanding of editing, sound design, music overlay, and voiceovers.
• Effective use of references and research.
• Knowledge of human and animal anatomy with the ability to demonstrate that within animation.
• Emotion conveyance through body language and facial expressions displayed within animation abilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of ToonBoom is a plus.
• Working knowledge of 3D Animation is a plus.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office, Box, and Google Suite Skills preferred.
• A deep passion for video editing and storytelling.
• Experience in editing live events, interviews, corporate promos, or social media content is preferred.
• Familiarity with proxy workflows is a plus.
• Occasional local and out-of-town overnight travel required.
• Possession of a valid State driver’s license and a current passport.
• Familiarity with the US church landscape and/or global nonprofits preferred.

Competencies 

• Passionate about ministry growth and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and creatively solve challenges.
• Adaptability to changing situations and excellent time management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work.
• Creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in social media platforms.
• Proven ability to align with strategic goals, manage priorities, and deliver results.
• Resourceful, creative, detail-oriented, and able to navigate complex processes.
• Clear communicator, able to communicate technical issues to non-technical individuals.
• Critical thinker, able to troubleshoot projects and processes.
• Values quality, accuracy, and collaboration.
• Able to engage diverse groups of learners and advocate for excellent experiences.
• Analytical with proactive problem-solving skills.
• Disciplined, accountable, and a life-long learner.
• Demonstrates adaptability when receiving feedback.
• Exhibits a high EQ (Emotional Quotient/Intelligence), including relationship-building, collaboration, active listening, and adaptability to organizational change.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate. The employee is also required to regularly utilize computer equipment (e.g., screens and keyboards) to perform work and move about the work environment.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to shift frequently between close and distance vision. Local and out-of-town overnight travel may be required.

Our Benefits for Full Time Team members:

• WFH/Hybrid
• Flexible work schedule
• Medical/Dental/Vision (BCBS PPO)
• HSA (employer contribution available)
• 401(k) & IRA with employer match
• Short/Long-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Generous PTO benefit
• Maternity & Paternity Leave
• Great people - great culture – extraordinary mission!

This Job Description reflects the current assignment of essential functions and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this job at any time based on the needs of the organization and may be modified to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or for other reasons.