Senior Animation Director - Feature Film Production

About the Role Our client, a renowned animation studio located in **Kansas City, Missouri**, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior Animation Director to lead our esteemed animation team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the visual storytelling of our upcoming feature films, guiding the creative vision from pre-production through to final delivery. You will be instrumental in setting the artistic direction, ensuring character performances are captivating and emotionally resonant, and maintaining the highest standards of quality that our studio is known for. Join a collaborative environment in the heart of **Kansas City** and contribute to groundbreaking animated masterpieces. Key Responsibilities Oversee and guide the animation department throughout the entire production pipeline of feature films. Translate the director's vision and script into compelling and emotionally rich character performances. Collaborate closely with storyboarding, layout, and character design departments to ensure visual continuity and artistic integrity. Provide clear and constructive feedback to animators, supervisors, and leads, fostering a creative and productive atmosphere. Develop and maintain the animation style guide and character-specific performance notes. Conduct animation reviews, offering insights on timing, posing, acting, and overall performance. Mentor and inspire a team of talented animators, promoting skill development and artistic growth. Troubleshoot and resolve creative and technical challenges related to animation production. Ensure that the animation aligns with the overall narrative goals and aesthetic of the film. Work with producers to manage schedules, resources, and budgets for the animation department. Requirements Minimum of 8 years of experience in feature film animation, with at least 3 years in a directing or supervisory role. Proven track record of delivering high-quality animation on major feature film projects. Deep understanding of animation principles, character performance, cinematography, and storytelling. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide diverse teams. Proficiency with Maya or other industry-standard animation software. Strong eye for detail, composition, and visual aesthetics. Ability to provide clear, concise, and actionable feedback to animators. Experience working within established pipelines and adapting to studio workflows. A passion for animation and a dedication to artistic excellence. Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Benefits Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, and retirement savings plans. Join our vibrant team in **Kansas City, Missouri**, and be part of creating stories that touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. We provide ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work on critically acclaimed projects.