Lead Designer

At NESN, we’re more than a regional sports network. We’re the creative force behind every game, every moment, and every memory for fans of the Red Sox and Bruins through NESN. In addition to NESN, we also support Sportsnet Pittsburgh (SNP), the regional sports network for the Penguins and Pirates, as well as other media properties under our operation, delivering high-quality content and innovative visuals across all platforms. We bring sports to life with our on-air graphics, promotional spots, commercials, live broadcasts, and specialized projects. For us, it’s not just about following sports; it’s about shaping how fans experience the game.

Are You a Great Fit?

Do you live and breathe sports? Are Adobe programs like Photoshop, After Effects, and Illustrator second nature to you? Are you energized by motion graphics and looking to make a mark in sports media? If you’re flexible enough to handle game days and some holiday work, and if the idea of contributing to something monumental excites you, we want to meet you.

What You’ll Bring to NESN

As part of our team, you’ll bring your design skills and your collaborative spirit. You’ll be working alongside an experienced team of creatives, each dedicated to delivering the highest quality content for our fans. Your role will be key in shaping the visuals that define our broadcasts and in helping us continue pushing the boundaries of sports media.

If you’re ready to combine your love of sports with your design talent and join a team that’s passionate about excellence, NESN is the place to be. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to our broadcasts, our brand, and our fans.

The Lead Designer plays a vital role in collaborating with the Art Director and the Creative Services team to deliver exceptional visual content across all platforms, with a strong focus on broadcast graphics. This position combines hands-on design expertise with creative leadership, emphasizing the ability to produce cutting-edge 3D motion graphics and advanced compositing solutions.

As a project leader, the Lead Designer takes ownership of design initiatives from concept to completion, ensuring every detail meets the highest quality standards while aligning with creative goals and deadlines. Beyond project execution, they contribute to the team’s growth by offering mentorship and fostering an environment that encourages creativity and technical excellence.

This individual is not only a skilled designer but also a team-oriented collaborator who thrives on solving creative challenges and pushing boundaries. The Lead Designer blends creativity, technical skill, and leadership to shape impactful visual stories while contributing to the team’s overall success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver design and animation solutions from concept to final delivery across multiple media platforms (broadcast, online, off-air).
• Present design concepts to internal stakeholders, ensuring they align with the brand’s identity and the network's goals.
• Stay updated and proficient in design tools such as Cinema 4D, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant software.
• Ensure projects adhere to strict deadlines and maintain the highest standards of quality in motion graphics production.
• Provide feedback and mentorship to help designers grow both creatively and technically, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Act as a key communicator between the team and the Art Director, ensuring alignment of priorities and goals.
• Work closely with departments such as production, marketing, and programming to anticipate and fulfill design needs.
• Collaborate directly with the Art Director to align design strategies with overarching brand and network visions.
• Lead brainstorming sessions to generate innovative solutions to design challenges.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines are met, and creative standards are upheld.
• Provide regular updates to the Art Director and stakeholders on project statuses.
• Balance design work with creative leadership and collaboration.

We believe in the potential within every individual. If you’re passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Please include a reel or link showcasing exceptional creative ability and technical expertise.

Qualifications:

• 3 years experience conceptualizing and designing motion graphics for advertising, cable/broadcast TV or creative studio
• 5 years of experience in design or motion graphics, with at least 2 years in a leadership or mentorship capacity.
• 2 years of experience in project management responsibilities
• Proven expertise in 3D/2D motion design, typography, branding, and advanced level conceptual art
• Proven ability to lead and motivate project teams
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as production, marketing, and programming to deliver cohesive design solutions.
• An expert in Cinema 4D and Adobe Creative Suite
• Proven experience working on multi-platform design projects including broadcast, online, and off-air media.
• Self-starter with proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across various departments
• Flexible and experienced in prioritizing projects moving at different speeds with competing deadlines
• Strong communication skills to present ideas and solutions effectively across various departments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency in prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently, in fast-paced environments.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.

Some of the benefits we provide include:

• Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
• Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
• Paid parental leave
• Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
• Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
• Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
• Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
• LinkedIn Learning Courses - Eligible employees receive a free membership to LinkedIn Learning which provides on-demand learning to thousands of courses anytime, anywhere from your computer to your mobile device.
• MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family’s future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more!

Who We Are

NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.

As of Fall 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.

Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.

NESN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.