Visual Storyteller / Videotape Producer/Director II

Working/Functional Title

Visual Storyteller

Position Summary

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences and WKAR Public Media is seeking a skilled photographer and videographer to bring the college’s and its public media station’s people, programs, research and impact to life through compelling visual storytelling. As a member of the college’s marcom team, this individual will capture, produce and edit high-quality photography and video for use across the college’s and WKAR’s digital, social media, web and print channels. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable behind a camera capturing still images and producing video, with the technical skills and creative judgment to adapt content for different audiences, platforms and storytelling needs.

At ComArtSci, we practice what we teach and research. This role offers an opportunity to put the principles of visual communication, storytelling and audience engagement into practice while showcasing the work and impact of our college community.

The ideal candidate is a versatile visual storyteller who combines strong technical skills with creativity, sound editorial judgment and an understanding of how visual content supports broader communications and marketing goals.

Key Responsibilities

Photography and Videography

• Plan and execute photography and video shoots featuring students, faculty, staff, alumni, events, research, academic programs and college and WKAR initiatives.
• Produce high-quality visual content that supports the college’s and WKAR’s marketing and communications priorities.
• Capture content in both vertical and horizontal formats, with an understanding of the distinct creative and technical requirements of social, web, email, print and other distribution channels.
• Work independently and as part of a team in a variety of settings, including events, classrooms, studios, research environments and on-location shoots.
• Conduct interviews and capture supporting footage to develop engaging, story-driven video content.
• Adapt shooting techniques, composition, lighting, audio and production approaches to fit the subject, audience and intended use.

Video and Photo Editing

• Edit photography and video to produce audience-focused content aligned with college brand standards and editorial priorities.
• Use industry-standard photo, video and post-production tools, like photoshop, lightroom, premier, to color-correct images, edit footage, mix audio, incorporate graphics and prepare assets for publication.
• Create platform-appropriate content, including short-form vertical video, social media reels, longer-form video stories and photography collections.
• Optimize and export assets for a range of digital and print applications while maintaining visual quality and consistency.
• Stay current with emerging visual storytelling techniques, production tools, platform specifications and audience preferences.

Visual Asset Management

• Create, organize and maintain the college’s and WKAR’s photography and video asset library.
• Establish and maintain consistent file-naming, metadata, tagging and organizational practices that make assets easy to search, access and reuse.
• Ensure the library remains current, well organized and accessible to the college’s academic and administrative units.
• Maintain accurate asset information, including relevant captions, dates, subjects, usage rights and permissions.
• Identify opportunities to improve asset management workflows, reduce duplication and make visual resources more useful across the college.

Collaborate

• Collaborate with marketing and communications colleagues, faculty, staff and other campus partners to identify and develop compelling visual stories.
• Translate communications objectives and story concepts into effective
• visual approaches, recommending the formats and production techniques
• best suited to each audience and channel.
• Contribute creative ideas during editorial planning meetings and content development, helping the team identify opportunities to tell stories through photography and video.
• Ensure visual content reflects the college’s and WKAR’s identity, brand standards, accessibility practices and commitment to representing its community thoughtfully and accurately.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining high production standards and communicating proactively with colleagues and stakeholders.

What Success Looks Like:

The successful candidate will help the college and WKAR tell more compelling stories about its people, programs, research and impact.

Through thoughtful production, effective editing and strong collaboration, this individual will deliver versatile visual content that serves audiences across platforms and gives ComArtSci units access to a reliable, well-maintained library of visual assets.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in photography, videography, film, media production, visual communication, journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of professional experience in both photography and videography.
• Demonstrated proficiency in professional photography and video production, from planning and capture through editing and final delivery.
• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard photo and video editing software.
• Experience producing content in both vertical and horizontal formats for social media, web, print and other communications channels.
• Demonstrated understanding of visual storytelling, composition, lighting, audio capture, editing and production techniques.
  Experience organizing and maintaining digital photo and video asset libraries.
• Strong organizational, communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• A professional portfolio demonstrating the quality, range and versatility of photography and video work.
• Understanding of accessibility considerations for video, including captioning and readable on-screen text.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or public media.
• Familiarity with digital asset management systems, metadata standards, tagging conventions and media archiving practices.
• Ability to translate complex subjects, including research and academic work, into clear, engaging visual stories.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

For consideration, submit a video demo reel and work samples of photography, as well as a cover letter and resume.

Work Hours

At least three days per week required in office. May be required to work more in-person during the first 6-12 months of service in the position. The position requires flexibility of nights and/or weekends as needs arise.

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends November 3, 2026 at 11:55 PM