Content Creator

Job Description

The Content Creator, Athletics is part of the Athletics Communications Team within the Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for capturing and producing high-quality, versatile content that elevates the Vanderbilt brand and showcases our athletics programs. This role collaborates closely with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective content capture, distribution, and alignment with broader organizational goals and strategies. With a focus on adaptability and innovation, the Content Creator is a key player in enhancing the storytelling and engagement across multiple platforms. This position works closely with the Senior Graphics Designer, Senior Lead of Social Media, along with other internal and external partners.

Reporting directly to the Visual Media Manager, Athletics this position does not have supervisory responsibility. This role requires frequent work during nights and weekends as well as some holidays. This role also does require the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus according to the needs of the Visual Media Manager, Athletics. 

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and deeply collaborative group. The division, with all of its departments and sub-teams, serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University’s global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for other divisions in the university, providing comprehensive plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team continuously seeks innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in order to deliver results at scale to advance the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Capture and produce versatile, high-quality content including photography and videography that aligns with the brand and team's objectives.
• Collaborate closely with team members to facilitate effective content capture and distribution to student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Assist in managing the creative workflow, including organizing and leading photo and video shoots.
• Maintain a foundational understanding of social media operations to aid in content alignment and future strategy developments.
• Monitor and report on the performance and engagement of created content, making data-driven recommendations for strategy adjustments.
• Adapt to new technologies and methods for content creation as the field evolves.
• Provide timely responses and communications across team members, coaches, and additional stakeholders.
• Manage multiple, complex projects efficiently and effectively, both with quick turnarounds and long lead times.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics, demonstrating outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Travel is required. (>20%) 
• Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities, and perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field is necessary; however, experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered.
• At least 2-4 years of experience in communications, content creation, marketing, social media management or related field, with a track record of success in online communications, is necessary.
• Experience working with collegiate or professional athletics is necessary.
• Strong skills in videography and photography are necessary.
• Proven expertise in using Adobe Creative Suite for photo and video editing is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Sony equipment is strongly preferred.
• Basic understanding of social media operations, including content creation, publishing, and data reporting, is preferred. This foundational knowledge will aid in more effective collaboration and content strategy alignment within the team; day-to-day social media management is not expected.
• Exceptional flexibility and adaptability in rapidly changing environments is necessary.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented setting is necessary.
• Proven project management skills, particularly in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment are strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• A keen understanding of current trends in content creation and social media is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to pivot strategies and tasks to meet evolving team goals is necessary.