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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—seeks an innovative Lead Visual Content Specialist (Principal Professional level) to join its dynamic, award-winning creative team and contribute to the creative expression of the Penn State brand.
In addition to providing day-to-day leadership of the visual content team, the successful candidate will manage the video production process from conception to completion, proactively and collaboratively engaging with other members of the creative team, and consulting with stakeholders across academic, administrative, and research units to produce multimedia content that inspires and engages key audiences while also supporting institutional priorities.
Due to the in-person requirements associated with visual content production, this position is expected to be in the office five days a week and will require occasional evening and weekend hours.
Key Responsibilities:
- Understand the brand-level goals and strategies of each project and how these can translate into the most appropriate, effective, on-brand, on-trend, and industry-leading creative solutions
- Engage the visual content team and manage available resources to execute and successfully deliver effective, compelling, and differentiating University-level multimedia content that strengthens the Penn State brand and supports the University’s strategic priorities
- Supervise the visual content staff and manage the team’s resources
- Research and develop content, brainstorm script ideas, establish and communicate production schedules, conduct interviews, produce and direct shoots, and edit all components into compelling brand storytelling products
- Continuously scan the internal and external environment and recommend opportunities to elevate the Penn State brand through storytelling
- Provide thorough, efficient, and clear communication to team members, leadership, and internal and external stakeholders
- Maintain creative exploration and evolution by remaining knowledgeable of industry trends (design, motion, storytelling, PR, and marketing), technology advancements, and the latest tools and tactics in visual storytelling
Preferred Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will:
- Possess an expert-level understanding of the film and video-production process (pre-production, production, and post-production)
- Have experience planning, supporting, and creating high-quality productions
- Possess advanced knowledge of industry standards for content production
- Understand new production, editing, and motion-design trends and methods, including advanced colorization and AI-supported production optimization
- Be able to interpret and create highly detailed and efficient communications that include executive-level summaries and updates as well as technical film production documents
- Be a collaborative leader and team player who is highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
Experience with directing crews and video productions, script writing, graphic design, motion design, and AI image generation for creative concepting are highly desired but not required.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
About Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications
As Penn State’s central public relations and marketing division, the Office of Strategic Communications is a fully integrated, award-winning, best-in-class marketing and public relations team defined by innovative strategy and breakthrough creative driven by measurable goals. We advance the University by strengthening and protecting the institution’s reputation in regional, national and international spheres of influence in ways that serve recruitment, resource and leadership goals.
Spanning Penn State’s large-scale enterprise—including campus locations across Pennsylvania, nearly 90,000 students, and an alumni base exceeding 700,000—the Office of Strategic Communications’ work encompasses all forms of communications and engagement, ranging from branding, marketing, and trademark and event management to internal communications, proactive and social media, research communications, and crisis and issues management. We’ve attracted talented and diverse team members from private and public sectors at all levels of our division, giving us the ability to build a strategic program of excellence recognized throughout the University.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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