Media Production Specialist for Research (Media Production Specialist III)

Position Summary

The Media Production Specialist for Research is a creative visual storyteller who develops videos, photography and multimedia assets that elevate the visibility of San Diego State University and its research enterprise.

Duties include but are not limited to :

Videography and Photography

• Capture and produce video and photography that brings the university’s brand, mission and values to life, with focus on SDSU’s growing research and innovation enterprise.
• Create video content for external and internal purposes including mini-documentary-style videos, commercials, online marketing pieces, campus event coverage and communications for administrators, researchers, scholars and student researchers throughout SDSU’s multiple campuses and locations.
• Collaborate with university departments and faculty to identify visual storytelling opportunities and project requirements.
• Manage the production process including staging, directing, shooting and editing.
• Lead technical and creative components of productions for the Division of Research and Innovation, working in collaboration with StratComm.
• Capture and edit video and photography that is leveraged across university channels, including websites, social channels, university magazines, newsletters and other digital needs that encompass centralized SDSU accounts, research accounts, academic college-level accounts and other university outlets.
• Prepare research and innovation-focused content for SDSU’s digital properties and the university's social media channels
• Work and travel outside of campus to cover stories in the community and beyond, including covering the field-based work of university researchers, scholars, students and community members.

Leadership and Oversight

• Train, mentor and manage student assistants.
• Provide training and general guidance to university staff and student assistants on basic video and photography techniques.
• Maintain and inventory all photo / video equipment; assess equipment needs and repairs.
• Make equipment and multimedia platform recommendations to keep the department up-to-date with technology.
• Organize photos and footage within the university's multimedia management and archive system.

Media Coordination / Liaison

• Work with incoming television crews and media outlets and outside agencies with b-roll footage from events and / or specific to research and innovation projects and initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal communications teams to ensure delivery of Division of Research and Innovation-specific content.
• Develop and sustain campus relationships to remain informed of newsworthy activities and events relating to research and innovation.
• Stay up to date with trends and best practices in multimedia production, technology - including AI, and storytelling techniques

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent / probationary position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Standard SDSU work hours are Monday Friday, 8 : 00 . to 4 : 30 ., but may vary based on operational needs.

This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) serves as the official voice of San Diego State University and shares the President’s vision, values and priorities while articulating a unified message about the university’s unique story.

Core service areas include crisis and issues management, marketing, news and media relations, social media, web and interactive communications, executive communications and visual communications, and government and community relations.

StratComm team members work in collaboration with our partners across the institution and auxiliaries to promote the transformational diversity and impact of SDSU students, faculty and staff and university programs and achievements.

SDSU's Division of Research and Innovation amplifies and invests in transformative research, scholarship and creative activities.

The Division manages several programs, services and initiatives to enable discovery, public impact and innovation, and promotes the work of university researchers, scholars and entrepreneurs.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental values that shape both the work of SDSU, StratComm, and DRI. We believe in and practice efforts that help cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment understanding that diverse teams help to foster creativity, innovation and authentic connections.

We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.

Also, by promoting equity and authentic representation, we empower our community to contribute their talents and ideas in ways that allows each of us to be successful and thrive.

Education and Experience

Entry to the first level within this classification requires a basic knowledge of and skill in graphics, still or motion photography, or television production.

This knowledge and skill normally is obtained through a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least six months of experience in still and motion picture photography, including a thorough knowledge of video production techniques, with a lens on university-wide activities as well as research-focused content.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to tell stories through the use of video.
• Previous experience shooting, editing, and producing.
• Experience producing and creating television quality content.
• Must be able to work autonomously and be able to coordinate production activities, support staff, and students, being accountable for work results.
• Must have the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use ingenuity and creativity to develop and execute multimedia productions.
• Ability and availability to attend events or perform duties outside of normal work hours (may include weekends).
• Must have the ability to travel and attend off-campus filming and events.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,866 per month.

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click .

CSU Classification Salary Range : $4,611 - $8,342 per month.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.

For more information, click .

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities.

This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on June 24, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by June 23, 2024.

The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.

SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and / or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click .

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at

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