Visual Content Specialist

The part-time visual content specialist helps capture and share the student experience at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship through visual storytelling, including photos and videos for social, digital, and print delivery.

This position is part of an integrated marketing and communications team, working closely with leadership, faculty, and staff at Golisano Institute’s Buffalo campus center. Initially, this role will spend time in both Rochester and Buffalo for team meetings and training.

This role will create visual content at the direction of the marketing and communications team, working closely with content strategists and specialists to help bring the institute’s culture, mission, and brand to life. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to create visually compelling content to support the institute’s branding and content strategy, to increase student visits and applications, and to positively increase awareness of Golisano Institute throughout Western New York.

This role requires strong collaboration across locations with a diverse community of students, colleagues, and external partners. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment and professionalism so students can model exceptional professional behaviors for their personal and professional growth.

Golisano Institute’s values of entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, agility, perseverance, curiosity and care are embedded in the behaviors and actions of the institute community and are a cornerstone to the professional preparation model. The Institute works hard to ensure the community is inclusive so the mission of generating economic opportunities, via successful careers, is maximized.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Ideation & Pre-Production 20%

• Work closely with marketing team members & leadership to identify visual storytelling opportunities for social, digital, marketing, print, and other needs.
• Stay informed of social media and visual content trends in higher education marketing, sharing ideas with marketing team when relevant.
• Support and execute institute-wide brand, marketing, and content strategies in line with brand standards and institutional priorities.
• Partner with marketing team members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others to coordinate photo and/or video shoot logistics, including location, media releases, and other necessary permissions.

Media Production & Equipment Maintenance 40%

• Capture photo and/or video content based on marketing & communications needs, on campus or on location.
• Conduct interviews (planned and in-the-moment) of students, faculty, staff, and other relevant third parties as needed.
• Set up and responsibly transport professional photo, video, mobile, audio, and/or lighting equipment as needed.
• Operate professional equipment to ensure high-quality content capture.
• Ensure professional equipment remains in working and update firmware as needed; troubleshoot technical issues as needed.

Post-Production and File Organizations 40%

• Back up, input metadata, and organize media files on appropriate storage and data asset management systems in line with marketing & communications guidelines.
• Edit content in a timely fashion for distribution on appropriate/relevant media, including but not limited to social media platforms, web pages, digital and print advertisements, and other materials.
• Assist with additional photo, video, and media file organization projects as needed.

EDUCATION

Required - High school diploma or GED

Preferred - Associate degree or certificate in Photography, Digital Media, Visual Communications, Video Production, Graphic Design, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.

EXPERIENCE –

• Minimum of three years of professional photography, videography, and/or social media content creation, or commensurate combination of education and professional experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to capture authentic and engaging visual content in fast-paced environments and live events, including interviews and event highlights.
• Knowledge of professional video and photography editing software, preferably Adobe Creative Suite applications (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, etc.)
• Experience with digital asset management and media file format preparation for a variety of mediums, including but not limited to social, digital, and print platforms.
• Experience with professional photography, videography, audio, and lighting equipment strongly preferred.
• Experience with multimodal content delivery, particularly social media platforms, preferred.

EXCEPTIONAL SKILLS –

• Outstanding organizational and multitasking skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to faculty, staff, students, vendors, and contractors.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity, particularly when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities, with keen attention to detail and follow-through.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and content capture.
• Ability to lift, carry, position, and move audiovisual equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and climb stairs as needed.
• Ability to operate cameras, computers, production equipment, and other technical tools requiring manual dexterity and visual acuity. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors and travel between campus locations or off-site event venues as needed.