📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Visual Content Specialist
🔹 Company: Penn State University
🔹 Location: Penn State University Park, Pennsylvania
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education
🔹 Date Posted: June 5, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Producing multimedia content that engages key stakeholders and supports institutional priorities
- Participating in the creative process from conception to completion
- Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders
- Contributing to the creative expression of the Penn State brand
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, organizational, and creative skills to effectively manage projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assess project needs, requirements, goals, and deadlines
✅ Actively participate in project planning meetings and perform all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production, including tracking project milestones
✅ Research and develop content, brainstorm script ideas, establish and communicate production schedules, conduct interviews, help produce and direct shoots, and help combine all components into compelling brand storytelling products
✅ Research and surface opportunities to tell the Penn State story through the University’s YouTube channel and other platforms
✅ Collaborate with the senior director of creative services and other team members to prioritize stories with the greatest potential for impact
✅ Track the effectiveness of creative content against goals and objectives
✅ Provide thorough, efficient, and clear communication to team members, leaders, and internal and external stakeholders throughout the production process
✅ Maintain knowledge of current industry trends (design, motion, storytelling and marketing), technology advancements, and the latest approaches in visual storytelling
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and communication, requiring the ability to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Skills:
- Firm understanding of the film and video production process (pre-production, production, and post-production)
- Experience planning, supporting, and creating high-quality productions
- Knowledge of industry standards for content production and skills in new production, editing, and motion-design trends and methods, including AI-supported production optimization
- Strong organizational skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience directing production crews, script writing, graphic design, motion design, and AI image generation for creative concepting
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's Degree is required, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of a degree.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $51,000 - $74,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time
- 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is typical for this role and experience level in the education industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Education
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1855
Company Description:
- Penn State University is a state-related research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania
- It offers a wide range of academic programs, conducts research, and provides public service
- The Office of Strategic Communications is the University’s central public relations and marketing division
Company Specialties:
- Public relations and marketing
- Brand management
- Crisis and issues management
- Event management
Company Website: Penn State University
ASSUMPTION: Penn State University is a large, well-established institution with a strong brand and a significant presence in the education industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director of Creative Services
Work Arrangement: On-site, five days a week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the creative services team
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with diverse teams
- possibility to transition into a management or leadership role
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the creative services team and the broader university environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, centralized office location
Office Location(s): Penn State University Park, Pennsylvania
Geographic Context:
- Penn State University Park is a rural area with a small-town feel
- The campus is located in the Appalachian Mountains, offering outdoor recreational opportunities
- The nearest major city is State College, Pennsylvania, which offers additional amenities and services
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement may require some flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and team availability.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final interview with the senior director of creative services
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio and work samples
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and project management skills
- Understanding of the Penn State brand and institutional priorities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality multimedia content
- Be ready to discuss your approach to storytelling and your understanding of the Penn State brand
- Research the Office of Strategic Communications and Penn State University to show your interest and familiarity with the organization
ATS Keywords: Film Production, Video Production, Project Planning, Content Development, Script Writing, Graphic Design, Motion Design, AI Image Generation, Collaboration, Organization, Penn State, Multimedia Content, Brand Storytelling
ASSUMPTION: The interview process may include assessments of your technical skills, as well as your ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Video production equipment (cameras, lighting, audio recording devices)
- Video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer)
- Motion graphics software (Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender)
- AI image generation tools (DALL-E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary depending on the projects and teams the Visual Content Specialist works with.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Discovery
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Creative
- Adaptable
- Results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Penn State's values and commitment to integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with tight deadlines?
- Do you have a strong work ethic and a commitment to producing high-quality content?
ASSUMPTION: Penn State University values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Balancing creative vision with practical constraints and stakeholder expectations
- Adapting to changes in project scope, priorities, or resources
- Navigating a large, complex university organization with diverse stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: The Visual Content Specialist must be able to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and communicate clearly to meet project goals and deadlines.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Multimedia Producer or Video Production Specialist, but with a focus on storytelling and brand management within a university setting
- Unlike other production roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the Penn State brand and institutional priorities
- Career progression may involve transitioning into a management or leadership role within the creative services team or the broader university environment
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development within the creative services team and the broader university environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Producing a promotional video for a new academic program or research initiative
- Creating a series of social media graphics and animations to highlight university achievements or events
- Developing a multimedia presentation to support a fundraising campaign or capital project
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects the Visual Content Specialist works on may vary depending on the priorities and needs of the Office of Strategic Communications and Penn State University.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing priorities for the Office of Strategic Communications in the coming months?
- How does this role fit into the broader creative services team and the university's communication strategy?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the creative services team and the broader university environment?
- How does the Office of Strategic Communications collaborate with other university departments and stakeholders?
- What is the typical project timeline and workflow for a Visual Content Specialist?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and helps you better understand the expectations and requirements of the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Workday application portal
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality multimedia content
- Be ready to discuss your approach to storytelling and your understanding of the Penn State brand
- Research the Office of Strategic Communications and Penn State University to show your interest and familiarity with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
