Crafting Narratives in the Digital Age: University of Charleston’s Media Storytelling Journey

Posted January 1, 2025

Digital Media Storyteller

Communications and Marketing, University of Charleston

Position Overview:

The University of Charleston is seeking a Digital Media Storyteller to become part of the Office of Marketing and Communications. This position concentrates on bringing the university’s narrative to life through captivating photography, videography, and content production. From documenting vibrant campus experiences for digital initiatives and tangible assets such as admissions and alumni materials, to creating attractive social media visuals, this role will significantly influence how UC engages with current and prospective students, alumni, friends, and patrons.

Answering to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Digital Media Storyteller will collaborate closely with the graphic designer, public relations expert, webmaster, and other university personnel to ensure that visual content corresponds with the university’s identity and vision. Although primarily a hands-on creator, this role will also generate ideas for campaigns and assist in organizing content schedules. Most importantly, this position will help illustrate the UC Experience—capturing moments and anecdotes that motivate current and former students to take pride in their university and future students to envision themselves as part of it.

Key Responsibilities:

• Capture high-quality photography and videography assets that highlight the University of Charleston’s spirit, stories, and campus life. Content will support both digital platforms and printed materials such as brochures and magazine assets.
• Plan, shoot, and edit captivating videos, ensuring they are in line with UC’s brand and storytelling objectives.
• Photograph campus events, student life, and university moments to create a repository of visual materials.
• Collaborate closely with the graphic designer, PR expert, webmaster, and other team members to produce necessary visual content for campaigns and projects.
• Provide visual materials for social media platforms and websites, aid in generating content ideas, and assist in maintaining brand consistency across channels.
• Act as the primary visual storyteller at events, capturing moments to be used across platforms.
• Maintain an organized asset library, ensuring easy retrieval and long-term usability of photos and videos.
• Ensure photography and videography equipment is in suitable working order, troubleshoot technical problems, and conduct minor repairs as required.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, addressing tight deadlines and fluctuating priorities with consistency and concentration.
• Utilize various content creation techniques to emphasize student achievements, campus culture, academic successes, alumni events, and other significant narratives.
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or travel as necessary.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and a sound driving history.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• 1–2 years of professional experience in photography, videography, or a similar content creation position. Freelance and contract work will be taken into account.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field (e.g., Communications, Multimedia Production, Digital Media).
• Proficient in operating DSLR cameras and video cameras, with a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and basic sound recording methods.
• Basic video post-production skills using editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent applications.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Experience in studio photography and marketing photography is an advantage.
• Experience in commercial videography is a plus.
• Possession of a drone license or a willingness to acquire one is a plus.
• A strong creative vision for visual storytelling, with the capacity to craft compelling and engaging imagery.
• Ability to create visually engaging stories through photography and videography.
• Adaptability and a commitment to keeping up with trends and tools in digital media production and storytelling.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and independently when necessary.
• A portfolio showing relevant work in photography, videography, and digital storytelling is obligatory.