Job Summary

Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document. Candidates also need to include a portfolio with both photo and video work to be considered for this position. Please provide a link to your work for review in either your cover letter or resume.

It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.

• We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
• We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
• We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.

The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.

A talented creative professional with a passion for the performing arts, the multimedia specialist captures the vibrancy of SMTD's vast array of academic activities, concerts, events, and productions each year, in addition to highlighting our stories and people. Working in close collaboration with marketing & communications colleagues and reporting to the Multimedia Manager, this role is responsible for photography, video creation, and will assist with management of our photo and video platforms.

Responsibilities*

Photography (50%):

• Supports in-house photography needs, by capturing events, rehearsals, classes, behind-the-scenes moments, and portraits as needed
• Collaborates with Multimedia Manager on management of photos, appropriately editing, tagging, and archiving event photo galleries within our asset management system
• Ensures that assigned projects are consistent with University of Michigan brand standards and defined SMTD styles.

Video Production (50%):

• Records and edits small performance videos
• Assists with development of narrative/long-form videos
• Assists with videos in support of SMTD brand campaign
• Creates captioning for videos posted to SMTD social media 
• Co-manages the SMTD YouTube channel (playlists, video uploads, etc.)
• Development of video pieces purpose-made for social
• Ensures that assigned projects are consistent with University of Michigan brand standards and defined SMTD styles.

Required Qualifications*

• A bachelor's degree with a multimedia-related major plus three years' experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to effectively supervise and mentor students in support roles
• Experience and interest in photographing and filming performing arts 
• Experience effectively working on multiple, diverse projects simultaneously and for creating innovative work under tight deadlines 
• Demonstrated ability to take creative direction and designing within brand guidelines 
• Ability to identify and meet specific audience and client requirements and to professionally receive feedback from and offer feedback to both clients and team members 
• Excellent creative thinking skills
• Strong project management skills, with an ability to successfully adhere to set timelines and budgets
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and a willingness to partner with departments and programs to support their marketing needs
• Adaptability to new technology or communications avenues
• Experience working effectively with different communities and cultures; experience working directly with faculty, staff and students
• Proven experience producing finished content
• This position may involve traveling to various locations on and off campus to conduct business and for filming/photography needs
• Routinely moves equipment up to 30 pounds across campus for various marketing filming/photography needs
• Ability to work evenings and weekends; occasional out of state travel may be needed

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience producing photo and video material in a professional environment, with a portfolio of diverse photo and video examples
• Ability to shoot, edit and produce high-quality video products, including planning, concept development, and location selection
• Experience completing post-production activities such as editing, graphics, special effects, music selection, media conversion, and duplication
• Ability to develop content strategy for showcasing various events, departments, programs, and people
• Ability to produce exceptional multimedia for use on a variety of platforms
• Ability to take the ideas from partners around SMTD and turn them into a multimedia experience that tells an engaging story
• Strong technology skills, including experience using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Bridge, Lightroom, and Photoshop
• Experience with ultra-high definition cameras, cinema lenses, camera movement systems (sliders, gimbals, jibs, drones, etc), high-quality microphones, and professional lighting
• Experience with still photography, candid photography/photojournalism, and portraits
• Experience designing within brand guidelines

Modes of Work

This position requires regular nights and weekends throughout the academic year. 

This is a hybrid position. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.