Visual Specialist

Are you a visually creative person who loves taking video and using other tools to tell stories?

The Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs team is looking for a Visual Specialist who will be responsible for creating, producing and managing video and multimedia projects from initial concept to completion, to advance University priorities and to further support the specific needs of the Communications and Marketing teams. The role creates a variety of content for the University to reach a variety of audiences, including researchers, students, alumni, and external partners.

Reporting to the Creative Services Team Lead, the visual specialist is part of a group of creatives who tell the story of the university through video, graphics, animations, social media content, and photos.

Communications Marketing and Public Affairs is responsible for McMaster’s communications (including, media relations, issues management, internal communications, neighbourhood relations), marketing and branding, and public affairs with all three levels of government.

Accountabilities

• Create, edit, and produce video content for various platforms to support Strategic Communications and University goals.
• Oversee the scheduling, organizing and managing of video shoots for key stakeholders.
• Create photo, graphics, digital and multimedia branded content as needed.
• Use design tools and multimedia solutions to generate meaningful and impactful digital content.
• Develop original and custom videos which may be used on several platforms including, but are not limited to, websites, social media campaigns, digital advertising, digital magazines, newsletters and reports to support news, marketing and other brand assets and communications.
• Experience with video, animation and motion graphics for use in video and other assets as needed.
• Working knowledge and experience with visual asset management, including organization, database, cataloguing and storage of files.
• Consult with campus partners and collaborators regarding project requirements.
• Provide insights and recommendations to produce engaging content to meet specific needs.
• Develop a cost-effective strategy for video work production.
• Create and gather text, illustrations, video clips and photos to complete projects.
• Gather and compile pertinent information necessary to complete projects.
• Provides the Strategic Communications team with a detailed understanding of new technology and video trends and their potential strategic application.
• Help deliver video training programs, including social media video, to internal campus partners.
• Research and implement current trends and practices to produce effective communication pieces.
• Provide video advice to various stakeholders to create comfortable filming environments and ease of subjects in front of the camera.
• Proof and edit material for accuracy and completion.
• Troubleshoot technical problems with software.
• Adhere to established University branding and external deadlines and timelines.
• Keep abreast of new developments in software and hardware as department usage and software features are upgraded.
• Keep abreast of developments and trends in digital and multimedia communications and technological advancements.
• Participate in Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs and/or department/faculty projects such as project teams, committees and work teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Multimedia, a College Diploma in Applied Art & Design, Graphic Design & Web Development, Art and Design (Interactive Media, Animation) or a related field
• Requires a minimum of 4 years of prior experience
• Advanced level of proficiency in digital communications
• Experienced in using Adobe suite of design tools to generate meaningful and impactful digital content
• Experienced in WordPress Content Management System
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills (e.g. written and public speaking)
• Project management and organizational skills
• Excellent customer-service skills and strong service orientation
• Time management and multi-tasking abilities
• Superior attention to detail and design
• Knowledgeable about McMaster University policies and guidelines and University Advancement policies and procedures

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.

Vaccination Policy Statement

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers and visitors. The University’s Vaccination Policy-COVID-19 Requirements for Employees and Students (the “Vaccination Policy”), requires all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. While the Vaccination Policy is currently paused, it may resume quickly and on short notice, as informed by public health advice and direction. Should it become necessary in future to resume the Policy, all community members will need to demonstrate compliance at that time. Successful applicants in those positions that work in host hospitals or other healthcare sites that have active vaccination mandates in place will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment. The University will continue to follow the guidance of public health organizations to define fully vaccinated status.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Application Deadline:  June 8, 2023