Visual Communications Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Visual Communication Specialist.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

Working under the direction of the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, the university Visual Communications Specialist produces, develops, and archives photo and video content for the University through the creation of brand consistent, high-quality photographs and videos to enhance Fort Valley State University's visual identity according to the established standards of the marketing and communications department. Provides photography/videography/website support and professional work to university units that promotes the mission of Fort Valley State University. The university Visual Communications Specialist also maintains and recruits a team of student photographers/videographers annually to allow for additional project requests to be fulfilled. The outputs of this position are utilized across a variety of marketing and communications platforms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs digital photography/videography on location and uses professional knowledge and artistic judgement to ensure the production of quality photo/video assignments. Provides specialty photography/videography to include pictures and videos for advertisements and publications. Collaborates with faculty, staff, alumni, and other University supporters to plan creative and effective photo/video documentation for the University.

• Document FVSU campus life, events, classes, athletics, including high-profile events such as Commencement, to capture candid moments and create content that fosters a sense of community.
• Shoot and edit photos that accompany university storytelling on social, web, and in print.
• Work with graphic designers, marketing staff, and other departments to provide photo and video content for various University needs.
• Update the university's website imagery and make additional edits as needed.
• Produce visually engaging and high-quality video content from conception to completion that aligns with Fort Valley State University's brand and resonates with the university's target audience.
• Create content specifically tailored for various social media platforms, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Collaborate with university departments and offices to tell compelling stories through visual content, highlighting student achievements, faculty research, campus events, and other noteworthy activities.
• Operates and maintains photography/videography equipment. Maintains inventory of photography and videography supplies to ensure adequate stock is available. Performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs on photography/videography equipment.
• Identifies and utilizes proper types of software and other materials to produce the highest quality work. Edits all image formats and any other media communication piece in concert with web, news, social media, and publications.
• Assists the manager and office staff in completing work orders to meet customer and departmental standards and requirements including distributing images/videos to clients in a timely manner.
• Performs digital work consisting of scanning, cropping, color correction, and retouching.
• Assists department management in the oversight of student workers. Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Update and maintain the organization's website, ensuring accurate and timely content updates, including text, images, and multimedia.
• Develops, manages, and maintains comprehensive photo and video libraries and appropriately archives digital files sorted by administrative, college, school, pictorial gallery news, and events for historical documentation and future use.
• Maintain an awareness of new and emerging forms of multimedia and accordingly develop skills to help Fort Valley State University capitalize on new opportunities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in photography and videography, including proficiency with editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a creative eye for design.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Digital Media, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Experience in social media content creation or management.
• Knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Illustrator).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .