Idaho Department of Education
This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
Please note: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/ .
The Digital Content Creator is responsible for producing compelling visual and multimedia content that helps tell the story of the Idaho Department of Education, its work and the people and communities it serves. Working closely with the Digital Communications and Brand Manager and other members of the Communications team, this position plans, captures, produces and edits photography, video and audio content for social media, websites, presentations, events and other public-facing communications.
This position combines strong technical production skills with creativity, storytelling and strategic communication. The Digital Content Creator proactively identifies opportunities to educate and engage the public, showcase department initiatives and highlight Idaho students, educators, schools and communities. The position is expected to understand both how to create high-quality content and how that content supports broader department communication, outreach and brand goals.
This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, capture, produce and edit high-quality photography, video and audio content for department communications, social media, websites, presentations, events and other platforms.
- Work closely with the Digital Communications and Brand Manager and other Communications team members to develop creative concepts and translate communication goals into engaging visual stories.
- Manage video projects from concept through completion, including pre-production planning, story development, shot lists, location planning, scheduling, filming, audio capture, editing, graphics, captions and final delivery.
- Photograph department events, programs, employees, students, educators, schools, partners and other subjects for use across department communications.
- Capture and produce interviews, testimonials, short-form social video, feature stories, event coverage, educational content and other multimedia projects.
- Operate cameras, lenses, microphones, lighting systems, stabilizers and other photography, video and audio production equipment.
- Apply working knowledge of lighting, composition, framing, exposure, audio recording and other production techniques to create professional-quality content in studio, office, school and field environments.
- Edit photography, video and audio content, including color correction, sound mixing, graphics, titles, captions and other post-production elements.
- Adapt content for different platforms, formats and audiences, including vertical and horizontal video, short- and long-form content, social media and web use.
- Create content that is accessible and adheres to applicable accessibility requirements, including captions and other appropriate accommodations for public-facing multimedia.
- Proactively identify visual storytelling opportunities that promote department programs, initiatives, events and resources and help educate Idaho families, educators and communities about public education.
- Develop creative approaches to recurring department content and identify new formats, trends and storytelling techniques that can improve audience engagement and understanding.
- Contribute ideas to digital and social media initiatives and collaborate on content calendars, initiative planning and other outreach efforts.
- Ensure visual and multimedia content aligns with established department brand standards, voice, priorities and visual identity.
- Maintain organized photo, video, audio and project files and coordinate with the Digital Communications and Brand Manager to ensure final assets are appropriately archived and accessible.
- Assist with management, care and inventory of photography, video, audio and lighting equipment and identify equipment or technology needs.
- Travel throughout Idaho as needed to capture stories, events and department activities, including driving a department or personal vehicle.
- Build positive working relationships with students, educators, school leaders, department employees, partners and community members while capturing content in a variety of environments.
- Exercise sound judgment and professionalism when working with students and other members of the public and follow applicable requirements related to privacy, permissions, releases and use of images and recordings.
- Monitor emerging digital content, video, photography and social media trends and recommend appropriate opportunities for department use.
- Perform duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under time-sensitive deadlines.
- Demonstrate creativity, initiative, integrity and sound professional judgment in the performance of assigned tasks.
- Maintain confidentiality when required.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in video production, photography, digital media, broadcast journalism, communications or a related field, or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling four years.
- Demonstrated experience in photography and video production, including planning, shooting and editing visual content.
- Working knowledge of professional photography and video production techniques, including camera operation, composition, lighting, exposure and audio capture.
- Experience editing video and audio and preparing finished multimedia content for digital distribution.
- Experience using professional editing and production software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, Audition or comparable tools.
- Ability to develop visual stories from concept through final production and make creative decisions that support communication goals.
- Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain visual and technical consistency across multimedia projects.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, production schedules and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently in the field while collaborating effectively with Communications team members and other department employees.
- Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with students, educators, school leaders, public officials, employees, partners and members of the public.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments, schedules and communication needs.
- Ability to work and sustain performance in a high-profile, public-sector political office.
- Demonstrated creativity, initiative, integrity and professional judgment.
- Ability to travel throughout Idaho as needed.
- Possess a valid Idaho driver’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience creating multimedia content for social media, public information, marketing, journalism, education or a public-sector organization.
- Experience photographing and filming live events, interviews and subjects in uncontrolled or rapidly changing environments.
- Experience with motion graphics, animation or other advanced post-production techniques.
- Experience developing content for multiple social media platforms and understanding how visual storytelling and audience expectations differ by platform.
- Experience working with or photographing children, schools or educational environments.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ( with or without reasonable accommodation )
This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:
- Dexterity and mobility to transport, set up and operate photography, video, audio, lighting and related production equipment.
- Ability to work for extended periods while standing, walking, bending, kneeling or holding and operating production equipment.
- Ability to perform standard office administrative and computer-based functions, including extended periods of editing at a workstation.
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time during filming and post-production work.
- Ability to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and conditions while capturing department activities and events.
- Occasional lifting and transport of production equipment may be required, frequently less than 25 lbs., but may be up to 50 lbs.
TRAVEL REQUIRED:
This position will require 25% travel throughout the state.
BENEFITS:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.
Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.
TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized cover letter, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Please upload your resume, cover letter, reference list, and any additional supporting documents in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
Your cover letter should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a cover letter, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your cover letter. A resume does not substitute for a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be accepted.
EEO/ADA/VETERAN:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
