The Communications Division of the County Executive’s Office seeks well qualified candidates for the position of Visual Media Production Specialist.
The Visual Media Production Specialist (VMP Specialist) will join a dynamic and committed team of communication professionals including the Chief Communications Officer, Communications Officer, Social Media Specialist, and Civic Engagement and Public Outreach Specialist.
The VMP Specialist will be responsible for conceptualizing, producing, editing, and distributing comprehensive multimedia and visual communications content in support of County programs, services, initiatives, and community engagement efforts. This position requires regular fieldwork and travel throughout San Mateo County to capture video, audio, and photographic content at County facilities, community events, program sites, and other locations.
The VMP Specialist will independently manage multimedia production operations, including video, photography, digital and print design, podcast production, and related visual storytelling mediums. The VMP Specialist will also produce highly complex, high-visibility projects, manage the video/production room and related equipment in the County Executive’s Office, and establish production standards. Responsibilities will span the full production lifecycle, from strategic planning and creative development through post-production, publication, and archival management. In addition, the VPM Specialist may lead cross-departmental initiatives.
The VPM Specialist will exercise substantial independent judgment in creative interpretation, technical production decisions, and brand alignment. The primary focus will be on producing engaging multimedia content that effectively represents the County’s mission across multiple media formats.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Conceptualize, script, storyboard, and produce multimedia content including promotional and informational videos, documentary-style program features, public service announcements, podcast and audio productions, digital graphics and print publications, and professional photography.
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Provide video and photography services including official County events and public meetings, executive leadership portraits, community engagement activities, program documentation and field operations, creation and maintenance of digital photo archives.
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Collaborate with internal County departments to assess production needs and develop appropriate multimedia solutions.
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Perform advanced video production including filming, lighting, sound design, color correction, and post-production editing.
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Manage and maintain production room facilities, studio equipment, cameras, lighting kits, audio systems, and editing workstations and manage scheduling, logistics, and maintenance of the County's video and production room to ensure efficient operation.
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Develop shot lists, visual concepts, and brand-consistent visual assets.
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Ensure ADA accessibility compliance in digital media (captioning, formatting standards).
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Coordinate with staff to distribute multimedia across platforms (web, social media, internal communications channels, public broadcasts).
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Maintain digital asset management systems and archive materials for institutional continuity.
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Advise departments on visual communication strategies and production feasibility.
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Research and integrate emerging multimedia technologies and industry best practices.
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Ensure all multimedia content aligns with the County’s branding, mission, and communication standards.
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Oversee the production process from concept inception, through editing and post-production, to final launch and publication.
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Monitor quality control standards and implement revisions to improve content effectiveness and engagement.
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Stay current with emerging multimedia technologies and recommend integration to enhance content quality and reach.
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Perform related duties as assigned.
Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying.
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A typical way to qualify is training in multimedia production, communications, or a related field, plus five years of experience in multimedia content creation including print and video production.
Knowledge of:
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Principles and techniques of multimedia production including cinematography, photography composition and lighting, audio recording and sound design, digital editing and post-production workflows.
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Visual storytelling techniques and narrative structure.
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Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and content development for various media formats.
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Graphic design theory, layout principles, and typography.
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Digital asset management and archival standards.
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Social media and digital distribution strategies.
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Branding standards and public-sector communication ethics.
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Copyright, licensing, and media usage regulations.
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Accessibility standards for digital content (e.g., ADA compliance).
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The County's programs, mission, and community communication goals.
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Relevant computer software and equipment used in multimedia content creation and editing.
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Production room operations, scheduling, and equipment maintenance.
Skill/Ability to:
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Operate video, audio, graphic design, and drone systems proficiently to capture and produce multimedia content.
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Create, edit, and produce engaging multimedia content across multiple formats.
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Travel throughout San Mateo County and perform fieldwork to capture video, audio, and photographic content in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
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Manage complex multimedia projects from concept through final publication.
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Collaborate effectively with multiple departments and stakeholders to meet production goals.
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Apply creativity and visual storytelling techniques to communicate key messages.
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Maintain adherence to branding guidelines and the County's mission in all content.
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Manage production resources, equipment, and schedules efficiently.
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Adapt to evolving multimedia technologies and production methods.
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Manage multiple concurrent production timelines.
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Translate complex governmental information into visually engaging content.
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Exercise independent creative judgment within brand standards.
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Troubleshoot technical production challenges.
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Maintain composure and professionalism in live-event environments.
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, extra-help, or limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%), which may include a short-written exam administered immediately preceding the interview.
Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.
Thorough and detailed responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Open Recruitment: June 22, 2026
Final Filing Date for Applications: July 13, 2026, by 11:59 PM
Application Screening: July 16-21, 2026
Civil Service Interviews: August 4 and/ or 5, 2026
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
Analyst: Chet Overstreet (06222026) (Visual Media Production Specialist – N043)
