Videographer (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $72,600 - $80,270/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 29, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position offers a hybrid schedule (3 days on-site, 2 days remote). Must be available to come to campus as needed.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Videographer plays a vital role in bringing UC Merced's story to life through compelling imagery and storytelling, with a primary focus on supporting enrollment management and undergraduate recruitment initiatives. This role is responsible for creating high-impact photography and video assets documenting the UC Merced experience, including academic excellence, research opportunities, student life, campus culture, and the unique aspects of our diverse community. The position supports strategic enrollment goals through visual storytelling that resonates with prospective students and their families throughout the recruitment funnel. Mentors less experienced student staff. Exercises judgment in recommending methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Researches and recommends equipment purchases for audio and video production and post-production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Enrollment Content Production: Create compelling visual narratives that support recruitment goals by independently planning, shooting, and producing high-quality video and photography content that showcases UC Merced's unique value proposition, capturing authentic moments across academic programs, student life, research initiatives, and campus events while maintaining a creative vision that speaks to prospective students and supports conversion at all stages of the enrollment funnel.
• Multi-Platform Content Development and Editing: Perform expert-level editing utilizing industrystandard software to produce dynamic content for various recruitment channels, including social media, email campaigns, virtual tours, and web content while managing the complete production workflow from pre-production through final delivery, including reviewing footage, selecting optimal shots, and implementing appropriate technical enhancements to meet enrollment marketing objectives.
• Recruitment Event Documentation: Lead visual coverage of key recruitment and yield events, including admitted student days, campus tours, orientation programs, and special enrollment initiatives, while ensuring quick turnaround of compelling content that can be immediately deployed across multiple platforms to support time-sensitive recruitment needs and ongoing communication strategies.
• Strategic Collaboration and Planning: Partner with enrollment management teams to plan and execute visual content strategies that align with recruitment goals, including consulting on creative approaches, managing project timelines, coordinating with stakeholders across campus, and proposing innovative visual solutions that enhance UC Merced's ability to connect with prospective students and their families.
• Asset Management and Technical Operations: Maintain a comprehensive digital asset management system for enrollment-focused content, including implementing effective metadata strategies, organizing content for quick retrieval, managing equipment and resources, and ensuring all visual assets adhere to UC Merced brand standards while supporting efficient content deployment for recruitment needs.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution.
• 3 years of directly related experience, or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience in creating content for higher ed with an emphasis or preference on undergraduate recruitment. (Preferred)
• Valid CA Driver's License required.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Expert knowledge of many aspects of multimedia communications, including video and other media production, applications and strategic planning. Extensive knowledge of current trends and potential future developments in multimedia communications.
• Solid knowledge of the campus, including its achievements, goals, objectives, vision and mission, and how electronic communications can effectively convey and advance the campus message to various audiences.
• Solid knowledge and skills in personnel administration and management techniques, including understanding of guiding principles, relevant laws, policies and best practices.
• Demonstrated skills to train, manage, guide and evaluate subordinate staff, including student employees.
• Solid written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills and political acumen.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic communications plans, programs or projects. (Preferred)
• Advanced project management skills to complete projects within budget and time constraints.
• Experience working in higher education or other settings with a wide range of clients and audiences. (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.