Visual Storytelling Specialist, University Relations

Visual Storytelling Specialist, University Relations

Summary:

The visual storytelling specialist acts as a photographer and videographer, producing high-quality photography and video content that supports the university’s strategic communications objectives, strengthens institutional reputation, and enhances engagement with internal and external audiences. As a member of the media production team within the unit, this position provides professional photography and videography services through a centralized service model for colleges, schools, and administrative units across the university.

This role develops visual stories that showcase research, student and faculty achievements, institutional priorities, campaigns, events, and campus life. The specialist coordinates visual content projects, leads production activities from planning through final delivery, and collaborates with communications professionals to support integrated communications initiatives. Additionally, this role contributes to the management and governance of institutional visual assets and supports a consistent approach to visual storytelling aligned with university priorities and brand standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leads the planning, prioritization, and delivery of photography and videography projects in alignment with institutional priorities and strategic communications objectives.

Conceptualizes and produces visual stories that translate complex academic, research, and institutional topics into engaging and accessible content.

Leads and oversees the end-to-end production lifecycle for photography and video projects, determining project approaches, priorities, schedules, production requirements, and final deliverables to support institutional communications objectives.

Supports integrated communications plans and coordinated service delivery in collaboration with communications and media team members.

Identifies opportunities to strengthen institutional messaging through strategic use of photography and videography.

Supports photography and videography requests across colleges, schools, and administrative units using a centralized service model.

Produces photography and video content supporting research storytelling, student, faculty and alumni profiles, institutional campaigns, events, and campus life.

Develops content optimized for web, social media, digital platforms, print, and other communication channels.

Provides strategic leadership and consultation on visual storytelling initiatives across the university, establishing standards, guiding project execution, and overseeing photography and videography practices that support institutional goals and brand reputation.

Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the university.

Supports the governance of visual content through consistent application of brand standards and established practices.

Maintains a centralized repository of photography and video assets for institutional use.

Organizes, tags, and catalogues visual assets to support accessibility and ongoing use across the university.

Contributes to the development of photography and videography guidelines, resources, and training materials.

Identifies opportunities to streamline or consolidate projects to support effective resource utilization within the shared service model.

Maintains knowledge of industry-standard photography, videography, editing tools, and production techniques.

Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.

Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement,…