Digital Content Manager; Cinematographer​/Creative Video Producer

Posting Category:
Digital Content Manager

The Digital Content Manager produces social media content, short‑form videos, audio storytelling, and digital history features that connect regional communities with local history.

• Produce short‑form video content for social media platforms. Script and record digital history segments highlighting local stories.
• Develop audio storytelling and podcast‑style programming.
• Create digital features highlighting community history, cultural heritage, and historic sites, and assist in creating digital content for the exhibit with the director.
• Travel throughout central Illinois to collect local stories, collaborate with local historians, museums, and community organizations, and document oral histories and community narratives.
• Manage social media accounts and maintain a consistent posting schedule. Design engaging posts, reels, and story series. Monitor analytics and audience engagement to guide content strategy.
• Develop thematic storytelling series (e.g., rural history, Route 66 heritage, agricultural stories). Maintain a digital content calendar, website, and identify opportunities for digital exhibits and interactive storytelling.
• Highlight partner organizations through digital spotlights, support heritage tourism initiatives and regional events, and promote collaborative storytelling across the regional network.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in film/video production, cinematography, radio and television, documentary film production, photojournalism, communications, graphic design, public history, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional work experience in areas including non‑linear video editing, motion graphics, video lighting and composition, camera operation, graphics design, audio recording, video production, or a closely related professional area.
• Additional education, training, or work experience in the area of specialization, as required.
• Master’s degree consistent with the duties may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

• Graduate degree or coursework in public history or a related field.
• Experience interpreting historical materials for public audiences.
• Experience working with museums, archives, or cultural organizations.
• Experience in historical research and interpretation.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple goals and projects under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with team collaboration tools (e.g., Box, Google Drive).
• Strong storytelling and writing skills.
• Ability to assist others in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Ability to resolve technical problems.
• Good interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Reliable transportation, driver’s license, and proof of automobile insurance required.

• Standing, walking, and sitting frequently.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and kneeling occasionally.
• Climbing and crouching rarely.
• Stooping, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, and eye/hand/foot coordination frequently.
• Repetitive motions occasionally.
• Taste/Smell occasionally.
• Performing manual tasks occasionally.

• Exposure to extreme cold, heat, humidity, wet conditions, noise, temperature changes, and atmospheric conditions occasionally.
• Vibration rarely.

30% travel throughout central Illinois to collect local stories.

This position is eligible for benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process; all employment decisions will be made by a person.

All applicants are encouraged to apply, and the University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. The organization does not discriminate on any protected basis.