Creative Content Specialist, Athletics -Communication Specialist 1

 

Working Title:

Creative Content Specialist, Athletics -Communication Specialist 1

 

Institution:

Southwest Minnesota State University

Communications Specialist 1

 

Bargaining Unit / Union:

214: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

 

City:

Marshall

 

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

 

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

 

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited (Fixed Term)

 

Salary Range:

$26.43 - $38.55

 

Job Description

The Creative Content Specialist will serve SMSU Athletics as a creative storyteller. This hands-on role is responsible for capturing, editing, and producing visual and digital media that showcase the energy, talent, and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs. The Creative Content Specialist will understand visual composition with proficiency in photography and videography. This position has ability to craft compelling narratives that elevate the Mustang brand across social media, SMSU websites, broadcasts, video boards, and other platforms. This position will work closely with the Athletics Communications and Marketing teams to develop engaging content, highlight key moments from games and events, and help shape the overall look and feel of SMSU Athletics’ digital presence. The role will also oversee all game-day broadcasts and coordinate with the campus television program.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of communications experience with professional camera equipment and video editing.  A Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; an Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.  Degree must be in a related communications field. 

• Proficient skill in the use of professional camera equipment, including DSLR/mirrorless, audio, lighting, setups, etc.

• Video editing skills using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and/or Final Cut

• Considerable knowledge of photography with a thorough understanding of composition, lighting, and color grading.

• Ability to plan and organize content creation within tight time windows and competing priorities

• Ability to communicate effectively, specifically through broadcasting and social media campaigns

• Considerable knowledge of best practices regarding usability, accessibility, and search engine optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, communication, digital media, marketing, or other related field.

• Experience within college athletics as either an employee or student athlete.

 

Priority will be given to those who apply by 6/2/2026

 

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Telework (Yes/No)

No

 

About

 

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

 

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

 

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

 

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee’s, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html.

 

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

 

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.  We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

 

Desired Start Date:

07-01-2026

 

Position End Date:

07-01-2029

 

Open Date:

05-11-2026

 

Close Date:

07-01-2026

 

Posting Contact Name:

Bailey Johnson

 

Posting Contact Email:

bailey.johnson.2@smsu.edu