Production Specialist; Content Creator

Production Specialist (Content Creator)

The City of Richmond’s Office of Strategic Communications is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Production Specialist (Content Creator). The selected candidate will be responsible for the creation of compelling video and photography assets that support the City of Richmond's communications goals. This position directly supports the need for dynamic visual content across the City’s social media platforms.

The Specialist must possess strong technical knowledge in cinematography, lighting, and rapid-turnaround editing for both vertical (social) and horizontal (broadcast-style) formats.

This position is considered Essential. The incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, and inclement weather.

Develop, film, and edit engaging short‑form vertical video content (e.g., Reels and You Tube Shorts) in collaboration with the social media manager, focusing on high retention and shareability.

Execute “run‑and‑gun” videography and photography for day‑to‑day City events, public outreach, press conferences, and internal staff stories, ensuring quick setup and high visual quality.

Serve as essential support during major Tier 1 productions (e.g., Mayoral addresses, high‑stakes public forums). Possible support could include assisting with advanced lighting and multi‑camera setup, depending on the candidate’s expertise.

Manage post‑production workflow for short projects, including video editing, motion graphics, color correction, and sound sweetening, delivering final assets on tight deadlines.

Perform regular checks and preventative maintenance on all assigned production equipment, ensuring gear is always ready for immediate deployment.

• Technical Knowledge: Foundational understanding of digital media file formats, codecs, and delivery specifications for both social media (vertical) and broadcast (horizontal) platforms.
• Software Expertise: Proficiency in non‑linear editing (NLE) software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and/or Final Cut Pro, with demonstrated skill in quick‑turnaround workflows. Functional knowledge of Adobe After Effects is highly desirable.
• Soft Skills & Abilities: Exceptional time management, strong organizational skills (crucial for equipment and file tracking), and the ability to work effectively under pressure and rapidly adjust content based on strategy changes.
• Social Media Awareness: Demonstrated ability to stay current with emerging trends, platform algorithm changes, and best practices across major social media platforms (Instagram, You Tube, etc.), particularly as they relate to photography and short‑form video content.
• Licenses: Valid Virginia Driver’s license.
• Availability: Ability to work some evenings and weekends, as determined by the City’s event calendar.

• Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, public affairs, English, or a directly related field.
• Two years of public communications experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

• Cinematography Proficiency: Demonstrated technical mastery of modern camera systems (mirrorless/DSLR), including manual control over exposure, focus, and composition. Proven ability to create professional lighting setups in diverse environments.