Senior Video Producer

Job Description

The Senior Video Producer collaborates with faculty, instructional designers, and production teams to create premium, engaging educational video content for online programs. This role combines technical production expertise with creative storytelling, cinematography, and faculty direction to elevate the quality and engagement of Syracuse University Global’s online courses.

The Senior Video Producer serves as both a technical expert and creative director, guiding faculty through the production process and coaching them on effective on-camera presentation. This position requires the ability to work with resistant or camera-shy faculty, building trust and confidence while maintaining the university’s brand standards for premium online content. This is a campus-facing, on-campus position requiring daily in-person presence to fulfill essential job functions, coordinate with stakeholders across the university, and maintain real-time collaboration with team members to respond effectively to dynamic operational needs. Education and Experience Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Film Production, Cinema, Communication, Education, Journalism, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Film, Media Production, Instructional Design, Education, Communication, or related field preferred.

Required Experience:

• 5-7 years minimum professional video production experience with emphasis on directing, coaching, or working with non-actors or subject matter experts on camera.
• Proven track record working with reluctant, camera-shy, or resistant on-camera participants in educational, corporate training, documentary, or broadcast settings.
• Portfolio demonstrating cinematography excellence AND directing/coaching work with challenging subjects.
• Experience translating complex subject matter into compelling visual narratives.
• Professional proficiency with cinema-grade camera systems, lighting, and audio equipment.
• Proficiency with industry-standard editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Avid, DaVinci Resolve, or equivalent).
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new equipment/technologies.

Strongly Preferred:

• Academic, higher ed, or educational content production experience.
• Background in coaching, training, or professional development.
• Documentary filmmaking or broadcast journalism experience.
• Familiarity with Canon/Blackmagic camera systems and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Skills and Knowledge Required Creative & Interpersonal Skills:

• Proven ability to direct and coach non-actors on camera, including resistant participants
• Strong cinematography skills with ability to design visually compelling shots
• Visual storytelling expertise and ability to translate educational content into engaging narratives
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with faculty and subject matter experts
• Ability to build trust quickly with camera-shy or anxious participants
• Strong collaboration skills across functional teams
• Patience and emotional intelligence when working with faculty new to on-camera work
• Creative problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while maintaining positive, professional demeanor

Required Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of electrical safety for media production and studio shoots
• Technical knowledge of video codecs, transcoding for web delivery, and post-production workflow
• Understanding of data management, equipment compatibility, and cloud/server solutions
• Preferred Technical Skills:
• Experience with Canon and/or Blackmagic camera systems
• Familiarity with Atomos, AJA, or similar external recorders
• Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency

Responsibilities Faculty Direction & On-Camera Coaching:

• Collaborate with faculty before and during production to prepare them for on-camera recording.
• Conduct pre-production consultations to discuss content approach, pacing, and presentation style.
• Coach faculty during recording sessions on delivery, tone, energy, eye contact, and camera presence.
• Work with resistant or camera-shy faculty to build confidence and comfort.
• Provide real-time direction to help faculty deliver engaging, conversational content that moves beyond traditional lecture formats.
• Adapt directing approach based on individual faculty needs and comfort levels.
• Guide faculty away from teleprompter dependency toward more natural, authentic delivery.

Cinematography & Visual Storytelling:

• Design and execute creative shot composition, lighting, and camera movement to create visually engaging content that reflects Syracuse University’s premium brand.
• Develop visual storytelling approaches that enhance learning objectives and maintain student engagement.
• Establish and maintain cinematography standards across productions.
• Scout locations, plan shots, and create shot lists that support narrative flow.
• Collaborate with instructional designers and faculty to translate course content into compelling visual narratives.
• Elevate production value through thoughtful framing, lighting design, and camera techniques.

Production Management & Execution:

• Serve as camera operator, sound mixer, gaffer, and grip during production.
• Organize and execute pre-production and production processes for assigned courses.
• Coordinate with Video team, Instructional Designers, Multimedia artists, and faculty.
• Troubleshoot equipment and technical issues.
• Manage production timelines and deliverables.
• Ensure all footage meets quality standards and brand requirements.

Post-Production & Editing:

• Manage post-production workflow including ingest, logging, syncing, and organizing media.
• Assemble footage into rough, fine, and final cuts.
• Perform color correction, sound sweetening, and graphics integration using Adobe After Effects and Creative Suite.
• Receive and implement editing notes from producers, instructional designers, and faculty while maintaining professional standards and quality control.
• Archive and maintain record of master files.

Collaboration & Process Improvement:

• Provide graphics support utilizing Adobe After Effects and Creative Suite.
• Ensure quality control and consistency using advanced technologies, workflows, and post-production methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of production standards and best practices.
• Share expertise with team members.
• Mentor junior producers on technical and creative approaches.

Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable