Contractual Cinematography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job #
042633
Department Code
11002-4418
Department
SU Global
Job Title
Senior Video Producer
Location
Syracuse, NY
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$72,300 - $80,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level
S4
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type
Full-time
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
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
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University's contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112503
Job Posting Date
03/05/2026
Application Deadline
Full Consideration By
Job Category
Staff
Message to Applicants