Video Production Specialist Job at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle

Overview

The Morton Arboretum is seeking a creative, detail‑oriented Video Production Specialist to join the Creative Team within the Marketing and Guest Experience Department. This role serves as the primary videographer and is responsible for producing a wide variety of video content supporting marketing and advertising objectives across owned and earned media channels. Reporting to the Creative Director, the Video Production Specialist will own projects from concept through delivery — ideating, shooting, editing, and collaborating closely with stakeholders to deliver compelling, best‑in‑class content that drives department objectives and elevates the Arboretum brand.

Location: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL (Hybrid)

Base pay range: $65,000.00/yr - $75,000.00/yr

Responsibilities

• Produce, shoot, and edit video projects ranging from digital advertising deliverables to social media content.
• Edit both short and longform content with strong storytelling, pacing, music selection, and motion graphic integration.
• Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ideate and pitch original content ideas aligned with Arboretum brand strategy and departmental goals.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing and Guest Experience colleagues and stakeholders throughout the Arboretum.
• Shoot in a variety of indoor/outdoor settings, lighting conditions, and weather.
• Lead pre‑production planning, scheduling, and coordinating shoots on‑location at the Arboretum and throughout Chicagoland; some possible international travel.
• Maintain, inventory, and expand video equipment within budget.
• Log, organize, and maintain video assets, including archiving, media management, and metadata tagging.
• Stay current on video trends, styles, and best practices across social and digital platforms.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required, preferably in video production, marketing, communications, film, or related field.
• Mandatory 4+ years of professional experience creating video content; agency or in‑house environment preferred; freelance acceptable.
• Proven ability to tell compelling stories through videos to engage diverse audiences.
• Expert knowledge of operating video equipment and editing applications, including proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition, and DaVinci Resolve.
• Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop preferred.
• Drone pilot license or willingness to obtain one upon employment.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google applications beneficial.

Success Factors

• Creative, innovative, team player, and self‑starter with a passion for storytelling.
• Deep understanding of digital advertising and social media strategy.
• Ability to generate ideas and deliver best‑in‑class deliverables with attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of brand guidelines and ability to work within them.
• Willingness to accept and incorporate feedback; collaborative and customer‑service oriented.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work requires physical activity: lifting and carrying video equipment up to 50 lbs.; walking over varied terrain in all weather conditions.
• Some local or international travel.
• Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all seasons, weather, and lighting conditions.
• Equipment: Apple computer, cinema/mirrorless cameras, video production equipment, Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Illustrator, Photoshop) and DaVinci Resolve.

Schedule

Requires on‑site presence to capture timely footage in all conditions, including some early mornings, evenings, and weekend work for production shoots and events.

Application Instructions

The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. This position is eligible for a competitive benefits package. For full consideration, please include a resume and portfolio/demo reel.