Visual Media Specialist

Description

Summary

The Visual Media Specialist performs specialized creative and technical work in the design and production of visual communications that support the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District’s (HABD) programs, services, and public engagement efforts. The incumbent is responsible for developing high-quality video production along with graphic materials that enhance HABD’s brand, improve communication effectiveness, and promote organizational initiatives.

All activities must support The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District's ("HABD") mission, values, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

1) Graphic Design and Content Development

a. Design and produce high-quality visual materials, including flyers, brochures, newsletters, reports, presentations, and other print collateral.

b. Create digital assets for social media, websites, email campaigns, and internal communications.

c. Develop visual concepts that effectively communicate HABD programs, services, and initiatives.

d. Ensure all designs are visually appealing, accurate, and aligned with organizational messaging.

2) Videographer/Photographer

a. Capture high-quality video/photography content for various projects

b. Plan and set up video shoots, including lighting and audio equipment

c. Edit raw footage/photos into polished, engaging videos/social media postings

d. Collaborate with the creative team to develop video concepts

e. Manage video/photography archives and organize footage

f. Ensure all video/photograph content aligns with brand guidelines

g. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices

h. Operate and maintain video/photography equipment

i. Conduct interviews and capture b-roll footage as needed

3) Brand Management and Strategy:

a. Maintain and enforce HABD’s brand identity, including logos, typography, colors, and visual standards.

b. Collaborate  with leadership to enhance employer branding and public image

c. Contribute to the development of communication strategies through visual storytelling.

4) Marketing and Community Engagement Support

a. Support outreach campaigns for housing programs, resident services, job fairs, and community initiatives

b. Design promotional materials for events, workshops, and public meetings

c. Assist in creating materials that increase resident engagement and community awareness.

5) Collaboration and Project Management:

a. Work closely with internal departments (HR, HCV, Resident Services, Real Estate and Development, etc.) to understand project needs and deliver creative solutions.

b. Managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.

c. Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and partners as needed.

d. Assist with website updates and visual content management

e. Support basic video or multimedia projects, as needed.

6) Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the HABD. Uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with level of responsibility.

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind. Recognizes work colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing. Demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.

Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Job Competencies

•  Knowledge of HUD, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as HABD policies and procedures related to the position.
• Proficiency in graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and/or similar tools (e.g., Canva).
• Strong understanding of layout design, typography, color theory, and branding principles.
•  Sound understanding of the principles of marketing as well as new technologies and how they can be applied to marketing.
•  Excellent copywriting skills and the ability to frame technical text for a broader audience.
• Ability to design for both print and digital platforms.
•  Ability to accurately and rapidly compose effective correspondence.
•  Ability to handle tense situations in a calm manner, while delivering excellent customer service.
•  Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
•  Ability to communicate on a level of the listener, recognizing when information has been misunderstood, and the ability to rectify any misunderstanding as needed when explaining Authority policies and procedures.
•  Ability to present ideas and address the public in a clear and concise manner, in English, both orally and in writing.
•  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media, co-workers, vendors, consultants, contractors, customers, HUD; and local, state, and federal officials; Demonstrated ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, Communications, or related field. Minimum of 1–3 years of professional graphic design experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience in public sector, nonprofit, or community-focused organizations preferred. 

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and should have experience with Adobe Creative Suite. Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform, this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; reaching and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.