Media Production Specialist

The Center for Communications for the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church organizes and implements communication strategies, storytelling initiatives, and information-sharing efforts that support the mission and strategic priorities of the Texas Annual Conference. This includes, but is not limited to, conference-wide communications, digital media and content creation, branding and marketing, website management, social media engagement, print and publication services, video and podcast production, media relations, event communications, and training and support for local church communications ministries. The Center for Communication works to ensure consistent, effective, and mission-driven communication across the conference and its ministries. Media Production Specialist The Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a creative, technically skilled, and highly organized Media Production Specialist to help tell the stories of ministry across our Conference. This position focuses primarily on videography and video editing, with additional responsibilities for website management, podcast production, and photography. Working with the Director of Communications, the Media Production Specialist will turn ministry stories and communication priorities into compelling content that connects people, equips local churches, and highlights how congregations and communities are thriving. The ideal candidate is a strong visual storyteller who takes initiative, follows through on assignments, and manages projects from concept to final delivery. This person should be equally comfortable filming in a local church, editing a podcast episode, capturing an event, and updating the Conference website. Essential Functions Videography and Video Editing Plan, film, and edit high-quality videos for Conference communications, ministry initiatives, events, and digital platforms. Projects include ministry stories, interviews, promo videos, leadership messages, training resources, and social content. Translate communication goals into clear production plans, including interview questions, shot lists, filming schedules, and supporting footage. Serve as the primary videographer for Conference assignments, operating professional cameras, lighting, microphones, and audio equipment in studio and on-location settings. Lead the editing process, including footage selection, storytelling, pacing, audio cleanup and mixing, color correction, graphics, captions, and final exports. Produce both longer videos and short clips, adapting content for the Conference website, YouTube, social media, presentations, and other uses. Review finished content for accuracy, visual and audio quality, accessibility, and consistency with Conference branding before submitting it for approval. Coordinate revisions and deliver finished videos on schedule, communicating progress and identifying potential delays early. Website Management Manage routine updates to the Conference website, including news stories, event listings, ministry pages, staff information, resources, forms, and embedded media. Work with Conference staff to keep website content accurate, current, organized, and easy to navigate. Format and publish content using the website’s content management system, ensuring consistent presentation and clear calls to action. Check links, remove or archive outdated content, ensure consistency across mobile, tablet and desktop user experience, and optimize images and video embeds for effective website performance. Apply basic accessibility and search engine optimization practices, including descriptive headings, alternative text, and meaningful page titles. Troubleshoot routine website issues and coordinate more complex needs with the Director of Communications and website service provider. Podcast Production and Photography Record and edit video and audio for the Conference’s This Is How We Thrive podcast and other interview-based projects. Prepare studio and mobile recording equipment, assist guests with microphones and positioning, and monitor recording quality. Prepare approved episodes and promotional clips for publication across podcast, video, and social platforms. Photograph Conference events, local church ministries, staff, and other assignments, capturing images that support timely storytelling. Select, edit, organize, and promptly deliver photographs for news coverage, social media, and other communications. Production Operations and Project Management Maintain organized, searchable libraries of video, photography, audio, and project files, using consistent file naming, storage, backup, and archival practices. Maintain an accurate equipment inventory and keep cameras, lenses, lighting, microphones, cables, and other production equipment organized, labeled, maintained, and ready for use. Coordinate production schedules and track assignments from planning through delivery, balancing recurring work with urgent communication needs. Support media production for Annual Conference and other major events, including advance planning, on-site coverage, and coordination with contractors or event production teams. Follow Conference procedures for media permissions, releases, copyright, and the appropriate use of images, music, and other assets. Complete related administrative responsibilities, including expense documentation and receipts, accurately and on time. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in video production, communications, digital media, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant professional experience will be considered. At least two years of relevant professional experience, with a portfolio demonstrating strong videography, video editing, and visual storytelling skills. Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or comparable professional editing software. Demonstrated ability to capture high-quality video and audio using professional DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lighting, microphones, and related equipment. Experience editing interviews and story-driven videos, including selecting supporting footage, improving audio, correcting color, and preparing captions. Experience updating and maintaining websites through a content management system. Working knowledge of website accessibility, basic search engine optimization, and preparing media for digital publication. Experience with photography, photo editing, and audio or podcast production. Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar tools for creating supporting graphics and visual assets. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and carry projects through to completion. Clear communication skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating with staff, clergy, church members, ministry leaders, and contractors. Willingness to receive feedback, make revisions, learn new technologies, and adapt to changing priorities. An understanding of and respect for the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. Experience in a church or nonprofit setting is preferred. Work Environment and Requirements This position is based at the Texas Annual Conference Office in Houston, with regular in-office work expected. Travel throughout the Conference is required for filming, photography, ministry coverage, and events, with occasional overnight stays. Occasional evening and weekend work is required for worship services, recordings, Annual Conference, and other ministry activities. Responsibilities include transporting, setting up, operating, and packing production equipment in a variety of settings, with reasonable accommodations as applicable. #J-18808-Ljbffr