Position
Description
Child and Family ServicesMichigan Adoption Resource ExchangeJob Title: Communications Specialist, VideographerReports To: MARE Social Work SupervisorStatus: Full-TimeFLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Our Mission
To provide expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being and maximum potential.
General Acknowledgement:
As the MARE Videographer, you will create compelling visual content that highlights the personalities, strengths, interests, and dreams of children waiting for adoption across Michigan.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or ability required.
Primary
Duties and Responsibilities
- The Communications Specialist: Videographer position requires timely, proactive, and creative production of videos used to enhance family-finding efforts for youth in Michigan’s foster care system.
- A skilled videographer and editor must be able to create captivating, positive stories to share with potential families.
- Produce high-quality recruitment videos featuring youth awaiting adoption, utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and other multimedia tools.
- Scout and identify locations throughout Michigan that provide engaging visual backdrops, quality audio conditions, and positive, memorable experiences for youth participating in recruitment video projects.
- Collaborate with child welfare professionals, photographers, and communications staff to develop creative recruitment strategies and visual storytelling campaigns.
- Assist with photography sessions for MARE photolisted youth, adoptive families, and program events as needed.
- Support the development and maintenance of digital content for the MARE website, social media platforms, electronic newsletters, and promotional materials.
- Partner with other MARE staff on development of In-Depth Profiles – a youth-led profile that creatively highlights a special interest of featured youth.
- Attend community outreach and recruitment events to capture content, promote MARE's mission, and engage prospective adoptive families.
- Assist with the planning, promotion, and coordination of the Michigan Heart Gallery, helping showcase youth waiting for adoption through powerful photography and multimedia displays.
- Develop a 15–30-minute film for the annual Heart Gallery Premiere.
- Ensure all visual content reflects trauma-informed, strengths-based, and youth-centered practices while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.
- Travel throughout Michigan to conduct video and photography sessions with youth and families.
- Serve as an ambassador for MARE's mission, helping elevate the voices of children and youth through creative storytelling.
- Job
Qualifications
- Experience planning, filming, and editing video projects independently; a portfolio or demo reel is required.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the state of Michigan.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Strong organizational, project management, communication, and attention-to-detail skills
- Flexibility to accommodate filming schedules, events, and occasional evening or weekend.
- Basic graphic design skills and experience creating content for websites and social media.
- Education, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- High school diploma or GEDValid Michigan Driver’s License, appropriate insurance and use of own vehicle.
Working Conditions
Position may require evening and weekend hoursTravel throughout MichiganDirect reports:
None
