The Media Designer (Multimedia Specialist I or II depending on qualifications and duties assigned) will play a key role in expanding the impact and reach of academic content through high-quality motion graphics and animations for Utah State University. The Media Designer creates high-quality digital media assets that enhance online, hybrid, and face-to-face course materials. This role combines creative design skills with an understanding of instructional effectiveness to produce engaging graphics, animations, simulations, slide decks, and other digital content. This position collaborates closely with instructional designers, faculty, and subject matter experts to translate complex concepts into clear, learner-centered visual experiences. Reporting directly to the Director of Academic Media within Digital Learning Technology, the role collaborates closely with Instructional Designers and faculty.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, innovative storyteller who pushes creative boundaries to produce engaging academic media. They should be skilled in managing media production from concept through final delivery, including workflow coordination and publishing content across multiple platforms.

Digital Asset Creation 60%

• Design graphics, icons, infographics, and visual illustrations that support course learning objectives.
• Develop 2D/3D animations, motion graphics, and short explainer videos.
• Create interactive simulations, visual scenarios, and practice environments using appropriate software.
• Build visually coherent slide decks and presentation templates for courses and training.
• Plan and create assets—such as typography, photography, live multi-camera video, animation, narration, and sound—independently or within a small team, ensuring high-quality output.

Content Development & Collaboration 20%

• Work with instructional designers and faculty to conceptualize visual representations of instructional content.
• Participate in project planning to ensure media deliverables align with pedagogical goals and branding guidelines.
• Translate complex ideas into simple, intuitive visual formats for diverse learners.

Quality & Accessibility 10%

• Ensure all media meets accessibility standards (e.g., color contrast, alt text, captions).
• Apply brand, design, and style guidelines consistently across all deliverables.
• Optimize media for web, mobile, and LMS delivery.

Technical Production 5%

• Manage file organization, versioning, and asset libraries.
• Export media in appropriate formats and verify compatibility with LMS systems and course platforms.
• Troubleshoot issues related to animations, file formats, and interactivity.

Continuous Improvement 5%

• Stay current with emerging tools, design trends, and technology for digital learning media.
• Recommend new approaches to enhance visual learning experiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

The position will be hired at either a Multimedia Specialist I or II depending on qualifications below and duties assigned:

• Multimedia Specialist I - Bachelor’s degree in Media Design, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Animation, Instructional Technology, or related field OR four (4) years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Multimedia Specialist II - Bachelor’s degree in Media Design, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Animation, Instructional Technology, or related field plus two years of related experience OR Six (6) years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

For both levels:

• Proficiency with design and animation tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects), PowerPoint/Keynote, and other multimedia production software.
• Strong understanding of video codecs, compression methods, and best practices for delivering academic video content.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours—including evenings and weekends—and travel to USU statewide campuses as needed.
• An online portfolio showcasing a range of video content produced in various environments and styles.
• Ability to distill complex information into clear visual explanations.
• Strong understanding of design principles, layout, typography, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, instructional design, or e-learning environments.
• Experience with interactive tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Animate, Unity, or similar.
• Experience in 360 and VR video.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and universal design principles.
• Experience with project management tools and version control systems.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10

3. Website URL link to portfolio or PDF portfolio attachment to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

4. Names and contact information of at least three references to be typed at the beginning of the application. Letters of recommendation will only be requested from final candidates.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

At Utah State University, Utah’s land- and space-grant, R1 (very high research) university, we are committed to expanding access to top-tier education anywhere. With academic and extension locations across the state and USU Online (the Online Campus), USU serves students through more than 400 career-driven undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate pathways. Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, USU is consistently ranked among the nation’s best for undergraduate research, online programs, and public service.
Academic Media, within the division of Office of Digital Learning and Technology (ODLT), plays a critical role in supporting the technology infrastructure, instructional design, development, and media services that power digital learning and the continued expansion of the Online Campus. Through professional studio production, course media development, and creative consultation, our team enhances the learner experience with engaging, high-quality educational content that brings curriculum to life.

We are innovators and doers. We create impact. Join our innovative, collaborative, and fast-paced team as we shape the future of learning.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025