Main Purpose of the Job:
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is excited to launch American Graduate: Jobs Explained, a digital content initiative powered by public media to help high school students and early job seekers explore well-paying, in-demand careers. By leveraging public media’s local and national reach, Maryland Public Television (MPT) will provide young people in our community with engaging social media content, tools, and resources to discover career opportunities—including those that don’t require traditional college pathways. Through this initiative, Maryland Public Television (MPT) will play a key role in connecting the next generation with valuable career insights and workforce trends for Agritech, Manufacturing and Cybersecurity industries. Main purposes also include:

• Expose teens and young adult job seekers to in-demand careers and industries identified by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showcasing opportunities for advancement, training, and livable wages through compelling social media content.
• Reach our target audience on their most frequented platforms including TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, by producing highly engaging, platform optimized videos that resonate with 15-26 year olds.
• Support local communities by addressing employment needs, collaborating with public media stations to craft regionally relevant content that positions stations as trusted conveners, storytellers, and leaders in workforce development.
• Create sustained impact and transformation by producing content that bridges students, employers, and workforce development programs, fostering meaningful connections and real-world opportunities

Position Duties

The Jobs Explained Social Video Specialist will work closely with the Maryland Public Television (MPT) project team to develop, curate, and create videos that inform teens on social media platforms about in-demand careers in Agritech, Manufacturing and Cybersecurity. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience being on camera, writing, filming, producing, sourcing information, collecting digital assets, publishing, editing digital video and have a deep familiarity with vertical video content. If you are an enthusiastic digital content creator who loves public media and has a deep understanding of content that engages young audiences, we want to talk to you! Essential responsibilities include:

• Collaborates with the project team to coordinate the development, production, and delivery of social media content supporting the overall goals and objectives of the initiative
• Produces 2-3 videos each week for social video-forward platforms often collaborating with local businesses/industries or being on-screen talent
• Manages 2 Jobs Explained (@MarylandJobs_Expained) social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook or YouTube Shorts) where you will build, engage, and interact with your audience
• Attend weekly meetings with partner stations to share successes, best practices, and advice
• Provides internal updates on performance metrics and assists in drafting regular updates and reports for project funder
• Able to communicate from idea to execution, storyboards and audience engagement
• Archiving videos on a regular basis
• Managing a content tracking sheet and social publishing schedule
• May need to help with other projects as requested

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in digital video production or social media content creation
• Proficiency in creating content for social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts. Understanding what works well for each platform and across platforms.
• Portfolio or samples of previously created social media video content
• Proficiency in Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud and/or other video editing software
• Strong on-camera personality
• Ability to travel to video shoots
• Strong creative thinking skills, with the ability to analyze current platform trends and develop innovative storytelling approaches in digital video.
• Solid understanding of digital metrics and KPIs, with the ability to use data to inform content strategies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills
• Superior writing and copy-editing skills

Applicants with experience in content production for young people, promotions, digital design, education, or social improvement projects are strongly encouraged to apply. The selected applicant may be occasionally required to participate in evening and weekend events.