Creative Specialist | Spartan Ventures

East Lansing, Michigan, Spartan Ventures is seeking a talented, versatile, and collaborative Creative Specialist to join our creative solutions team supporting Michigan State Athletics and the broader initiatives of Spartan Ventures. We're looking for a creative professional who can bring ideas to life across multiple mediums. One day, that might mean designing a social media campaign or creating motion graphics for a video board. The next, it could mean shooting and editing something for a Michigan State athletic program or developing creative assets for a corporate partnership or NIL initiative.  This position blends graphic design, motion graphics, and video production into one dynamic role. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver who enjoys variety, embraces collaboration, and is comfortable taking projects from concept through completion. As part of Spartan Vision, the Creative Specialist will help tell compelling stories, engage Spartan fans, and support the continued growth of the Michigan State Athletics brand. Characteristic Duties & Responsibilities Create still and motion graphics for Michigan State Athletics and Spartan Ventures for use across social media, digital platforms, video boards, marketing materials, and print. Develop and maintain graphic templates to ensure consistent branding while allowing each sport to have its own look. Create assets for Spartan Ventures' partnerships and marketing initiatives. Shoot, edit, and produce videos for campaigns, features, and social media. Work with other designers, video producers, and social media staff to create cohesive content. Support assigned Michigan State sports teams by producing creative content, including photos and videos for events and promotions. Manage projects from start to finish, balancing deadlines and collaborating with internal and external partners. Stay current with creative trends and tools. Help guide student employees working on creative projects. Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.   Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in graphic design, digital media, video production, visual communications, advertising or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Demonstrated professional experience creating content across graphic design, motion, and video production. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Strong understanding of graphic design fundamentals, including typography, layout, composition, color, and visual storytelling. Ability to independently manage creative assignments from concept through final delivery. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to creative problem-solving. Ability to receive feedback, make revisions, and adapt to changing priorities. Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools and their application in creative workflows. Portfolio demonstrating proficiency across still graphics, motion design, and video content. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Preferred Qualifications Three or more years of professional experience in graphic design, motion design, video production, or a related creative field. Previous experience working in collegiate athletics, professional sports, an agency, or a similarly fast-paced creative environment. Experience creating video and graphics optimized for social media and digital marketing. Experience designing content for video boards, LED displays, and live-event environments. Photography experience, including basic lighting, composition, and photo editing. Familiarity with corporate sponsorships, branded content, or commercial marketing campaigns. Experience collaborating with marketing, communications, social media, and production teams. Familiarity with collegiate athletics and the Big Ten Conference.   Work Environment & Expectations This is an on-site position supporting Spartan Ventures and Michigan State Athletics in East Lansing, Michigan. The Creative Specialist reports to the Director of Creative Solutions. The Creative Specialist will be assigned specific sports and organizational initiatives based on departmental needs. While select game and event coverage is an important component of the role, this position is not expected to attend every competition or serve as the primary production resource for all athletic events. The position requires flexibility to support occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.   Application Requirements Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, digital portfolio or demo reel highlighting relevant creative work, and three professional references. Portfolios should demonstrate experience in graphic design, motion graphics, and video production, with examples across all three disciplines strongly preferred. All application materials should be emailed to HR@SpartanVentures.org .