Student Ministry Filmmaker

Willow Creek Community Church is an egalitarian non-denominational, multi-site church in and across Chicagoland passionate about helping people take next steps to love God, love people, and change the world. Our church is a place where you can make a significant impact for God's kingdom based on how He has uniquely designed you, leading the people around you to become more like Jesus and showing the tangible love of Jesus.

We believe that students are a vital part of our church. As the Central Students Filmmaker you will be hyper-focused on digital impact and creatively connecting with students who don’t know Jesus yet in Chicagoland. Alongside our Creative Director, you will lead us into the future of creativity, communications, and content. You will serve our Willow church campuses by creating content and resources to equip and execute Student Ministry programs. In addition, you will develop and implement innovative strategies and content for camps and big events. Your high level of collaboration, innovation, communication, humility, and teachability skills will shine through.

The salary range for this position is around $56,000 - $70,000 depending on experience and skill set. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement savings with company match, parental leave, generous paid time off, mental health counseling reimbursement, and more.

Job Responsibilities

• Creative ideation, pre-production, and video shoots (includes researching video examples/influences, creating mood boards/storyboards, shotlists, assembling and reserving filming equipment and locations, coordinating and scheduling with talent and crew, directing talent, operating cameras, lighting scenes, capturing audio, and setting up and striking sets)
• Video editing/post-production, leading deadlines, identifying key ways video resources and assets can enhance Student services
• Develop a structure for students to explore their gifts in ministry especially as it relates to video/photography that are used in programs or events, and create opportunities for students to use their gifts.
• Shepherding and care of volunteers and the development of the creative team volunteer culture in partnership with the Student Pastors.
• Research and adapt creative ideas to better our Student Ministry programs/ministry

Success is Defined As…

Seamlessly working with central and student teams to create compelling, engaging, and effective media that (1) draws people into a deeper connection with God and (2) welcomes students outside of the church to explore it.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Skills/Competencies:

• Expert in telling a story in a video/film format
• Demonstrated skill in creativity, process management, problem solving and priority setting
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite including Premiere Pro and After Effects.
• Fluent in each step of the cinematic process (pre-production, production and post-production)
• Knowledge of Photography
• Understanding of camera equipment and what’s required to achieve shots
• Knowledge of Canon C300/500 cameras or equivalent video/cinema cameras
• Knowledge of basic studio lighting
• Knowledge of basic sound recording and mixing
• Knowledge of creating videos for multiple social platforms and video formats (Instagram, Youtube, etc)
• Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is a plus

Personal Characteristics:

• Jesus Follower - Lives a life of integrity and pursues a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Loves students - Feels passionate about ministering to students in middle and high school
• Creative Executer - Ability to move ideas from abstract concepts to executed videos
• Learner- Someone who desires continued growth in their area of ministry.
• Innovative - Seeks out new ideas and is unafraid to fail.
• Collaborative & Team Player - Loves working with others and assumes the best in each other
• Team Mobilizer- Able to build effective teams
• Self Aware - Knows their own strengths and weaknesses and is moving towards health, exemplifies humility and confidence
• Encourager- Able to see the good in others and is intentional in affirming it.
• Approachable- Is warm, inviting, and easy to get along with.
• High Emotional Intelligence - Intuitive about others' emotions and able to respond appropriately.
• Hard-working - Is aware of the importance of their role and works hard to do their best.
• Effective communicator - Able to give and receive healthy feedback
• Fun- Someone who is okay with an occasional disco party and lots of laughing

Education and Experience:

• Experience in creating video content for social media, websites, emails
• Experience in making testimony/documentary-type videos, announcement/talking head videos, and event recap and promotional videos
• A college or secondary school degree in Television/Film/Video or equivalent industry experience preferred
• Adobe Suite
• Motion Graphics and Animation background are desirable
• Prior experience working or serving with students
• Prior experience working on a high-functioning team
• Experience with various digital realms including but not limited to: Planning Center Online, photography, websites.