Creative Producer

Posting number: 191060

Department: Department of Commerce

Division: Marketing Communications Division

Job classification: Visual/Digital Media Director

Posting type: Open

Categories: Graphic Arts, Marketing, Arts, Communications, Arts, Design, Entertainment & Media

Summary

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle, while allowing people to live and work where they love.

 As one of 22 cabinet agencies, S.C. Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency. Its mission is to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, which it does by supporting new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging industries such as life sciences, headquarters, and advanced energy. To drive the state’s advanced energy potential and global impact, S.C. Commerce helped organize the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), designated as one of 31 federal Technology and Innovation Hubs in 2023. A national leader in foreign direct investment, South Carolina extends its international reach with representation in Europe and Asia, ensuring the state remains a top, global business destination from launch to legacy.

Job Purpose:

Stories have the power to shape perception, inspire action and influence decisions. At the South Carolina Department of Commerce, those stories help companies from around the world imagine their future here.

The Creative Producer is responsible for discovering, developing and producing compelling visual stories that showcase South Carolina and its people, companies, cultures, communities and competitive advantages. From the first spark of an idea through final delivery, this position leads every stage of the creative process, blending strategic thinking, journalism, filmmaking, photography, interviewing and design into work that connects with audiences.

This is a creative leadership role that requires perception, initiative and exceptional storytelling instincts. The ideal candidate understands that the best stories begin by listening, knows how to earn trust quickly with people from every background and has the creative judgment to transform authentic moments into meaningful content.

Working closely with agency leadership and cross-functional partners, the Creative Producer serves as both collaborator and creator, helping shape the visual voice of one of the nation's leading economic development organizations.

Job Responsibilities:

Discover Stories

• Seek out meaningful stories across South Carolina's industries, communities, culture, workforce and economic development ecosystem.
• Build relationships with internal teams, business leaders, local communities and partner organizations to uncover authentic opportunities for storytelling.
• Recognize compelling narratives others may overlook and proactively recommend new creative opportunities.
• Research subjects, identify themes, and develop interview strategies that reveal authentic human experiences.

Lead Creative Development

• Translate strategic marketing and communications objectives into compelling creative concepts.
• Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to shape messaging, define creative direction and ensure projects support agency priorities.
• Develop concepts, scripts, interview frameworks, shot lists, production schedules and creative approaches for projects ranging from social media content to documentary-style films.
• Contribute fresh ideas that strengthen campaigns and elevate the Department's visual storytelling.

Produce Exceptional Visual Content

• Plan and execute professional video and photography productions throughout South Carolina and occasionally beyond.
• Conduct interviews that make people feel comfortable while drawing out authentic, emotionally engaging conversations.
• Capture cinematic footage and professional photography using advanced camera, lighting and audio techniques.
• Direct executives, employees, elected officials and community members during interviews and on-camera appearances.
• Adapt quickly to changing production environments while maintaining exceptional quality.

Craft Stories in Post-Production

• Edit compelling long-form and short-form videos that communicate complex ideas through clear, engaging storytelling.
• Select music, pacing, graphics, color and sound design to enhance emotional impact.
• Produce content optimized for multiple platforms, including presentations, websites, social media, paid campaigns and executive communications.
• Ensure every project meets high creative standards while maintaining consistency with the Commerce brand.

Collaborate Across the Agency

• Partner closely with marketing, communications, economic development teams, executive leadership and external agencies.
• Present creative concepts, receive feedback thoughtfully and refine work through collaboration.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities, deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
• Represent the Department professionally during productions and build lasting relationships with business and community partners.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

The strongest candidates are people who enjoy learning about others and asking thoughtful questions.

They are confident enough to lead a production but humble enough to listen before picking up a camera.

They combine artistic talent with strategic thinking.

They understand that beautiful visuals matter, but meaningful stories matter more.

They thrive on collaboration, embrace constructive feedback and take ownership of projects from concept through completion.

Most importantly, they know how to help people tell stories they didn't realize they had.

Examples of dutiesA bachelor's degree and relevant experience. 

• Bachelor's degree in film production, journalism, communications, marketing, media production, photography, or a related field, with relevant professional experience.
• Professional experience producing high-quality video and photography projects from concept through final delivery.
• Demonstrated experience interviewing subjects and creating story-driven content.
• Experience managing multiple creative projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel throughout South Carolina for productions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional visual storytelling ability 
• Outstanding videography and photography skills 
• Strong interviewing and interpersonal communication skills 
• Creative judgment and independent decision-making 
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities 
• Emotional intelligence and professionalism in diverse environments 
• Strong writing and script development skills 
• Adaptability under changing production conditions 
• Collaborative mindset with a desire to continuously improve 
• Passion for meaningful storytelling 

Qualifications

• Experience producing documentary, branded documentary, broadcast or commercial content.
• Professional portfolio demonstrating exceptional visual storytelling.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom and Illustrator.
• Experience operating professional cinema cameras, drones, lighting and audio equipment.
• Understanding of social media storytelling and digital-first content strategies.
• Experience working with executive leaders or public-facing organizations.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (or ability to obtain).

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is equal parts filmmaker, journalist, producer, photographer, editor, strategist, and collaborator.

They possess outstanding creative instincts but are equally driven by curiosity about people. They can comfortably walk into a manufacturing facility, a corporate boardroom, a rural community, or an international business and quickly build the trust needed to capture authentic stories.

They understand that the camera is only a tool. Their greatest strength is helping people feel seen, heard, and comfortable enough to share experiences that connect with audiences.

They don't simply create content. They create work that makes people feel something.

Supplemental information

The South Carolina Department of Commerce offers an exceptional benefit package for full-time and temporary grant positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days of sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Pension and 401K Plans
• Deferred Compensation Programs
• Paid Parental Leave