Manager, Arts and Media Production

About Us

Founded in 1937, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has kept the promise of public housing alive. It has done so by maintaining and modernizing its buildings and enriching the lives of its residents through innovative social services, recreational and educational programs, and job training initiatives. What makes HABC successful is the dedication of its employees and its history of strong leadership.

Position Summary

A Manager of Arts and Media must stay up-to-date with design trends and emerging technologies. They should have extensive knowledge of various design tools, software, and techniques, including experience with advanced tools. The primary purpose of this position is to oversee, manage, and elevate the visual aspects of the communications that impact the Housing Authority as an agency for the optimal internal/external image. Creates and manages the overall design and visual style for websites, ad campaigns, magazines, newspapers, photoshoots, movies, TV productions, and more. Sets general artistic tone, using imagery and aesthetics to bring concepts to life. Directs other designers and graphic artists to develop artwork and various layouts per project. Coordinates with the Digital Communications Manager to ensure a successful and visually appealing result.

Ensures HABC’s Multimedia/video guidelines are followed with respect to photography, videos, multimedia, graphics usage and advises departments on appropriate standards. The successful candidate must possess advanced knowledge of photography, graphics, and related equipment and software.

All activities must support the Housing Authority of Baltimore City ("HABC" or "Authority") mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Multimedia Creation
  • Directs the creation of artwork used on brochures, booklets, annual reports, fliers, ads, TV commercials/spots, billboards, websites, management projects, presentations, and other online, written, and in-person events.
  • Captures, creates, and edits still and moving content (graphics, photography, gifs, design identities, interactive experience, digital advertising, social platforms, in-house print photos, sound clips, and videos) to communicate Authority messages across social media, websites, printed media, and events.
  • Develop, convert, and assemble materials, photography, media, and video for proper usage and placement in communication projects.
  • Use 3D rendering software to create polished animations and enhanced media content with high-quality audio, music, and visuals to maximize emotional impact and production quality.
  • Recommends media to be used for HABC events, marketing, press conferences, virtual events, and using available resources.
  • Manages and provides regular updates to the agency’s existing digital and social media platforms with recent photos and videos. Increases positive perception of the agency through the creation of visual communication messages and expands community outreach engagement via social media connections.
• Multimedia Production Strategy and Style
  • Ensure the integrity of the brand across all creative outputs, guiding the team in maintaining brand consistency in all visual materials, marketing assets, and digital platforms.
  • Coordinates with HABC staff, project manager, and other division leadership to identify the goals and needs for the project and then to develop an artistic approach or style consistent with the goals.
  • Determines the overall artistic vision and tone of the project and how the media will effectively present concepts visually and consistently with overall style to support the project's needs and HABC’s brand.
  • Selects which multimedia (photos, art, or other elements) to use on a specific project, to support the project message and the HABC brand. Chooses the visual elements for the project, which may include photos, art, video, and other media.
  • Reviews and approves designs submitted for projects.
  • Maintains proper photos, videos, graphics, logos, and branding usage through all departments, internet/Intranet websites, and social networking outlets to ensure appropriate, consistent, and accurate messaging and perception while meeting the needs of the agency.
  • Proactively identify areas where the brand can be refreshed or elevated, working with department leadership to drive new brand initiatives.
• Project & Team Management
  • Support the Senior Vice President of Communications by managing project timelines, budgets, and ensuring the team meets deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Act as the point of escalation for team concerns and issues, providing solutions for creative challenges and ensuring a healthy team dynamic.
  • Provide development opportunities for the creative team, fostering a culture of growth, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Ensures submitted media and design are appropriate for the project message.
  • Ensures media recommendations are within the projected budget for the project.
• Supervisory tasks:
  • Oversees full-time, temporary, and senior graphic artists, ensuring high performance and fostering a collaborative environment
  • Recommends hiring, promotions, and oversees staff development to maintain a skilled, dynamic team.
  • Assigns daily tasks and ensures efficient project management to meet deadlines.
  • Conducts regular reviews of work quality and productivity, providing actionable feedback.
  • Monitors and reviews the quality and quantity of production.
  • Ensures all creative output meets organizational standards and maintains brand consistency.
  • Supports leave approvals while maintaining team efficiency.
  • Identifies opportunities to optimize workflows, technical processes, and creative products.
  • Addresses staff concerns and fosters a positive, productive work environment.
  • Provides guidance and corrective action as needed, supporting professional growth.
  • Leads the interview and hiring process to attract top creative talent.
• File and Equipment Management
  • Manages the agency's photography and video archive, and maintains equipment and supplies for internal and external projects related to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City.
  • Works with Digital Communications Project Manager to ensure digital assets are organized categorically and chronologically, and frequently reviews, edits and improves assets specific to graphic design elements and campaigns.
  • Researches, reviews, and facilitates the purchasing of new software, hardware, and accessories to advance or accelerate HABC’s production capabilities.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Consults with senior executives and other departments to understand organizational goals and translate them into cohesive visual communication strategies.
  • Work closely with other departmental managers to ensure that creative output supports and enhances other business functions.
  • Lead high-level, cross-departmental meetings to establish creative goals and ensure clear communication between design teams and stakeholders

7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Photojournalism, Graphic Arts, Photography, or related field(s) and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of visual graphic arts such as Photography, graphic art, or Design. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Maryland driver's license.
• Must be able to be covered under the Authority's fidelity bond.
• Must be able to be covered under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy.

Other Requirements:

• Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Successful completion of a prescreening investigation, including verification of employment history and education credentials.
• A 6-month probationary period applies to this full-time permanent position.

Benefits

We offer a competitive package of employee benefit programs that support recruitment and retention objectives and are designed to meet the diverse and changing needs of our employees. HABC’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pharmacy Coverage
• Retirement Program

All new employees are required to receive at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot in a two-shot series or be fully vaccinated before the date of hire.

FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY: Current HABC employees who are on probation, whether due to initial new hire status (6 months) or promotion (3 months), will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within HABC once their probationary period is completed. This allows time for growth, development, and the demonstration of their skills and commitment, paving the way for new opportunities within the organization.

If you are currently under the progressive disciplinary process, you may not have the chance to be considered for a promotion (s) within HABC. Please review the Manual of Personnel Policies or the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement for more information on the disciplinary process.

This job posting will remain open until October 1, 2025.