Freelance Creative Professionals

New England Conservatory, an independent not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With music students representing more than 40 countries, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training by 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. NEC pushes the boundaries of making and teaching music through college-level musical training in classical, jazz, and Contemporary Improvisation. It offers unique interdisciplinary programs such as Entrepreneurial Musicianship and Community Performances & Partnerships that empower students to create their own musical opportunities. As part of NEC's mission to make lifelong music education available to everyone, the Preparatory School and School of Continuing Education delivers training and performance opportunities for children, pre-college students, and adults.

JOB SUMMARY:
New England Conservatory (NEC) is seeking talented freelance professionals to join our creative talent pool. As one of the world's leading music conservatories, NEC is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of musicians through exceptional education and performance opportunities. We are looking for creative individuals who are passionate about the arts and committed to excellence in their craft. All roles will collaborate with NEC’s Marketing, Communications, and External Relations team to understand project objectives, provide creative input, and ensure that strategies align with NEC's brand identity and communication goals. 

Note: This is a freelance position, and compensation will be negotiated on a per-project basis. Resumes and portfolios will be kept on file and called upon per project. Remote work arrangements will be considered for qualified candidates. NEC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. 

ESSENTIAL ROLES:

Graphic Designer: 

Develop visually appealing designs for a variety of marketing collateral, including print materials such as posters, brochures, and flyers, as well as digital assets like social media graphics and website banners.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand project objectives and translate them into creative visual concepts that effectively communicate NEC's brand identity and messaging.

Ensure consistency in design elements, such as typography, color schemes, and layout, across all marketing materials to maintain brand integrity and cohesion.

Potential to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet project deadlines while maintaining high standards of creativity and professionalism.

Photographer: 

Capture high-quality images of musical performances, rehearsals, masterclasses, campus events, and student activities, utilizing a keen eye for composition, lighting, and timing to convey the energy and emotion of each moment.

Work closely with performers, faculty, and staff to coordinate photo shoots, ensuring that all necessary equipment and settings are prepared to achieve desired results.

Edit and retouch photos as needed to enhance visual impact and ensure technical excellence, using industry-standard software tools while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the original images.

Organize and maintain a comprehensive digital image library, including proper tagging, labeling, and archival practices, to facilitate easy access and retrieval of assets for future use.

Stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in photography, attend relevant workshops or training sessions, and seek feedback from peers to continuously improve skills and expand creative capabilities.

Videographer/Video Editor:

Edit raw video footage into cohesive, engaging, and polished final products, incorporating music, sound effects, graphics, and other visual elements to enhance storytelling and convey key messages effectively.

Monitor audio levels and quality during recording sessions, troubleshoot technical issues as they arise, and collaborate with sound engineers or other specialists to ensure optimal sound capture and clarity.

Manage project timelines and deadlines effectively, coordinating with team members to address feedback, revisions, and other post-production tasks in a timely manner while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.

Stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in video editing, attend relevant training or professional development opportunities, and experiment with new techniques to continuously improve skills and enhance creative capabilities.

Copywriter:

Write clear, compelling, and persuasive copy for various marketing channels, including websites, social media, email campaigns, print materials, press releases, and advertising campaigns, to promote NEC's programs, events, and initiatives.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop creative concepts and messaging strategies that resonate with target audiences and align with NEC's brand voice and tone.

Conduct research and interviews as needed to gather information, identify key selling points, and craft engaging narratives that highlight the unique benefits and value propositions of NEC's offerings.

Tailor messaging and language to suit different communication platforms and audience demographics, ensuring consistency in brand messaging while adapting style and tone to suit the specific context and objectives of each project.

Proofread and edit copy for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and clarity, following NEC's editorial guidelines and style standards to maintain a high level of accuracy and professionalism in all written communications.

Copy Editor:

Review and edit written content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to NEC's brand voice, style guidelines, and editorial standards across various marketing materials, including websites, brochures, newsletters, and promotional emails.

Check copy for grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and typographical errors, correcting and suggesting revisions as needed to improve readability, coherence, and overall quality of written communications.

Collaborate with writers, designers, and other team members to ensure that messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with NEC's strategic objectives and brand messaging.

Verify factual accuracy and proper attribution of sources, conducting fact-checking and research as needed to confirm information and ensure that content is credible and reliable.

Maintain organized files and records of edits, revisions, and style guidelines, tracking changes and communicating feedback to writers and other stakeholders to facilitate efficient workflow and ensure timely delivery of final content.

QUALIFICATIONS:

2-5 years of prior experience in a field specific to the essential role listed above.

Strong portfolio showcasing relevant work samples and creative projects.

Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, InDesign, Photoshop, Canva, etc.).

Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Ability to meet project deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, on-site and remotely.

Passion for the arts and a genuine interest in contributing to the mission of New England Conservatory.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, portfolio (or relevant work samples), and a brief cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in working with NEC. Please specify your area(s) of expertise (e.g., design, photography, video editing) in the subject line of your email.

NEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.