The Office of University Communications at the University of Virginia seeks a Senior Photographer to help support its core mission of elevating the reputation of the University while promoting and strengthening its brand regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Senior Photographer will capture compelling photography that communicates the essence of UVA, including its vibrant student life, splendor of Grounds, remarkable research endeavors, and exciting athletics and community-wide events in support of broad University priorities. As part of University Communications’ Creative team, they will collaborate with colleagues across the department, including in Marketing, Digital, Licensing, and News & Content, as well as with other partners across the University.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works as part of Creative Team for University Communications, partnering with colleagues across Marketing, Digital, Licensing, and News & Content verticals to address communications and visual storytelling opportunities.
- Responsible for entire photo production process from conceptualization through to distribution, translating concepts into compelling narratives and delivering files in the formats needed by the team.
- Manages the digital asset management system and brand photography catalog for the university. This includes ensuring that organization is followed, file structures are upheld, and catalogs are within compliance.
- Organizes and manages photography shoots. Directs photo shoot participants for portrait and day-in-the-life content.
- Manages concurrent projects to meet deadlines, maintains schedules, contacts subjects, and communicates these tasks to project stakeholders.
- Helps develop the brand and style of photography for the university, mentors and advises other content creators within University Communications and beyond.
- Attends stakeholder meetings, providing valuable input and insights, tracking decisions made within those meetings.
- Works with multimedia team to ensure management and upkeep of files, including archiving projects, purging, and maintenance. Manages photo database, including care, preservation and access to files.
- Records and reports multimedia expenses and requests to align with annual budget.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Collaborative, deadline-driven, willing to take creative direction, and able to manage several projects at once in a competent manner.
- A team player who is willing to act as air traffic controller, assessing all the requests and working to decide how best to deliver a product to the stakeholders.
- Skilled photographer and creative visionary, with proficiency in applying advanced photographic techniques toward executing a creative goal.
- Mastery of supplemental lighting either in the studio or on location with lighting, camera operation, and other equipment.
- Proven photojournalistic skills across subject matter.
- Expertise with Adobe Photoshop is required.
- Expert in the use of cameras, troubleshooting issues, and being able to be the resource for others in the office on their use.
- Seeking candidates with an interest in the intersection of photography with social media, digital innovation, and storytelling.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with seven or more years of experience as a professional photographer, including progressive creative achievements and leadership. Experience in higher education and/or large organizations preferred.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of portraiture, photojournalism, sports, lifestyle, and commercial work.
- Experience using a digital asset management system as part of their day-to-day workflow.
- A strong proficiency and background in supplemental lighting/studio work.
- Understanding of sensitive topics, a commitment to ensuring that work produced reflects positively on the University, and a strong appreciation for diversity of all kinds.
REQUIRED APPLICANT MATERIALS:
Applicant materials should include cover letter, resume, and access to examples of relevant creative work, either via attachment or digital portfolio link.
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE:
$72,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS:
It is our privilege to tell the remarkable and evolving story of the University of Virginia.We are writers, artists, strategists, communicators, and brand stewards, proudly celebrating, promoting, and publicizing UVA’s iconic reputation, accomplishments, brand, and history. Visit our website to find an overview of our latest work, an introduction to our team, and further communications resources.
ABOUT OUR CREATIVE TEAM:
The Creative team within the Office of University Communications works as a small creative agency and consists of art directors, designers, writers, photographers, and filmmakers. The work covers a variety of disciplines, including digital + print design, branding, environmental, advertising, editorial, merchandise, social media, photography, and video production. The Creative team’s core mission is to elevate, refine, and advance the University of Virginia brand. In addition to working on institutional branding, design, and advertising for the University as a whole, the Creative team collaborates on a wide range of projects with a variety of university partners, including the President’s Office, Enrollment, Athletics, and many others. Samples of our work can be found within our online portfolio .
This position will remain open until filled. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu.
How to Apply:
Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration, please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday , and search for ‘ R0052126’ . Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).
Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for ‘ R0052126 .’ Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor’s degree Experience: At least seven years of experience. Licensure: None PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.