Assistant Director of Photography, University Advancement

External Applicants:

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.

• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees:

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Job Description Summary

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Supports priority projects and develops visual concepts to accomplish the goals of each project. In collaboration with teams across UMC, creates compelling photographs for a broad range of digital and print publications.
• Works closely with the Creative team and the News and Content team to identify and photograph key stories, people, and events that advance the Wake Forest brand.
• Helps to identify and prioritize stock and unassigned photography to maintain an up-to-date catalog of campus and academic life and campus environment photography.
• Explores innovative approaches to photography and storytelling while maintaining the graphic and editorial standards of the university.
• Working with the Social Media team, maintains a high visibility social media presence, including individual and gallery posts and completes photo stories on various platforms.
• Ensures all photographs are in keeping with the identity and integrity of Wake Forest, particularly as made available in public archives. Through consulting services, ensures the same standards are maintained through the work of other photographers hired by the University for freelance work.
• Works with the Director of Photography to support a comprehensive photo archive to preserve the visual history of Wake Forest, for use by UMC and communicators across the campus. Maintains high standards for metadata and image quality for images from all sources. Manages requests for photography from both on- and off-campus clients.
• May direct the activities of freelance and student photographers to ensure that all assignments are covered appropriately. Identifies, trains, and mentors student photographers.
• Will work with the Director of Photography to manage all aspects of the photography department, including equipment updates and tracking, purchasing, annual equipment budgets, and freelance and student invoices and payroll.
• Works to improve knowledge and expertise in photography, lighting, equipment.
• Continually reviews practices and procedures and updates as needed.
• Builds and maintains relationships with communications professionals, faculty, administrators, students, and staff across the university, and with peers in higher education. Prioritizes continuing education and skills development.
• Has high standards for their work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people's lives every day.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree and at least four years of experience as a photographer, preferably in higher education or photojournalism.
• Preferred experience working with freelancers, and students.
• Experience with studio and location portrait photography, event coverage, sports action and features, landscape and architecture, and candid people photography.
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital photography and location lighting.
• Proficiency in Lightroom, Photoshop and raw file processing; knowledge of various image browsing and archiving systems.
• Ability to approach photographic assignments creatively and collaboratively, while maintaining the graphic and editorial standards of the university. Ability to work closely with graphic designers, art directors, writers, and editors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently; ability to set and meet deadlines, cover large events, and direct multiple photographers in fast moving situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, and constituents, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to mentor and oversee student photographers.
• Ability to maintain key relationships across the university.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.
• May supervise student workers.
• Indirectly manages freelance photographers.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions. Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. No adverse environmental conditions expected; however, may need to execute events in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.eduor (336) 758-4700.