Director of Photography, Athletics

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:

Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website. 

A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

This position will provide leadership, organization, and direction for Wake Forest Athletics photography, including project management for gameday freelance photography role. Provides leadership and assistance in the visual storytelling direction for Wake Forest through photography and graphic design. Additionally, this individual will be responsible for shooting photography for all Wake Forest
Athletics events and initiatives. This person will work with the Senior Director, Creative Media & Content Strategy in the general workflow of the photographic operations & services of Athletics to support overall business objectives.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the overall management and direction of photography for all Wake Forest Athletics.
• Directs and executes a large variety of photography assignments including on location, studio, and events for the department’s use and archival purposes.
• Captures and produces high-quality images appropriate to each purpose and presenting a positive image of the Wake Forest Athletics in conjunction with ACC and NCAA regulations.
• In collaboration with colleagues, handles a mix of photographic assignments, production activities, coordination and consultation, and office activities. Serves as a source of information for colleagues and clients on photographic equipment and techniques.
• Determines project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with the creative team, along with media relations and fan experience staffs. Collaborates proactively with colleagues to ensure consistent output of high-quality photos that meet the needs of various media. Participates in strategic and creative concept development for various media products.
• Prepares for photo shoots (e.g., scouting locations, scheduling, renting equipment, etc.) Sets up and takes down lighting, backgrounds, props, and other equipment.
• Processes, adjusts, and enhances digital files for optimum final results. Ensures that images are edited (color corrected, scaled, cropped, etc.) and saved in correct file format and resolution for various media.
• Works in conjunction with our coaching staffs for appropriate photography requests.
• Assists in management of Opendorse tool in order to properly deliver digital files to student-athletes in a timely manner through Photoshelter agreement.
• In collaboration with colleagues and department head, as appropriate, selects, purchases, and maintains the department's studio, photographic and related equipment, background properties, and supplies.
• Works with Supervisor on management of photography budget.
• Keeps abreast of new developments and technology in the photography field. Explore new techniques, methods, and equipment that may improve creative and workflow processes.
• Maintains the department’s photographic archives, both digital and analog. Follows established protocols for file naming, meta tagging, documenting, and maintaining images. Assists colleagues in locating appropriate images for various projects.
• Scans photographic prints, slides, or negatives into computers for editing, storage, and electronic transmission.
• Create and manage a robust student volunteer program.
• Assist fan experience, communication, Deacon Club, and ticketing staff with the execution of photography needs in support of ticket sales, attendance, and fundraising.
• Provide photo support for coaches recruiting needs, including maintaining and updating a shared content drive with athletic and university photos and videos for use in digital recruiting efforts.
• Upholds Wake Forest Athletics branding guidelines & identity standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Professional, optimistic, positive problem-solver.
• Ability to work long hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Work experience and knowledge of video production, including but not limited to shooting, color correction, editing.
• Proven success producing creative and innovative content strategist, as well as experience in other multi-media production platforms (web sites, animation, graphic design) desired
• Ability to translate ideas and understand limitations in a variety of creative applications such as
• Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Premier, Photoshop, Prelude, Lightroom, Google Drive, along with limitations of physical production and computer generated post production techniques.
• Knowledge of professional cameras required.
• Must be well-versed in color grading, audio mixing and creating basic support graphics.
• Creative thinker who can balance the institutional brand and key Athletics initiatives with novel concepts.
• Familiarity with digital media workflows and audio production equipment including the various uses, capabilities, applications, limitations, and costs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently; ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in high pressure situations.
• Knowledge of superior customer service standards and practices.
• Ability to work after hours and/or weekends and on-call, as specified by supervisor, and availability to travel with teams.
• Valid driver license with good driving record; must be insurable.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience in photographing athletic events is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree and experience in an intercollegiate or professional athletics environment is required.
• Position requires the ability to make decisions and communicate in a fast-paced environment as well as the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative group. The ability to work a non-standard work week which will include nights and weekends.
• Required to work quickly, efficiently, and with adaptability under strict deadlines.
• Must possess superior image-making and storytelling capabilities.
• Must collaborate with a variety of media experts across integrated campaigns.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
• Experience within NCAA Division I college athletics program desired.

Other Functions:

Leads Gameday Freelance Photographer, student volunteers and interns.

Accountabilities:

Responsible for own work

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

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 [email protected] or (336) 758-4700.