Director of Photography II

Portage Learning Careers; Beaver Falls (Beaver County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Portage Learning is seeking a Director of Photography II to establish and enforce visual language, select lighting and camera equipment, and work with the Film Director and Producer to plan scenes.

The role also involves directing on smaller projects, some on-set duties, and some postproduction tasks. A strong background in camera work and lighting is required for this position.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in cinematography, film studies, or a related field, or a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in film production or related.
• Successful completion of a background check and current and/or ability to obtain the following clearances: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with different departments to complete important projects and initiatives in a timely and efficient manner.
• Meeting with the Film Director to discuss the visual style and storyboarding shots.
• Work with the Film Director and Producer to plan each scene and scope out the most effective camera angles.
• Operate audio/video recording equipment as needed.
• Choose the appropriate lenses, cameras, and lighting for the project.
• Help create set designs and select props that support the visual look of the film.
• Work with the camera and light crews during production to capture the desired footage and adjust the color and exposure as needed.
• Work with the Film Directors to ensure that all productions are aligned with the vision/direction of the department.
• Stay current with new technologies in the field through research, conferences, podcasts, webinars, and trade publications.
• Direct projects as needed.
• Assist with editing when needed.
• Participate in brainstorming for video projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Cinematography

Film production

Lighting

Camera systems

Adobe Creative Suite

DaVinci Resolve

Storyboarding

Education

Degree in cinematography or related field

7+ years in film production

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

DaVinci Resolve

Camera equipment knowledge

Job description

Description

Job Title: Director of Photography II Date: 9/16/26 Position: Full-Time

Reports to: Creative Arts Director Department: Production Travel: Yes

Status: Exempt - Professional Compensation: Salary Remote: No

Our Mission

The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to …

• Believe the best in our employees
• Invest in our people
• Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation
• Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity

A Place Where Creativity and Curiosity Matter

The Director of Photography II will assist in film production initiatives. As part of a crew, this role is mainly responsible for establishing and enforcing the visual language of a film or series of films, specifically by deciding what camera equipment and lighting to use, as well as setting up and operating camera and lights during production. This person is expected to have the knowledge and experience to direct the lighting of each shot, assess the staging of the scene, and decide on the final appearance of the footage in collaboration with the Film Director. A working knowledge of cameras, camera technology, lenses, and lighting for use in a variety of filming scenarios is required.

Additionally, this role will take on some directing on smaller projects. As a small team, each member will sometimes play other roles on set or in postproduction. Some experience in editing, color grading, production sound, post audio, and producing is expected.

What You’ll Invest In:

The Director of Photography II will carry out these responsibilities:

• Collaborate with different departments to complete important projects and initiatives in a timely and efficient manner.
• Meeting with the Film Director to discuss the visual style and storyboarding shots.
• Work with the Film Director and Producer to plan each scene and scope out the most effective camera angles.
• Operate audio/video recording equipment as needed.
• Choose the appropriate lenses, cameras, and lighting for the project.
• Help create set designs and select props that support the visual look of the film.
• Work with the camera and light crews during production to capture the desired footage and adjust the color and exposure as needed.
• Work with the Film Directors to ensure that all productions are aligned with the vision/direction of the department.
• Stay current with new technologies in the field through research, conferences, podcasts, webinars, and trade publications.
• Direct projects as needed.
• Assist with editing when needed.
• Participate in brainstorming for video projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

Requirements

We Believe the Best:

Portage Learning is seeking a candidate who exemplifies our mission, vision, philosophy, and goals.

Required Qualifications:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in cinematography, film studies, or a related field, or a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in film production or related.
• Successful completion of a background check and current and/or ability to obtain the following clearances: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent working knowledge of film production.
• Skilled in required audio-visual editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite and DaVinci Resolve.
• Ability to pay careful attention to detail and being thorough in completing work tasks.
• Excellent communication skills and decision making abilities.
• Must be service-oriented with a focus on helping others.
• Experience with cameras and camera systems.
• Experience in lighting scenes.

At Portage Learning, we invest in our team members. All employees can grow professionally through our career progression tracks, professional development, and by utilizing our higher education assistance program.

Our inclusive culture drives our mission to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. For those with a disability, we offer accommodation during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview and onboarding.

Collaborating with a Team that Values Humility, Respect, and Appreciation

Portage Learning operates in a professional, collaborative environment where meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community are valued. We foster a welcoming, team-oriented culture that encourages connection, mutual support, and shared success while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, excellence, and respect in all we do.

This is a Full -time position. Portage Learning typically operates Mondays to Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employee schedules may vary within those hours. All staff members must attend required meetings and training at the office in Chippewa Township, PA.

Portage Learning is an equal-opportunity employer, extending opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, place of birth, disability, handicap, age, genetic information, use of a guide or support animal, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and accompanies the institution’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory, harassing, and retaliatory practices.

Travel:

The job may require occasional travel, primarily local during the business day, which may entail one or more overnight stays. Travel on one or more days of a weekend may occur occasionally.

Other Duties Disclaimer:

This is not an all-inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, or demands may be added or changed to this document on an as-needed basis in order to meet organizational goals.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.