Photographer

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks a professional photographer to expand visibility across state, regional and national levels by conceiving and delivering high-quality images aligned with the university branding campaign.

The role covers campus events, studio and outdoor assignments, with some early mornings, evenings and travel. The photographer collaborates with campus partners to ensure consistent, publication-ready photos for news, marketing, and archives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant photographic experience.
• Proficiency in digital photography equipment and software.

Responsibilities

• Executes a large variety of photography assignments, including location, studio, scientific research, portrait, environmental and event for use in news, marketing/branding, publication and video production, social media and archives.
• Plans photo composition; analyzes subject matter; exercises artistic judgment; selects equipment, lighting, angles, props and backgrounds for high-quality images.
• Collaborates with administration and colleagues to ensure consistent output of high-quality photos.
• When not on assignment, captures stock photos to improve the unit's stock image collection; prepares for photo shoots; processes, adjusts and enhances digital files; archives files timely.
• Prepares photos for distribution, client use, exhibits, university website and presentations; assists in finding appropriate images for projects; helps in purchasing equipment, software and supplies as appropriate.
• Follows department procedures for filing, documenting and maintaining images; maintains upkeep of equipment.

Skills

Photography

Digital editing

RAW processing

Bridge

Lightroom

Photoshop

Photo Mechanic

DAM

Excel

Word

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Bridge

Lightroom

Photoshop

Photoshelter

Excel

Word

Photo Mechanic

Job description

Position Function:

The photographer works to expand the state, regional and national visibility of Mississippi State University through conceiving, executing and delivering high-quality, professional images that align with the university mission and the current branding campaign. The photographer covers all areas of the university, including a variety of indoor and outdoor events, some of which require availability outside regular work hours and minimal travel. Photographic collaboration with the support of all campus partners is expected.

Salary Grade:14

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Executes a large variety of photography assignments, including location, studio, scientific research, portrait, environmental and event for use in news, marketing/branding, publication and video production, social media and archives.
• Plans photo composition; analyzes subject matter; exercises artistic judgment; has professional knowledge of appropriate equipment, lighting, angles, props and backgrounds to select, adjust and use for production of high-quality images.
• Handles a mix of photo assignments, production activities, coordination and consultation, and office activities in cooperation with the administration and colleagues; serves as a source on equipment and techniques for colleagues and clients.
• Collaborates proactively with administration and colleagues to ensure consistent output of high-quality photos.
• When not on assignment, captures stock photos to improve the unit's stock image collection; prepares for photo shoots; processes, adjusts and enhances digital files for optimum results; archives files in a timely manner.
• Prepares photos for new distribution, client use, exhibits, university website and presentations; assists administration and colleagues with finding appropriate images for various projects; and works to select and assist in purchasing equipment, software and supplies as appropriate.
• Follows department procedures for filing, documenting and maintaining images; and maintains upkeep of equipment to keep it working properly.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant photographic experience
• Proficiency in digital photography equipment and software

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to handle RAW files via Bridge and/or Lightroom
• Competency in Photoshop & plug-ins, as needed, to edit individual files to publication quality

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Desirable skills include a working knowledge of Photo Mechanic, Digital Asset Management (DAM), including Photoshelter, Excel and Word.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion
• Often exposed to heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• Frequent shifts in work priority: interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure due to accountability for success and project completion
• Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands
• Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, and ability to distinguish colors
• Required work outside the standard 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.