University Photographer

UCA; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Central Arkansas is seeking a University Photographer to capture campus life, events, portraits, and promotional images for branding and communications. The role supports marketing, publications, social media, and other materials under the University Marketing & Communications team.

The position reports to the Director of Branding and Creative Services. Candidates should have a strong portfolio and the ability to work evenings and weekends for events and ceremonies across campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in photography, visual arts, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional photography experience, preferably in education/marketing.
• Strong portfolio showing portrait, event, and promotional photography.

Responsibilities

• Capture high-quality images for university marketing materials, social media, publications, and the website.
• Provide for daily photographic needs including portraits, news, events, and departmental requests.
• Edit and retouch images to ensure consistency with brand standards.
• Collaborate with writers and designers to create engaging visual content.
• Build a diverse stock image library of campus life and events.
• Manage the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for easy access.

Skills

DSLR photography

Lighting

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Client coordination

Evenings/weekends availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in photography, visual arts, communications, or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Job description

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number NC1302026

Working Title

Working Title University Photographer

Department Org

Department Org 128000 University Marketing & Communications

Why should you work at UCA?

We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni—who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work!
At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide flexible work schedules may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, with the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership and equipment rentals.

Position Summary

The University Photographer is responsible for capturing high-quality images that reflect the university’s brand. This position is responsible for producing high-quality images that showcase campus life, academic programs, faculty and staff, and university events. The photographer’s work supports marketing, publications, social media, and other promotional materials to enhance the university’s outreach and engagement.

This position reports to the Director of Branding and Creative Services within the Department of University Marketing and Communications, part of the Division of University Advancement at the University of Central Arkansas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Capture compelling, high-quality images for use across university marketing materials, social media, publications, and the website.
• Provide for the university’s daily photographic needs, including portraits, news coverage, college and departmental requests, and general event coverage as needed.
• Edit and retouch images to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with brand standards.
• Collaborate with writers, designers, and other marketing professionals to develop creative and visually engaging content.
• Build and maintain a diverse stock image library showcasing campus life, academic programs, student activities, and university events.
• Manage the Digital Asset Management ( DAM ) system to ensure easy access and retrieval of images by team members and campus partners.
• Plan, coordinate, and direct photo shoots, including selecting locations, setting up lighting, and staging subjects.
• Mentor and manage student photographers, providing guidance on technical skills and creative direction.
• Stay current with photography trends and technology to enhance the quality and effectiveness of images.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in photography equipment, including DSLRs, lighting, and editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with various teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• In-depth knowledge of production processes, including editing, proofing, and printing.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality imagery.
• Experience working directly with clients and vendors to coordinate photography needs.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by university events. Including, but not limited to, all Commencement ceremonies (spring, summer, and winter), Homecoming week activities and Welcome Week.

Skills Considered Essential for Success

• -Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
• -Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
• -Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• -Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
• -Ability to make sound judgments and assist in resolving student concerns.
• -Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
• -Civility in all interactions of a public or confidential nature.
• -Demonstrate follow-up contacts and consultations in a timely manner.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in photography, visual arts, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional photography experience, preferably in an educational or marketing setting.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating a range of photography styles, including portrait, event, and promotional photography

Preferred Education and/or Experience

Prior experience in higher education a plus but not mandatory

University, Campus, and Community Description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Desired start date 12/01/2026

Position Summary and Qualifications

License(s)/Certifications

Physical Demands Checklist

Physical Demands Checklist Lifting/Carrying

Physical Exertion

Physical Exertion Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement

The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

Open Date

Open Date 11/03/2026

Close Date

Close Date 11/16/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).