Job Description for the University Photographer position. Review job description, requirements, and qualifications. Apply or register interest for the position.

Title: University Photographer

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: University Communications

Department: Marketing Communications

Position Summary

The University Photographer reports to the Director of Multimedia Marketing. The Photographer documents the life of the Elon University community by creating, managing and disseminating a wide and diverse portfolio of images that include people, programs, the campus, events and other activities. The Photographer administers the archival system for photography assets and ensures the library of available images is in alignment with the university brand. The position assists in a wide range of efforts to support the visual needs of the marketing, academic, web and strategic communications operations of the university.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.

Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.

Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses

Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.

Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.

Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.

Free use of campus fitness facilities.

Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.

Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED with minimum 5 years of experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Communications, journalism, photography or related field

Required Other Training, Certifications, or Licensing

a. Position requires a valid driver’s license.
b. Able to obtain and maintain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification/NC-DOT UAS Permit for aerial photography.

Job Duties

• Marketing support
  • Works with members of the Marketing Communications, Strategic Communications, Academic Communications and Online Communications teams to produce high-quality photography for a wide range of print and digital marketing publications that reflect the university’s visual identity.
  • Actively participates in planning for publications and consults with designers and project managers on the use of photography, providing creative guidance as needed.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Multimedia Marketing, strategizes, plans and produces photography for digital advertising campaigns and related assets for Admissions, University Communications and campus clients.
  • Creates digital images for use throughout the Elon website including photography for strategic communications needs and Today at Elon, the university’s news and information portal, and contributes images to the main university’s social media accounts when needed.
  • Plans and produces photography for key university events, such as Commencement and Homecoming.

• Asset management responsibilities
  • Maintains a common directory of graphic images and photographs on the University Communications digital asset management system.
  • Oversees the cataloging of digital visual elements in the digital asset management system.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Multimedia Marketing, creates and maintains the use of a keywording system to ensure that all assets are easily searchable and retrievable.
  • Creates and maintains online photo galleries for external access.
  • Assists in the identification of archival visual assets for use by the university.
  • Coordinates multiple photo directory sessions throughout the year to ensure faculty and staff have current portraits for use in the university’s online directory.
  • Updates the portraits in the university directory as needed.

• Logistical responsibilities
  • Manages the photography studio and the inventory of photography equipment owned by the university.
  • Keeps up to date with digital imaging technology development and regularly updates inventory document to ensure proper safe operating conditions, recommend changes and upgrades to ensure that the university remains current in its photographic services.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Adjusted work hours and location may be required. Night and weekend duties are necessary to document events and activities.

Please provide a resume, cover letter, and a link to your portfolio* as part of the application process.

*To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing their original photography work. Please note that only photographs personally captured and edited by the applicant will be accepted. Submissions containing AI-generated images or work not created by the applicant will not be considered.