Established in 1903, the University of Lynchburg boasts a stunning campus in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. A comprehensive private university with over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs, 15 master’s programs, and three doctoral degrees, Lynchburg offers a personalized, life-changing educational experience. It is regularly recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review and stands out as one of 44 “Colleges that Change Lives.”

The Office of Marketing and Communications develops multifaceted marketing campaigns that increase the University’s brand identity, perception, and awareness across three core areas: enrollment, advancement, and institutional reputation.

The photographer is a key strategic member of the creative team at Lynchburg, ensuring visual consistency across print and digital channels. They collaborate with writers, designers, videographers, and the social media manager to create standout imagery that elevates the University brand and establishes consistency across campus. The photographer’s work is instrumental in attracting prospective students, engaging alumni, and promoting the University of Lynchburg’s brand and values.

The photographer reports to the executive director of communications and is responsible for creating captivating images that showcase the spirit of the University of Lynchburg community. This role must demonstrate a passion for storytelling through visual art, the ability to immerse viewers in compelling narratives, and the skill to implement a range of photographic styles to capture our vibrant community and our beautiful campus.

Responsibilities:

• Handles a variety of photo requests ranging from event coverage to creative lighting setups
• Schedules photo shoots and ensures comprehensive coverage of major campus events and requests
• Supervises and mentors a team of student photographers, recruits and coordinates freelance photographers as needed
• Collaborates with departments across campus to obtain photographs
• Delivers final images within established deadlines in a collaborative and fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Displays friendly and approachable demeanor when working with subjects across the University, establishing relationships with diverse individuals and groups
• Shows a strong understanding of higher education and a desire to make an impact on its future
• Responsible for building and maintaining MarCom’s digital asset management (DAM) system, ensuring the DAM adheres to brand and organizational standards, intuitive tagging, search functionality, and ease of access
• Stays up to date with the latest industry trends, techniques, and technologies through workshops, online resources, and networking with other professionals in the field
Works some weekends and evenings as needed, including outdoors in varying conditions

Benefits

Generous paid vacation, personal days, and paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans with matching, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more


Application Instructions

To be considered, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work, or link to an online portfolio/samples of their work, along with a résumé and three professional references.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education and training experience
• 3 years of experience in photography in a freelance, studio, corporate, or higher education setting
• A creative portfolio that demonstrates imagination and exceptional photography skill in capturing people, events, and landscapes
• Strong understanding of composition, lighting techniques, and post-processing to create visually stunning and impactful images
• Demonstrated ability to provide full scope of photography services, to include lighting set up, creative event photography and delivery of final images within established timeline
• Proficiency in using professional photography and editing software, including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, to enhance images, adjust colors, correct imperfections, and prepare them for various platforms
• Understanding of digital asset management (DAM) platforms to organize, distribute, and archive photography
• Exceptional retouching and photo manipulation skills
• Understanding the usage of a variety of cameras, camera lenses, lighting, and studio equipment to fulfill a variety of photo requests

Preferred Qualifications

• A portfolio showcasing higher education experience across a diverse range of subject matter covering students, faculty, alumni, and donors
• Knowledge of photography and its role in the development of higher education communications
• 5 years of experience in photography in a freelance, studio, corporate, or higher education setting
• Videography experience


We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg’s efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

The University of Lynchburg is committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from persons of color, women, Indigenous/aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University of Lynchburg community.

The University of Lynchburg is an equal opportunity employer.