What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Photographer position at Butler Eagle?
The Butler Eagle, a family-owned morning newspaper in Western Pennsylvania, is seeking a lead photographer to capture breaking news, illustrate community-oriented stories and produce award-winning sports photos while covering 10 high schools, a community college and state university.
This photojournalist will manage and mentor freelance photographers, coordinate assignments with the Eagle’s other talented staff photographer, and shoot photo assignments throughout Butler County. The position is part of the leadership team and will help elevate community coverage for the newspaper, which is printed six days a week; a community weekly; a business monthly; various special products; and social media platforms.
Looking for a fast-paced, creative environment? Apply here or send your resume, references, and portfolio link to tleturgey@butlereagle.com.
The Butler Eagle’s lead photographer responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Uses their craft to tell stories through their photos for breaking news events, features about the community or sports coverage. Included is the ability to find their own compelling photos often called “wild” art and to plan a monthly photo essay.
- Captures photos with detailed cutlines for use in the Butler Eagle, Cranberry Eagle, Butler County Business Matters for use in print and digitally.
- Manages the photo booking tool, ensuring all photo needs are covered by staff photographers, freelance photographers or staff reporters as needed.
- As a member of the leadership team, the lead photographer works well and actively communicates with the news editor, sports editor, community editor and managing editor to ensure quality photography is used every day in the newspaper and presented well online at butlereagle.com. Special attention is required for Sunday centerpiece art.
- Manages relationships with freelance photographers, helps less-experienced photographers to grow in their craft. Helps managing editor keep track of invoices and works within a budget.
- Preparing a photo essay monthly and assist with creating more compelling photo assignments for centerpiece articles, tab covers and special sections.
- Maintains photography equipment and sign-out policies for cameras, etc.
- Maintains and curates archive photos systems and ensures stock photography of communities in Butler County are updated.
- Advises best practices on photography presentation on all platforms and helps set up workflows to make that presentation possible.
- Identifying and posting "photos of the week" on social media platforms.
- Uploads photos to Smugmug for sale as needed.
- Posts to Instagram daily as needed.