Southern Virginia University is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a university, we gather faithful Latter-day Saints and those who share our values, lift intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch into successful lives and careers. Applicants are invited to learn more about the university at svu.edu/mission.

University Photographer

Southern Virginia University | Buena Vista, Virginia

Position Summary

Southern Virginia University seeks a creative and talented photographer to tell the story of our students and campus community through compelling visual storytelling. The University Photographer will create photography that supports marketing, admissions, advancement, athletics, and university communications while helping strengthen the University's brand and mission.

As the University's primary photographer, this individual will help shape how prospective students, alumni, donors, and friends experience Southern Virginia University through imagery.

The ideal candidate is passionate about capturing authentic moments of faith, learning, friendship, and personal growth, and translating those experiences into compelling visual stories.

Responsibilities

• Capture authentic moments that tell the story of the Southern Virginia University experience.
• Photograph marketing campaigns, campus events, academics, student life, portraits, athletics, and special projects.
• Collaborate with marketing and campus stakeholders to develop creative concepts and execute photo shoots.
• Provide guidance, training, and constructive feedback to student photographers and interns, helping develop their technical, creative, and professional skills.
• Manage projects from planning and production through editing and final delivery.
• Maintain an organized digital asset library and photography workflow.
• Edit, retouch, color-correct, and deliver images for print, web, social media, and advertising.

Qualifications

• 4 years of professional photography experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating visual storytelling, composition, editing, and the ability to capture meaningful moments.
• Experience in marketing, events, promotional, portrait, editorial, and studio photography.
• Ability to conceptualize and execute creative photo shoots.
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing projects from pre-production through delivery.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera Raw, or equivalent professional RAW editing software.
• Experience with color correction and color grading workflows.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students and help subjects feel comfortable and authentic in front of the camera.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to cover campus events and activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in photography, visual communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in higher education, marketing, or agency environments.
• Experience photographing athletics and live events.
• Drone photography experience and/or FAA Part 107 certification.
• Familiarity with social media content creation and visual marketing.

To Apply

If you are passionate about visual storytelling and excited to help share the mission and student experience of Southern Virginia University, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of relevant work to hr@svu.edu