Assistant Director, Photography (Athletics)

Position Function:

Assists the creative unit and Director of Photography in photographing Mississippi State Athletics events in addition to file storage, digital asset management, editing metadata, student athlete content distribution, digital file distribution, and editing photos.

Salary Grade:  13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate photo shoots, including location scouting, equipment setup, and subject matter analysis.
2. Execute high-quality photography for athletic events, studio shoots, and promotional materials.
3. Utilize advanced editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw, Photo Mechanic) to enhance and finalize images.
4. Oversee the organization, storage, and distribution of digital assets using digital asset management systems.
5. Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of images for various departmental needs, including press releases, social media, and marketing materials.
6. Maintain and manage the PhotoShelter library and other digital archives.
7. Maintain a professional knowledge of photographic equipment, including Canon cameras, lenses, studio lighting, and light modifiers.
8. Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in photography and digital asset management.
9. Troubleshoot technical issues related to photography equipment and software.
10. Work closely with the creative team, including video and design units, to ensure cohesive visual content across all platforms.
11. Coordinate with the Marketing and Communications departments to align photography projects with the overall branding strategy.
12. Act as a liaison with external vendors and partners to manage collaborative projects.
13. Collaborate with the Director of Photography to establish and implement a strategic vision for the photography unit.
14. Assists in management of Opendorse tool in order to properly deliver digital files to student athletes in a timely manner.
15. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Photography or Assistant AD of Creative Strategy

Supervisory Responsibility: Will assist in supervision of creative strategy students including but not limited to creative photo critiques and educational workshops.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Photography, Graphic Arts, or related field with one (1) year of experience in Digital Strategy, Photography, or related area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge in digital asset management software.
• Knowledge of NCAA and SEC rules and compliance related to promotion of intercollegiate athletics.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop with regards to photo composition and accurate color correction.
• Knowledge of basic photography techniques.
• Independent decision-making skills and ability to multi-task.
• Previous experience within an NCAA athletic department (preferably within a “Power 5” conference) or professional sports team/organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of photographic technology, equipment, and techniques, including editing and archiving.
• Basic competency in applying theories, principles, and techniques of photography and design.
• Basic knowledge of studio off-camera lighting design principles.
• Basic knowledge and ability with MacOS and Adobe Creative Suite. Can manage and manipulate digital image files.
• Ability to interact and collaborate with colleagues, coaches, and student athletes to produce the highest quality images.
• Creativity and artistic judgment.
• Reliability and ability to meet deadlines.
• High level of customer service skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, inclement weather, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc. Injuries may require professional treatment.

Externally imposed deadlines set or revised on short notice; frequent shifts in priority; numerous interruptions requiring immediate attention; high pressure situations.

Job frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, listening, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 50 pounds; occasionally requires climbing or balancing, and lifting up to 100 pounds.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and