POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Staff Photographer
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1731
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Creative Services
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Staff Photographer is responsible for capturing campus life at Missouri State University while ensuring that photos align with the institution’s brand and marketing goals, as well as editing, organizing and adding metadata to prepare photos for use by the campus community.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required. A bachelor’s degree with emphasis in photography, art or related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirement.
Experience: At least 18 months of professional photography experience or two years of a part-time position in a similar professional setting is required. Work experience with professional image editing software and workflow is required Experience with unmanned aerial photography is preferred. Experience working in a team-oriented environment is preferred. Experience utilizing a digital photo archive, using metadata standards and workflow is preferred. Work experience in higher education is preferred. Experience in sports photography is preferred. Experience using studio lighting equipment is preferred.
Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are required. The skill level demonstrated must be that of an experienced photographer, which will be determined by a review of a digital portfolio demonstrating abilities in composition, lighting, creativity and style. A portfolio including a wide range of images, such as sports photography, portraiture, editorial and photojournalistic styles is preferred. Knowledge of Part 107 sUAS procedures and use of drone technology for visual imagery is preferred. Experience with photo asset systems such as Photoshelter is preferred.
Effort: This position operates and transports cameras, video and sound equipment weighing up to fifty pounds to locations on and off-campus.
Other: The scope of the job frequently requires attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, plus occasional travel to workshops, tournaments and seminars.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Uses originality, talent, and imagination to produce the desired photographic results of clients by consulting with individuals making photographic requests, determining needs and conceptualizing desired results. Uses appropriate lighting as needed to produce quality imagery.
2. Creates photographs of a variety of events, including sporting events, faculty and staff, campus and landscapes scenes, campus activities, art objects, buildings, individuals, groups and other items deemed necessary to the University.
3. Provides edited images with appropriate metadata and archives digital images in the University digital archive system.
4. Assists a producer/director in video production as a camera operator, audio technician or lighting assistant. Helps make artistic decisions regarding elements such as appropriate lighting, shooting angle, framing and placement, type of audio required, locations used and use of movement and/or interviews.
5. Ensures the operational condition of departmental equipment and technology by testing, performing repairs and performing setups and preventive maintenance as appropriate and oversees the security, operation and maintenance of equipment utilized in shooting and editing.
6. Maintains Creative Services online digital archive and manages client image requests.
7. Assists the Assistant Director of Creative Services - Photography in developing an effective staff of student employees by training students in departmental procedures.
8. Tests, incorporates, and maintains new technology and processes to make the Office of Creative Services more efficient.
9. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Director of Creative Services.
10.Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Marketing and Communications by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Creative Services.
SUPERVISION
The Photographer/Digital Photo Systems Coordinator is supervised by the Director of Creative Services and functions with independence within the framework of stated objectives as directed by the Director of Creative Services.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED APRIL 2026
