Photographer/Videographer

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

26d

About The Position

The Photographer/Videographer serves as a primary visual storyteller for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. This position develops photo and video content that advances the university’s brand, supports student recruitment, and strengthens engagement across web, social media, and institutional marketing channels. The role requires a creative professional who understands brand strategy, content strategy, and narrative-based marketing. The Photographer/Videographer exercises initiative in identifying stories and planning shoots while working under the creative direction of marketing leadership and collaborating closely with the marketing and creative teams.

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in photography, film, digital media, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Have at least two years of professional photography and videography experience, preferably in marketing, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrate a strong creative portfolio showing narrative storytelling, technical proficiency, and versatility across photo and video projects.
• Have experience producing content for web and social platforms.
• Possess advanced proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lighting setups, and audio capture equipment.
• Be proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro or comparable tools.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Strong storytelling ability with skill in translating marketing messages into compelling visual narratives.
• Proactive and self-motivated work style with the ability to anticipate needs, manage time, and move projects forward with minimal supervision.
• Advanced technical knowledge of photography, videography, lighting, and audio capture.
• Strong editing skills using Adobe Creative Cloud software.
• Knowledge of social media and YouTube content strategy, audience behavior, and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain organized digital assets and follow structured archiving procedures.
• Knowledge of accessibility considerations for visual content including captions and descriptive text.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of professional experience in marketing or higher education.
• Experience developing or executing content strategy for YouTube or similar platforms.
• Experience producing content for recruitment or enrollment marketing.
• Experience guiding student photographers, videographers, or interns.
• Familiarity with motion graphics and simple animation in After Effects or comparable programs.
• Experience with digital asset management systems.
• FAA Part 107 drone certification or willingness to obtain certification if role responsibilities require it.

Responsibilities

• Create high quality photography and video content that highlights UAFS students, academic programs, campus life, alumni success, and community partnerships.
• Produce engaging visual stories that support recruitment, brand awareness, and strategic marketing campaigns.
• Plan, script, storyboard, and execute video projects for YouTube, web, and social media.
• Develop and manage a YouTube content strategy aligned with marketing goals, optimizing content for audience retention, thumbnails, metadata, and performance.
• Capture both planned and candid imagery that authentically reflects the diversity and energy of the UAFS community.
• Edit videos to produce polished, platform-appropriate content for various channels including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and university web pages.
• Collaborate with marketing and communication strategists, designers, writers, and web staff to ensure visuals support messaging, accessibility, and brand standards.
• Prepare images and video clips tailored for digital advertising, email marketing, landing pages, and social media campaigns.
• Serve as a visual brand steward ensuring consistent application of UAFS brand standards across all imagery.
• Provide direction and feedback to student workers or interns, ensuring quality and brand alignment.
• Maintain an organized archive of digital assets, including metadata, releases, and file naming conventions.
• Maintain photography and video equipment and recommend updates or replacements.
• Regularly communicate with campus partners to identify emerging stories, shoot opportunities, and recruitment-oriented content needs.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters teamwork.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required for events and time sensitive projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees