College Work Study Program (Student Photographer)

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Title: College Work Study Program (Student Photographer) 

Employee Classification: Other

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Marketing and Communications

Campus Location: SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations

Job Summary

The College Work Study Student Photographer supports the Marketing and Communications Department by capturing, editing, organizing and delivering high-quality photographs that document the people, programs, events and student experiences of Southwest Tennessee Community College. Working collaboratively with department staff, the student photographer helps create visual content for the College website, social media, news, publications, digital displays and other marketing and communications projects. The position requires creativity, reliability, attention to detail and a commitment to representing the College accurately and professionally.

Job Duties

• Photograph College events, student activities, academic programs, faculty and staff initiatives, campus life, portraits and other assigned marketing projects at multiple campus locations.
• Select, edit and prepare photographs for digital and print use, including basic exposure, color, cropping, sharpening and file-format adjustments.
• Download and deliver image files promptly after assignments, following departmental naming, folder and storage conventions.
• Add accurate captions, names, dates, locations and other descriptive metadata when requested.
• Assist with organizing, maintaining and archiving the College photo library so images can be located and reused efficiently.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications staff before assignments to confirm the purpose, audience, shot list, schedule and delivery requirements.
• Use available natural and artificial lighting, camera settings and composition techniques to produce clear, professional images in varied indoor and outdoor environments.
• Assist with short-form video or behind-the-scenes content for social media and digital platforms when assigned.
• Maintain assigned camera, lighting and related equipment; report damage, missing items or technical concerns promptly.
• Follow College brand standards, event protocols, privacy expectations and instructions related to photography permissions and image use.
• Represent the College professionally when interacting with students, employees, alumni, guests and community partners.
• Perform related duties that support Marketing and Communications projects, events and production workflows.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a registered student of Southwest Tennessee Community College.
  
• Only students who are approved for Federal Work Study are qualified for this position.
  
  • If you have questions regarding Federal Work Study eligibility, contact the Financial Aid Office.
    
• Basic experience using a digital camera and editing photographs.
  
• Ability to provide a small portfolio or samples that demonstrate photography skills.
  
• Ability to travel between assigned Southwest campus locations and arrive on time for scheduled assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in photography, visual communications, graphic arts, journalism, marketing, media production or a related area.
  
• Experience photographing live events, portraits, campus activities, sports or community programs.
  
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, especially Photoshop and Lightroom.
  
• Familiarity with social media image requirements and basic short-form video capture.
  
• Experience using external flash, continuous lighting, tripods or other production equipment.
  
• Access to a personal DSLR or mirrorless camera is helpful but not required when College equipment is available

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of digital photography principles, including exposure, focus, composition, lighting and white balance.
  
• Basic skill with DSLR or mirrorless cameras and standard lenses; ability to learn College-owned equipment and workflows.
  
• Basic photo-editing skills using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom or comparable software.
  
• Ability to organize, name, transfer, back up and archive digital image files accurately.
  
• Strong visual judgment and attention to detail, including the ability to select images appropriate for institutional communications.
  
• Clear verbal and written communication skills and the ability to accept direction and constructive feedback.
  
• Dependability, punctuality, time management and the ability to meet assignment deadlines.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in active campus environments.
  
• Professional conduct and sound judgment when photographing people, events and sensitive situations.
  
• Flexibility to work occasional evening or weekend assignments based on the College event schedule.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Work is performed in offices, classrooms, event spaces and outdoor campus locations.
• Assignments may involve extended standing and walking; bending, kneeling or changing position to obtain photographs; carrying and setting up camera or lighting equipment; and working in varying light, temperature, noise and weather conditions.
• The employee must be able to safely lift and carry photography equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Some assignments may occur during evenings or weekends and may require travel among College locations.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Brandon Johnson, Director of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.

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