• Job Description

  Req#: DEA00000478

  Salary Range:

  Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

  About SMU

  SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

  SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .

  SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

  Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

  SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

  About the Department:

  Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

  DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

  SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fundraising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.

  About the Position:

  This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

  The Senior Photographer reports to the Director of Photo/Video capturing campus photography and videography that strengthens engagement with SMU donors and prospective donors, prospective students, alumni and friends. T

  his position works in tandem with Development & External Affairs (DEA) and Marketing and Communications (MarCom) colleagues, leveraging the unique strengths of photo and video storytelling to advance the SMU brand in support of social, web and digital media, direct marketing, and editorial efforts across all platforms.

  Essential Functions:

  • The Senior Photographer aligns with SMU's brand and key messages in the development of visual content for key SMU audiences. Responsibilities include collaborating with colleagues in Creative Marketing, Social Media, Digital Marketing and Media Relations on the creation or oversight of all aspects of university visual content, such as, developing creative ideas that meet assigned goals, advance scouting and location research, secure lighting and other location logistics, and the editing, sharing and archiving of final production assets. Partners with the Planning team and others to deliver creative that is compelling, on brand, on schedule and on budget, and ensures the highest quality of deliverables.

    
    

  • Collaborates with manager, team members, and other campus partners to capture people and events in support of current and future development, alumni engagement and donor relations communication needs. Works with outside vendors as appropriate on projects, including freelance photographers, and other production staff as needed.
    

  • Captures a high level of stock content of student activities throughout the year for use in undergraduate and graduate admissions materials across social, web and digital media that show impact and inspire audiences. Archives all assets using defined production standards for MarCom’s digital asset management system, including meta data application.
    

  • Responds to campus requests for content captures of campus, people and events. Assists media relations with content for news and faculty expert requests. Serves as project consultant when requested by schools, admissions, and other units. Participates in creative development of projects within MarCom and across campus as needed.
    

  • Oversee maintenance of photography and lighting equipment, assess and make decisions about future equipment needs. Maintain digital archives. Monitor industry trends and pitch innovative ideas and executions that demonstrate the power of photography. Keeps up to date on current professional activities (software and technology training, seminars, etc.). Other duties as assigned.
    

  • Position requires regular evening or weekend work for SMU events.

  Education and Experience:

  Bachelor’s degree is required.

  A minimum of five years of full time professional photo experience is required.

  Video experience preferred. Experience in capturing photo and video for digital channels desired.

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Strong written communication skills preferred. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

  Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also be able to stay organized and ahead of deadlines and expectations in the face of a sometimes hurried working environment. The ability to manage time well, articulate priorities and tasks accordingly, and collaborate with department colleagues for project execution as needed, is essential.

  Candidate must be able to work independently as well as on a team. Must also have expertise in digital camera photography in a Nikon camera environment. The ability to select camera gear for specific use cases and fully operate equipment independently is essential.

  Candidate must have a strong knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge. Must also have a working knowledge of lighting gear, and portrait backdrop equipment. Knowledge or experience with Photo Mechanic is preferred. Experience with a project management system like Asana, Teams, Workfront is desired. Experience with digital asset management systems is a plus.

  Physical and Environmental Demands:

  • Sit for long periods of time
  • Bend, squat, stand
  • Crawl, climb, kneel
  • Walk for long distances
  • Reach above shoulders
  • Handle objects (dexterity)
  • Push/pull
  • Carry/lift over 50lbs.

  Deadline to Apply:

  August 6, 2025

  EEO Statement

  SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

  Benefits:

  SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

  SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

  The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .

• About the company

  SMU is a private university of 11,000 students near the center of Dallas with a mission to expand knowledge through academic excellence and hands-on research. Our distinguished history, our vibrant region and our outstanding alumni all position SMU...

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