Staff Photographer

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your resume. Use the cover letter to explain your interest in the position, highlight the skills and experience that make you a strong candidate, and include a link to a portfolio featuring 15-20 of your best images that reflect the type of work produced by Michigan Photography, along with at least one photo essay, multi-image project, or a video story. Applications missing any of these components will not be reviewed.

Job Summary

Michigan Photography-nationally recognized for delivering outstanding professional photography services to the University of Michigan community, the media, and the public, and the exclusive provider of still imagery for U-M Athletics- seeking a talented and versatile Staff Photographer to join our award-winning team.

As the visual storytelling arm of the Office of the Vice President for Communications, Michigan Photography produces portraits, event coverage, athletics photography, and creative imagery that help shape how the university is seen, remembered, and celebrated. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful assignments across a world-class institution while collaborating with a team of experienced visual storytellers. The position reports to the Director of Michigan Photography.

Responsibilities*

As a member of our creative team, you will capture images that represent the breadth and energy of the University of Michigan community. Your work will support news, marketing, social media, publications, and a variety of university initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Photographing campus life, academic activities, special events, and university initiatives.
• Creating environmental and studio portraits of individuals and groups using appropriate lighting techniques in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Covering athletic events and capturing peak action in fast-paced environments, including working with long telephoto lenses.
• Providing exceptional customer service from initial client contact through final image delivery.
• Working independently and remotely on assignments while maintaining communication with colleagues and clients.
• Editing and transmitting images promptly to meet a variety of deadlines.
• Maintaining organized digital workflows, including file management, image selection, color correction, caption writing, and metadata standards.
• Assisting with the organization and maintenance of digital assets and archives.
• Collaborating with fellow photographers and staff by sharing knowledge, supporting team initiatives, and contributing to a positive work environment.
• Remaining flexible and adaptable to changing schedules and last-minute assignments.

This role routinely moves audio/visual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus to client locations and remains in a stationary position throughout the entire shift, including evenings and weekends.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• A minimum of five to eight years of professional photography experience.
• Demonstrated experience producing strong visual storytelling through portraits, events, athletics, and feature photography.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, PhotoMechanic, and Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
• Experience working within professional digital workflows, including image editing, file management, and preparation of images for multiple platforms.
• Familiarity with digital asset management systems and metadata standards.
• Strong photo-editing and retouching skills while maintaining authenticity.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience working in higher education, editorial, collegiate athletics, or similarly fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of IPTC metadata standards and digital archiving best practices.
• Video experience is a plus, as social media and b-roll shooting are regular occurrences.

Required Skills

• Collaborative: Works effectively as part of a team, shares expertise, and supports colleagues when needed.
• Adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and schedules.
• Communicative: Builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues through clear, responsive communication.
• Organized: Maintains accurate workflows and attention to detail while managing multiple assignments.
• Self-Motivated: Demonstrates sound judgment and accountability while working independently.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including family care, maternity, and parental leaves
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after one year
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Work Locations

This position is based in the Michigan Photography studio on the University of Michigan's central campus in Ann Arbor. The role follows a hybrid schedule that includes studio work, on-location assignments, and remote work.

This is a full-time, 40-hour position that regularly includes paid overtime, as evening and weekend work is often required to support university events and athletic coverage. Occasional overnight travel outside of Michigan is required. A valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle are necessary. While most assignments take place in Ann Arbor, travel throughout the state-including Detroit, Dearborn, Flint, Lansing, and Grand Rapids-may be required.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.