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Photographer - Office of Communications & Marketing - UTK

University Of Tennessee College

University Of Tennessee College

Marketing & Communications, Design
Knoxville, TN, USA
Posted on Mar 5, 2026

The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Photographer. The Photographer will play a crucial role in capturing high-quality visual content that effectively represents the university's brand and conveys its mission to various audiences.

UT is the state’s flagship research university, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, the institution fulfills its access mission through a commitment to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement.

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university’s reputation. Staff members support the institution’s mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best-practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing more than 50 full-time professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

We seek candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the university.


The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Photographer. The Photographer will play a crucial role in capturing high-quality visual content that effectively represents the university's brand and conveys its mission to various audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of composition, lighting, and other technical aspects of photography.
  • Ability to process RAW images in Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop
  • Strong knowledge of manipulating/retouching photographs in industry standard photo editing software
  • Ability to complete an entire photo shoot from planning through image distribution
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a group
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to act in a professional manner
  • Ability to accept and respond to feedback and constructive criticism
  • Proficient knowledge of metadata and how to apply it in images
  • Proficient knowledge of digital asset management systems

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Advance knowledge of PhotoMechanic
  • Work experience in higher education
  • Experience with PhotoShelter
  • Experience with Canon camera systems

Qualifications

Required:

High School Diploma and at least 5 years photography experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified; OR,

Associate’s degree and at least 3 years photography experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified; OR,

Bachelor’s Degree and at least 1 year photography experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified (student or part-time employment qualifies)

Salary

The hiring range for this position is Communications and Marketing Professional 1, MR09. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, discounted athletics tickets, and more.

Application Process

A review of all applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically through Taleo and submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of work. Additionally, applicants must submit names and addresses and phone numbers of three references; a minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors.


Duties/Responsibilities

  • Works with the manager of photography, art directors, and other team members across the division to ensure consistent adherence to the university's brand guidelines and visual identity in all photography assignments.
  • Makes technical and creative decisions about which angles, positions, times of day/year, and equipment would best achieve goals of the assignment.
  • Orchestrates photo shoots, including managing the environment and timeline.
  • Takes photographs on location and in the studio.
  • Stays current with latest photography trends, styles, and techniques.
  • Networks with campus partners to find story and visual ideas to generate content in support of internal and external communication and marketing goals.
  • Assists manager of photography for high profile, high production shoots.
  • Edits, manipulates, and alters images with industry standard photo editing software to ensure best possible photographs are produced and delivered.
  • Uses industry standard software to ensure proper and appropriate metadata is embedded in all images.
  • Archives photographs in the university's digital asset management (DAM) system.
  • Assists OCM team members and campus partners searching for content within the university's digital asset management (DAM) system.
  • Distributes images as required.
  • Assists in the maintenance of cameras and studio equipment and space.
  • Other duties as assigned.