Director of Photography, Athletics

Job Description Summary

This position will provide leadership, organization, and direction for Wake Forest Athletics photography, including project management for a gameday freelance photography role. The incumbent will lead the visual storytelling direction for Wake Forest through photography and graphic design, shooting photography for all Wake Forest Athletics events and initiatives and working with the Senior Director, Creative Media & Content Strategy to support overall business objectives.

Essential Functions

• Overall management and direction of photography for Wake Forest Athletics.
• Direct and execute a wide range of photography assignments in studios and at events.
• Capture and produce high‑quality images that reflect Wake Forest Athletics and meet ACC and NCAA regulations.
• Coordinate photographic assignments, production activities, and provide expert advice on equipment and techniques.
• Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs in collaboration with the creative team.
• Prepare for shoots, including scouting locations, scheduling, renting equipment, setting up lighting, backgrounds, props, and other gear.
• Process, adjust, and enhance digital files for optimal final results, ensuring proper file format and resolution.
• Collaborate with coaching staff to meet photography requests.
• Assist in using the Opendorse tool to deliver digital files to student‑athletes via Photoshelter.
• Select, purchase, and maintain department photography equipment and supplies.
• Manage photography budget in conjunction with the supervisor.
• Explore new techniques, methods, and equipment to improve creative workflow.
• Maintain digital and analog photographic archives, following protocols for file naming, metadata, and documentation.
• Scan prints, slides, or negatives for digital use.
• Build and manage a student volunteer program.
• Support fan‑experience, communication, Deacon Club, and ticketing staff with photography needs for ticket sales and fundraising.
• Provide photo support for coaches’ recruiting efforts, updating shared drives with athletic and university media.
• Uphold Wake Forest Athletics branding guidelines and identity standards.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate professionalism, optimism, and problem‑solving skills.
• Work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Have experience in video production (shooting, color correction, editing).
• Show success as a creative and innovative content strategist on multimedia platforms.
• Translate ideas into creative applications using Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Prelude, Lightroom, Google Drive, and similar tools.
• Know professional camera operations and color grading, audio mixing, and basic graphic creation.
• Balance institutional brand with novel concepts.
• Understand digital media workflows and audio production equipment.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• Provide superior customer service and adapt to high‑pressure situations.
• Work after hours, weekends, or on‑call as required and travel with teams.
• Hold a valid driver license with a good driving record; must be insurable.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience photographing athletic events is required.
• Bachelor’s degree and experience in an intercollegiate or professional athletics environment are required.
• Ability to make decisions and communicate in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including non‑standard work weeks with nights and weekends.
• Adaptability to strict deadlines with efficient, quick work.
• Superior image‑making and storytelling capabilities.
• Collaboration with media experts across integrated campaigns.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience within an NCAA Division I college athletics program.

Other Functions

Leads Gameday freelance photographer, student volunteers, and interns.

Accountabilities

Responsible for own work.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact or .