Freelance Concert Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and strategic creative professional with a passion for design to serve as Director of Creative Services.
Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Guest Services, the Director of Creative Services provides creative and technical leadership for the DSO's brand, visual identity, and marketing communications. This position has deep expertise in design and leads the multidisciplinary Creative Services team, including visual, digital, motion, and copy, to develop compelling creative concepts and deliver exceptional execution across touchpoints.
Working closely and collaboratively with Marketing and Communications colleagues, the Director of Creative Services translates departmental objectives into effective creative that advances audience engagement, ticket sales, and institutional visibility. This position partners with departments across the DSO to consult on, plan, and execute design projects, special campaigns, and print materials while maintaining brand standards. This role balances strategic thinking with hands-on creative leadership, guiding campaign development while maintaining the highest standards of design, storytelling, and production quality.
The Director of Creative Services oversees creative operations, production workflows, vendor relationships, and departmental budgets while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture. With deep expertise in print production, this role manages multiple vendors for large-format graphics, environmental signage, concert program books, and branded items. The ideal candidate combines exceptional design expertise with strong leadership skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a passion for the performing arts.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Creative Services team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance management
• Serve as a steward of the DSO's visual identity and brand standards across platforms and departments
• Partner with Marketing and Communications colleagues to develop creative strategies that support audience growth and ticket revenue goals
• Develop creative concepts and campaign themes that support subscription and ticket sales campaigns and institutional initiatives
• Oversee the design and production of creative assets across print, digital, video, environmental, advertising, and social media channels
• Manage creative workflows and production schedules to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality
• Supervise relationships with external creative partners, including photographers, videographers, copywriters, printers, agencies, and freelancers
• Manage the Creative Services operating budget and oversee production expenditures
• Stay current on emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices while continuously evolving the DSO's visual presence

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in creative services or graphic design, with experience as a print designer creating brand and marketing campaigns
• Experience leading creative teams, with the ability to develop and mentor designers
• Experience managing multidisciplinary creative projects and developing integrated campaigns across print and digital channels
• Strong creative vision with exceptional typography, layout, branding, and visual storytelling skills
• Strong understanding of integrated marketing strategy and the role creative plays in audience engagement
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and proficiency with Apple technology
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
• Working knowledge of project management platforms and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present creative concepts to executive leadership and across departments
• Knowledge of print production, file preparation, color management, color output, and print vendor management
• Curiosity, adaptability, the ability to receive and apply constructive feedback, and a commitment to continuous improvement and creative innovation

Preferred

• Experience as an in-house designer
• Experience in arts or entertainment, nonprofit organizations, hospitality, or other audience-driven industries

Work Environment

• Some evening and weekend work is expected to support performances, events, and community engagement efforts.
• Hybrid work environment.

Values in Action

• Integrity: Demonstrates accountability by upholding the DSO's brand standards, delivering high-quality work, and making thoughtful, transparent decisions.
• Creativity: Leads with curiosity and innovation, developing compelling creative solutions that strengthen audience engagement and advance organizational goals.
• Connection: Fosters collaborative partnerships across teams and with external partners to create meaningful experiences and support shared success.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra offers a competitive benefits package, free onsite parking, and access to complimentary concert tickets when available.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Dallas Symphony Association is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.