Visual Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE:                               Visual Media Specialist

DEPARTMENT:                        Communications

REPORTS TO:                          Director of Community Relations

FLSA STATUS:                          Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:         Full-time, 12 months

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred. Preferred fields of study include photography, video production, digital media, communications, journalism or a related field. Equivalent professional experience and a demonstrated portfolio of high-quality photography and video work may be considered.    

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in photography, videography, digital media production or a related field. Demonstrated experience with action, event and portrait photography as well as professional video production and editing required. Experience in education, nonprofit, journalism, sports or similar environments preferred.         

Skills: The ideal candidate will possess advanced photography and videography skills with demonstrated expertise in professional DSLR or mirrorless camera systems, lenses, lighting, audio and related production equipment. Strong proficiency in action and event photography, portrait photography, composition, lighting and visual storytelling is essential. The candidate should be proficient in professional photo and video editing software such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Premiere Pro or comparable platforms. They should demonstrate the ability to produce polished visual content for digital, print and social media applications while maintaining district brand and quality standards. Strong organizational and time-management skills are required, including the ability to manage multiple assignments, work independently in fast-paced environments and meet deadlines. Experience with digital asset management, motion graphics, drone photography/videography, studio lighting or live production is preferred. A strong professional portfolio demonstrating photography and videography skills is required.

The position requires schedule flexibility to provide coverage of district events and activities, including regular evening assignments and occasional weekend responsibilities.

SUMMARY: The Visual Media Specialist serves as the district's primary professional photographer and a key video storyteller, capturing compelling images and producing high-quality visual content that showcases students, employees, schools, programs and district initiatives. The position is responsible for action, event, portrait, editorial and marketing photography as well as professional videography and editing. Working collaboratively with the Communications team, the Visual Media Specialist develops visual assets for use across district publications, websites, social media, marketing campaigns, media relations and other communication channels while maintaining an organized library of district photography and video.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: These statements are intended to describe the responsibilities assigned to the position and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

1. Serve as the district's primary photographer, providing professional action, event, portrait, editorial and marketing photography that captures the people, programs and experiences of Broken Arrow Public Schools.
2. Plan and execute professional portrait and promotional photo shoots, including location selection, lighting, composition, posing and post-production.
3. Provide visual coverage of district schools, classrooms, athletics, fine arts, activities, special events, celebrations and other district initiatives as assigned, including events occurring outside the traditional workday.
4. Produce professional video stories, interviews, promotional pieces, leadership messages and other video content for internal and external audiences across multiple distribution platforms.
5. Edit and finish photography and video using professional post-production techniques to ensure visual content meets established quality, accessibility and district brand standards.
6. Collaborate with Communications staff, schools and departments to identify and develop visual storytelling opportunities that support district priorities, marketing campaigns, recruitment efforts and community engagement.
7. Coordinate production schedules and logistics for photography and video projects involving multiple schools, departments, students, employees and community partners.
8. Develop and maintain an organized and searchable archive of district photography, video footage and other visual assets, including appropriate file naming, metadata and storage practices.
9. Maintain professional photography, video, lighting and audio equipment and assist in identifying equipment, software and production needs necessary to maintain high-quality visual production.
10. Stay current on photography, videography, editing and visual storytelling techniques, technologies and industry best practices.
11. Support live event and multi-camera productions as assigned.
12. Assist Communications staff with visual content needs and other department projects as assigned.
13. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL BEHAVIOR:                 

Ability to use sound judgment in any situation. Ability to deal successfully and rapidly with changes in assignments and properly respond to applicable correspondence/communication received. Ability to project a professional company image through in-person, phone, and electronic interaction. Ability to build and foster harmonious rapport and work cooperatively with District staff and the public while achieving the objectives and goals of the position. Ability to handle problematic and/or difficult situations professionally by communicating with the appropriate person.

ATTENDANCE STATEMENT: Able to be in attendance for assigned responsibilities with 95% attendance.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments across district facilities and event locations. The position requires regular work in classrooms, offices, athletic venues, performing arts spaces and other district settings, with occasional exposure to varying weather conditions. Because photography and video assignments frequently occur outside the traditional workday, regular evening work and occasional weekend assignments should be expected. Work schedules may be adjusted based on production needs, event coverage and other district responsibilities.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS: Manual dexterity required to operate video production equipment with proficiency including cameras, switchers, computers, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment. Must be able to communicate effectively via verbal and written communication. Walking as required to access equipment and perform responsibilities.