University of Arkansas is hiring: Photographer/Videographer in Fayetteville

Position Title: Photographer / Videographer

Closing Date: January 16, 2026

Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas

Type of Position: Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration

Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)

Workstudy Position: No

Sponsorship Available: No

Department: Marketing & Communications

Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid‑sized public university that's redefining higher education. We're on a mission to provide transformative, hands‑on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi‑faced approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We're committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas' rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state's varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

The university offers a vibrant work environment and a culture that promotes health‑life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Summary of Job Duties

The Photographer/Videographer serves as a primary visual storyteller for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. This position develops photo and video content that advances the university's brand, supports student recruitment, and strengthens engagement across web, social media, and institutional marketing channels. The role requires a creative professional who understands brand strategy, content strategy, and narrative‑based marketing. The Photographer/Videographer exercises initiative in identifying stories and planning shoots while working under the creative direction of marketing leadership and collaborating closely with the marketing and creative teams.

Required Education and/or Work Experience

• Hold a bachelor's degree in photography, film, digital media, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Have at least two years of professional photography and videography experience, preferably in marketing, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrate a strong creative portfolio showing narrative storytelling, technical proficiency, and versatility across photo and video projects.
• Have experience producing content for web and social platforms.
• Possess advanced proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lighting setups, and audio capture equipment.
• Be proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro or comparable tools.
• Hold a valid driver's license.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience

• Three or more years of professional experience in marketing or higher education.
• Experience developing or executing content strategy for YouTube or similar platforms.
• Experience producing content for recruitment or enrollment marketing.
• Experience guiding student photographers, videographers, or interns.
• Familiarity with motion graphics and simple animation in After Effects or comparable programs.
• Experience with digital asset management systems.
• FAA Part 107 drone certification or willingness to obtain certification if role responsibilities require it.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Create high‑quality photography and video content that highlights UAFS students, academic programs, campus life, alumni success, and community partnerships.
• Produce engaging visual stories that support recruitment, brand awareness, and strategic marketing campaigns.
• Plan, script, storyboard, and execute video projects for YouTube, web, and social media.
• Develop and manage a YouTube content strategy aligned with marketing goals, optimizing content for audience retention, thumbnails, metadata, and performance.
• Capture both planned and candid imagery that authentically reflects the diversity and energy of the UAFS community.
• Edit videos to produce polished, platform‑appropriate content for various channels including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and university web pages.
• Collaborate with marketing and communication strategists, designers, writers, and web staff to ensure visuals support messaging, accessibility, and brand standards.
• Prepare images and video clips tailored for digital advertising, email marketing, landing pages, and social media campaigns.
• Serve as a visual brand steward ensuring consistent application of UAFS brand standards across all imagery.
• Provide direction and feedback to student workers or interns, ensuring quality and brand alignment.
• Maintain an organized archive of digital assets, including metadata, releases, and file naming conventions.
• Maintain photography and video equipment and recommend updates or replacements.
• Regularly communicate with campus partners to identify emerging stories, shoot opportunities, and recruitment‑oriented content needs.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters teamwork.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required for events and time‑sensitive projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong storytelling ability with skill in translating marketing messages into compelling visual narratives.
• Proactive and self‑motivated work style with the ability to anticipate needs, manage time, and move projects forward with minimal supervision.
• Advanced technical knowledge of photography, videography, lighting, and audio capture.
• Strong editing skills using Adobe Creative Cloud software.Knowledge of social media and YouTube content strategy, audience behavior, and best practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain organized digital assets and follow structured archiving procedures.
• Knowledge of accessibility considerations for visual content including captions and descriptive text.
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Additional Information

Working Relationships
Works in a dynamic team of marketing professionals, creatives, faculty, staff, and students in a fast‑paced environment. Frequent contact with employees, students, and external partners.

List Employees Supervised
May provide direction to student photographers, videographers, or interns. No full‑time employees supervised.

Special Job Dimensions

• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Work includes both indoor and outdoor environments and may require working in a variety of weather conditions.
• Position requires the ability to carry and move photography and video equipment.
• Some local travel required for off‑campus shoots or recruitment related storytelling.

Background Check Requirements

Criminal background check, MVR (Motor Vehicle Registry) check, and any screenings required by university policy for media roles involving student interaction.

Salary Information

$56,000

Required Documents to Apply

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)
• Other (see special instructions for details)
• Resume

Optional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include a link to an online portfolio demonstrating photography and videography work.

Recruitment Contact Information

HR – 479-788-7080

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.