Biomedical Photographer jobs in Waukegan, IL

Position: Photographer and Multimedia Specialist

Salary Grade: C42

Position Summary

The Photographer and Multimedia Specialist reports to the Marketing Design Director and provides a range of media-related services which support institutional goals, with particular focus on the marketing, enrollment management and institutional advancement. This position is responsible for bringing a creative perspective to photography and is responsible for building a library of landscapes, institutional moments (donor and alumni events, candid shots, special events), on location and in the studio. The Photographer and Multimedia Specialist is responsible for leading the content generation for digital photography, video, audio, and other emerging visual and online communications. The successful candidate will be adept at consulting with external marketing agencies and internal departments to create high quality content for print and digital vehicles, including the annual report, university magazine, university websites and social media.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 10% employer contribution after two years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. Full-time staff members are eligible for three weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. 

Today, the university’s 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin’s legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for capturing photography/video which depict high impact university events and experiences as well as editing to produce stylized visuals and compelling stories that represent the university and convey the brand. 
• Performs all duties in full support of the university’s brand, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to the university’s core priority – the education of students. 
• Shapes, articulates, and champions the vision for multimedia storytelling to build awareness of the university’s reputation for quality academic programs, research, and community service. 
• Captures raw video footage which represents Rosalind Franklin University and collaborates with external agencies and partners to produce videos for strategic marketing needs. 
• Creates and maintains a master archive of visual materials by cataloging images within a searchable database for easy retrieval by departmental staff. 
• Coordinates, schedules and oversees on-location shoots in an effort to effectively manage production and maximize time in an effort to meet assigned project deadlines for submission. 
• Transports, sets up and operates associated equipment. 
• Assesses and plans lighting and other aspects related to quality. 
• Reviews and adjusts calibrations for cameras, lights and other production equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance, technical analysis and repair of equipment as necessary and/or appropriate. 
• Establishes, cultivates and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external constituencies in an effort to execute all assigned projects from concept through completion. 
• Provides guidance and counsel on industry best-practices and offers suggestions, solutions or alternatives to proposed images and/or video events in an effort to support the brand and maximize on the visual identity of the university. 
• Provides full support for digital asset workflow, assigning metadata tagging and organization of all digital assets of the university. 
• Supports all photography and visual media projects assigned by the Office of Marketing and Communications as well as other university-wide events. 
• Must be able to travel as needed.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy.

Required Education & Experience

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of experience as a photographer.
• Work experience with conventional and digital imaging and digital darkroom
• Portfolio, which should include a wide range of images including editorial, portraits, environmental, group shots, events and architecture.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Photography and editing.
• Expert understanding of visual storytelling, shooting, and lighting.
• Excellent visual and organizational skills with the ability to manage concurrent projects. 
• Must possess technical skills along with a strong understanding of photo journalism and how to use images to craft a compelling narrative. 
• Expert level experience on Mac platforms and Photoshop.
• Experience working in deadline-driven, multi-project video and editing situations.
• Comfortable collaborating with clients for creative, idea realization, developing and producing a final product in a timely manner.
• Experience in gathering requirements for projects.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse team of IT, media, and communication professionals.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing freelancers and editors.
• Demonstrated experience shooting video is a plus.
• Proven self-starter with a high level of creativity and productivity.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA or BFA in photography or related field,
• Experience with multi-image and multi-media work is. 
• Experience with video streaming.
• Experience working in a team-oriented environment.
• Higher education experience.
• Successful project management experience in a fast-paced environment with diverse stakeholders.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets