Photographer and Videographer

Extra Help - Photographer and Videographer

Vice President, External Relations & Communications – Urbana

The Photographer and Videographer provides visual production support to the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. This temporary, system‑specific role is responsible for capturing, producing, and archiving high‑quality photo and video assets that advance the University of Illinois System’s communications, marketing, and brand priorities. The person in this role works under the direction of the AVP of Strategic Communications and Marketing and collaborates closely with the broader communications team and freelance partners as needed.

The role requires regular travel to University of Illinois System campuses in Chicago, Urbana‑Champaign, and Springfield. Equipment and editing software are provided by the University.

• Plan and execute photography for events, campaigns, executive portraits, campus moments, and institutional storytelling initiatives.
• Deliver edited, production‑ready images on deadline and in formats aligned with intended use (print, digital, social, web); standard turnaround for event photography is 24–48 hours.
• Maintain consistent visual standards that reflect the University of Illinois System brand.
• Produce video projects from pre‑production through post, including concept support, filming, editing, motion graphics, and final delivery.
• Capture b‑roll, interviews, event coverage, and other footage for use across institutional channels.
• Deliver polished final cuts and raw footage as needed for each project; ensure video outputs meet platform specifications for web, social media, broadcast, and presentation use.
• Organise, label, and archive all photo and video assets in the system’s digital asset management library using established naming conventions.
• Ensure assets are accessible to the communications team and campus partners in a timely manner; maintain records of usage rights, release documentation, and asset metadata.
• Source, brief, and manage freelance photographers and videographers for projects that exceed internal capacity; review freelancer deliverables for quality and brand alignment before acceptance.
• Coordinate scheduling and logistics for external production crews.
• Work with the communications team to understand production needs for upcoming campaigns, events, and deliverables; participate in pre‑production planning and provide input on creative approach, logistics, and resource needs.

• Portfolio demonstrating professional‑level photography and video production across a range of formats and contexts.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard camera equipment and editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightroom, After Effects, or equivalent).
• Experience managing digital asset libraries, including enterprise DAM platforms, and delivering assets in multiple formats.
• Ability to work independently, manage production schedules, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Experience coordinating with freelancers or external production vendors preferred.
• Drone/aerial photography certification or experience a plus.
• Familiarity with higher education, nonprofit, or institutional communications preferred.
• Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel to all three UI System campuses as needed.

Extra Help employees are not hired with the intent of guaranteed employment. For this temporary assignment up to 900 hours, there are no benefits. The expected start date is 7/1/2026. Salary range is $28–$32 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

The University of Illinois System is an equal‑opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. For more information, please visit the Required Employment Notices and Posters for our non‑discrimination statement and other employment eligibility requirements.