] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, PHOTOGRAPHER

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Communications Specialist, Photographer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Commnctn Spec/Web Producer CODE: 5505 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Communications Specialist, Photographer GRADE: 21 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general direction, plans, organizes, and implements communications strategies through the production of professional HD photographic images for instructional materials and public information materials appropriate for print and informational publications, online web stories and MCPS events coverage used for websites, displays, and other multimedia products. Performs commercial, documentary, portrait, public relations, and journalistic photography assignments for the school system. The photographer works closely with school system clients to capture photos of people places and things through the use of creativity and technical art work and design and works closely with clients and colleagues to produce high-quality photographic images. Work involves close collaboration with Department of Communications (Communications) colleagues and leadership in order to develop creative ideas and solutions that align with the communication strategy and achieve desired results. Work requires maintaining a professional image; recommending creative ideas to exceed expectations of goals and objectives; using artistic knowledge to enhance and compose photographs; reviewing sets of photographs and selecting the best results; operating various photographic equipment such as HD digital cameras and lighting with clients and colleagues to produce high-quality photographic images.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in photography. Mastery of lighting, exposure, color balance and related technical photographic elements. Knowledge of the relationship of photography to the development of creative and informational media needs for online and print. Ability to apply creativity and artistic vision to photography. Ability to keep accurate and organized records and to maintain online database and archiving system. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with school officials and staff. Understanding of the policies, regulations and protocols of the school system. Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills. Strong working knowledge of current photographic equipment, lighting instruments and photo software; detailed knowledge of photography art and lighting; strong creative presence and artistic flair; customer focus with a desire to over deliver on quality; able to follow instructions clearly to achieve desired results; capture and edit visual content for multiple platforms; produce photography in various methods including printed/digital media; deliver final product to various sources including internal and external customers, media, electronic graphic designers and corporate communications; perform retouching and image adjustments after shoots; create and promote positive MCPS images to the public and staff; purchase or requisition photographic supplies.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree with major in communications or photography. Master's degree preferred. Coursework in photography, layout, lighting, etc. Recent experience in photography and communication required. Five to eight years of professional experience as a photographer preferred. Experience performing minor repairs to photography equipment. Experience using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe In Design required. Extensive experience collaborating and communicating with clients, various organizations and groups. Knowledge of publication design, editing, and production. Other combinations of applicable professional experience with education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree or above which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: A valid Maryland class C or better driver's license is required in order to get to various locations and must be maintained during the duration of the assignment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Lifting/carrying camera equipment up to 30 pounds.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Evening and weekend assignments may be required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional related duties for the position. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office or every day.)

1. Meets with the supervisor and/or publications manager to prioritize assignments. Confers with and advises administrators and communications staff on the feasibility of photographic projects and assists in planning layouts and materials to be included in brochures and other publications.
2. Communicates with clients to learn assignment objectives and timeline, and maintains contact through delivery.
3. Collaborates with Communications leadership and colleagues regarding communications strategies and optimal outcomes relative to photography role and products.
3. Uses HD digital cameras to produce digital images for all photographic applications.
4. Determines method best suited for quality photographs which are suitable for online and print publications, online generated presentations, websites, displays and other multimedia products.
5. Sets up and takes down lighting, backgrounds, props and related equipment.
6. Uses creative online software to prepare individual or combinations of images into finished presentation.
7. Files and archives images for easy retrieval by staff.
8. Makes minor and emergency repairs to equipment; arrange for major equipment service or repairs.
9. Works closely with Electronic Graphics and Publishing Services (EGPS) and assists in the design and production of publications, as assigned.
10. Maintains and expands knowledge of new developments in equipment, technology and social media platforms, relative to producing photographic images and presentations.
11. Develops and maintains assignment/project plans and calendars.
12. Maintains records and correspondence relative to work.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
Class Established: 6/2022
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.