Documentary photographer job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Documentary photographer in details. A complete job description concludes Documentary photographer key duties/responsibilities, Documentary photographer job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Documentary photographer duties:

         1.            Provides professional graphic design services to produce materials integrated across a variety of media including print, web, video and digital mediums such as info-stations.

         2.            Has strong, solid knowledge of photography and lighting.  Is adept at digital photography and able to cover events with documentary-based, story-driven techniques. Some experience in video production and the use of video in design is also expected. 

         3.            Works as a photography editor – selecting and integrating imagery into all design platforms. Is able to photo edit, retouch and color correct photographic images.  

         4.            Works closely with the Poynter Foundation and the Institute Marketing staff, as well as Institute faculty and administration to produce graphics/imagery for communications aimed at all Poynter constituents.  Understands the target audience and determines which mediums are most strategically appropriate.

         5.            Uses appropriate pixel and vector based images, typography, live text, web-safe colors, and image scanning.  Prepares files with proper resolution for print pieces and web page design.  Performs file conversion for web pages such as jpg, gif, html, etc.

         6.            Collaborates with web master on web design and graphical content.

         7.            Makes design decisions for color (for print, web and other mediums), paper specifications, embossing, foil stamping, die cutting, special finishes/coatings, and other production specifications.  Communicates with printing vendors to work through proofing process.  Creates sample layouts for supervisors and designated faculty and staff.  Reviews final layout and suggests improvements as needed, and presents final layout to supervisors and other designated Institute staff for approval.  Prepares final layout for production/printer via paper, digital file, CD, DVD or FTP site.  Checks proofs and makes press checks to review quality of final product before release to supervisors. 

         8.            Maintains proficiency in industry-current design and imaging software and word processing programs.  Maintains proficiency with latest technologies and industry standards for web-based design, including multimedia, motion graphics, animation, sound, and other technologies for printed and web-based materials.

         9.            Produces illustrations, drawings, charts and graphs for presentations and/or publications using appropriate software and/or mechanical techniques.

     10.            Coordinates the distribution of materials.  Maintains a photo library, digital records, print samples, etc.

     11.            Manages deadline schedules according to needs and priorities.

     12.            Assists in managing the production of in-house printing and other projects.

     13.            Receives subject matter and visual reference material from faculty, students and others and confers with these individuals to plan and prepare graphic design and illustration.

     14.            Meets with printer or photography services to discuss details and problems that may occur and to plan projects production.

II. List of Documentary photographer qualifications

         1.            Expert knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Flash, etc.

         2.            Demonstrated knowledge of making and using design concepts for print design, web design, multimedia, photographs, illustrations, display, environmental graphics, and info-graphics (scale, color, typography, pixel, animation, sound, etc.)

         3.            Demonstrated knowledge of professional photography, including image making, composition, lighting, photo editing and retouching.

         4.            Demonstrated working knowledge of video production and use in design.

         5.            Demonstrated knowledge of advertising, product promotion and services as they relate to a non-profit environment for development, advancement, alumni and professional engagement and fundraising.

         6.            Demonstrated reasoning and problem-solving skills including the ability to trouble-shoot problems, creatively approach problems and analyze various types of information to arrive at the best solution.

         7.            Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently with little direct supervision.

         8.            Ability to analyze needs and requirements when designing products, determining the best tools and equipment needed to do the job and testing processes and evaluating results.

         9.            Excellent oral and written communication skills.

     10.            Knowledge of HTML and CSS.

     11.            Experience in design, photography and new media (multimedia, Flash, web, etc.). 

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.