PhotoVideo Content Specialist

Photo/Video Content Specialist

Department: Marketing & Communications

Reports to: VP Marketing and Communications

Status: Non-Exempt
Organization: The Living Desert

Position Overview

The Zoo Photographer/Videographer is a creative and technically skilled visual storyteller responsible for capturing editing and producing high-quality photo and video content that supports a wide range of marketing communications and revenue-generating initiatives. This role plays a critical part in shaping the zoos public image driving audience engagement and supporting institutional goals through compelling visual media used across digital print paid advertising media relations and on-site experiences.

The position balances field production (photography and videography) with post-production (editing color correction motion graphics and formatting) while collaborating closely with marketing communications education development and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

Content Capture & Production

• Photograph and film animals habitats guests staff conservation work events and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Capture content in a way that is authentic brand-aligned and emotionally engaging with strong attention to storytelling.
• Plan and execute photo and video shoots independently or with creative partners adapting to live-animal environments and changing conditions.
• Maintain technical excellence in camera operation lighting audio and composition.

Post-Production & Asset Creation

• Edit retouch and color-correct photos for use across digital print and experiential platforms.
• Edit video content for multiple formats including short-form paid ads social media broadcast website and in-zoo displays.
• Create motion graphics titles captions and formatting variations as needed for different channels and specifications.
• Organize archive and maintain a well-structured digital asset library for long-term use.
• Ensure all assets meet brand standards accessibility guidelines and media specifications.

Marketing & Communications Support

• Produce visual content to support:
• Paid digital media and advertising campaigns
• Print ads billboards and promotional materials
• Publications annual reports and donor communications
• Press kits media releases and editorial outreach
• Website email marketing and organic and paid social media
• Adapt and repurpose content efficiently for multiple campaigns and audiences.
• Respond to time-sensitive requests related to media leadership or special initiatives.

Collaboration & Project Management

• Work closely with marketing and communications teams to understand objectives target audiences and creative briefs.
• Coordinate with animal care staff and operations teams to ensure safe ethical and respectful content capture.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
• Implement efficient production workflows and organized asset management.

Experience:

• 3-5 years professional work as a photographer/videographer with a portfolio demonstrating excellence

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong portfolio demonstrating photography videography and post-production expertise.
• Proficiency with professional camera systems lighting audio equipment and drones (if applicable).
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop Lightroom Premiere Pro After Effects Firefly or equivalent tools).
• Understanding of content requirements for paid media print production and digital platforms.
• Ability to work in dynamic outdoor environments and around animals safely and professionally.
• Excellent storytelling instincts visual composition skills and attention to detail.

Education

• Bachelors degree in photography or film or equivalent experience as demonstrated in portfolio of work
• Preferred Attributes
• Knowledge of conservation messaging nonprofit marketing or experiential brands.
• Comfort working independently and taking creative initiative.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate strategy into visual execution.
• Flexibility to work evenings weekends and special events.

Measures of Success

• Consistent delivery of high-quality on-brand visual assets.
• Increased engagement and performance across digital and paid campaigns.
• Positive feedback from internal stakeholders and external media partners.
• Visual content that strengthens brand perception and supports organizational goals.

Salary aligned with skills and experience