Overview
The Chief Photographer is responsible for leading the station's photography team, ensuring high-quality visual storytelling, and maintaining the technical standards of all video content. This role involves overseeing the work of staff photographers, MMJ’s, managing vehicles & equipment, and collaborating with reporters and producers to deliver compelling news coverage.
Key Responsibilities And Essential Functions
- Leadership and Supervision:
- Oversee timekeeping, performance evaluations, and professional development for photojournalist staff.
- Lead and mentor a team of photographers & MMJs, providing regular guidance and constructive feedback to strengthen their storytelling & technical skills.
- Assign and schedule photographers for news coverage, ensuring efficent use of resources.
- Conduct regular training sessions to keep the team updated on new techniques and technologies.
- Drive the advancement of multi-platform storytelling by collaborating with Digital & News Management. Coach field crews on best practices and develop training guides to support continued growth and innovation.
- News Coverage:
- Capture high-quality video footage for news stories, including breaking news, features, and special reports.
- Work closely with reporters to plan and execute visual storytelling that complements the narrative.
- Ensure all video content meets the station's standards for quality and ethics.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Maintain and manage all photography and video equipment, ensuring it is in good working condition.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate repairs or replacements as needed.
- Stay current with the latest advancements in photography and videography equipment and software.
- Creative Direction:
- Establish and maintain high standards for multi-platform storytelling, developing a cohesive visual style and ensuring consistent execution across all field crews.
- Develop and implement creative strategies for visual storytelling to engage viewers.
- Review and approve the work of photographers to ensure consistency and quality.
- Collaborate with the news director and producers to innovate and improve visual content.
- Logistics and Coordination:
- Manage the logistics of news coverage, including transportation, equipment, and team deployment.
- Coordinate with other departments (e.g., production, digital) to support comprehensive news coverage.
- Ensure timely and efficient delivery of video content for broadcasts and digital platforms.
- Quality Control and Standards:
- Maintain high standards for video quality, ensuring all footage is properly exposed, focused, and framed.
- Enforce newsroom policies and ethical guidelines related to video content.
- Regularly review and critique the team’s work to identify areas for improvement.
Required Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience as a news photojournalist.
- Knowledge of non-linear editing, EDIUS is a plus.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- Must be adaptable and flexible with changes in a fast-paced environment.
- Be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies and news gathering methods.
- Experience in operating microwave & satellite trucks.
- Applicants must have a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
- Be willing to relocate for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of EDIUS editing.
- LiveU Experience.
- Understanding of digital trends and video traits.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to work in challenging environments. Will be filming news during weather events, fires, crashes, and other newsworthy coverage.
- Must be able to move quickly inside and outside on uneven, unfamiliar terrain, and stand for long periods of time.
- Must be able to lift, carry and move with up to 50lbs in many environments including outdoors and in extreme weather conditions.
- Must be able to travel on assignment and possess a wide range of technical skills, to include operation of live trucks, expert editing skills, using backpack live units and the ability to troubleshoot on the fly.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Benefits package including:
- Comprehensive health insurance plan options
- Vision and Dental Insurance
- Company sponsored life insurance
- Numerous voluntary benefit options – legal plans, pet insurance, discounted home and auto and more!
- 401K with company match
- Generous paid time off
- 9 paid company holidays
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Dynamic and inclusive work environment with a supportive team culture.
- Exciting projects and growth opportunities within a leading organization.
- Opportunities to attend free local events, such as sporting events, concerts, shows, and more.
Pre-Employment Information
- A pre-employment drug screening is required.
- Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.
- Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. However, completing the WOTC questionnaire is completely voluntary. Your decision will have absolutely no impact on your hiring chances, and your application WILL be accepted regardless of whether you choose to provide this information or not.
EEO Statement
Capitol Broadcasting Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
CBC Statement
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV , WRAZ-TV , WRAL-FM , WRAL-HD2 , WNGT-CD , WCMC-FM , WCMC-HD1 , WDNC-AM , WCMC-HD2 , WCMC-HD3 , WCLY-AM , WCMC-HD4 , Microspace , and WRAL Digital in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV , WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club , Bull City Hospitality , and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.
