Photographer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:                Photographer

Hours:                          Part-time, 20 hours/week – must be flexible, and occasionally requires weekend and evening time

Supervisor:                   Director of Marketing and Communications

Classification:              Non-exempt, hourly

Supervisory 

Responsibilities:           None

SUMMARY

At HSHV, incredible stories happen every day. The Photographer captures, documents and follows rescue operations, lost animal reunions, special needs animals, medical cases, programs, and more.  

This position will work closely with members of the HSHV team to uncover and convey HSHV’s impact to supporters.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

In addition to outstanding photography skills and creativity, the Photographer must be a great communicator who works well with animals and people. Good organizational skills are essential as the Photographer must be able to manage projects, and track and meet deadlines independently. The position requires the ability to work autonomously and under pressure. Good judgement, professionalism and customer service are needed, as this position interacts not only with staff, volunteers, donors and supporters—but also members of the public unfamiliar with HSHV. 

Must have a digital camera and a solid knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or comparable photo-editing software.  Experience with candid photography and/or photojournalism a plus. Videography experience helpful. Schedule requires flexibility and occasional travel.

An animal care facility can be an emotionally challenging, high-stress, rapidly changing, and high-demand environment.  Feelings of grief and loss, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue are not uncommon.  As such, working at HSHV requires a high degree of emotional regulation and resilience, the ability to tolerate and manage stress, adaptability to change, empathy for both animals and people, and an overall positive outlook.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Produce high quality assets for HSHV communication                                                                       70%

1. Collaborate with the Supervisor to identify, determine and prioritize assignments for HSHV communications, including email, social media, direct mail, ads, promotions, and website content. Deliver assets on a timely basis.
2. Coordinate and work closely with program staff to document HSHV programs in action including, but not limited to, Cruelty & Emergency Rescue, Humane Education, Friends for Life, Shelter Medicine, Lost & Found, and Adoptions.
3. Capture compelling animal stories to showcase their journeys from start to finish (for example, following the story of a special needs animal from Intake at HSHV to finding a loving home through adoption).
4. Document advocacy efforts and community outreach events, as needed, ensuring comprehensive visual coverage.
5. Take short video clips during assignments to use in HSHV communications. 
6. Maintain a flexible schedule to adapt to evolving story-capturing opportunities.
7. Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Photo Editing, Organization, Other                                                                                                      30%

1. Use photo editing software to enhance images, ensuring they are visually engaging while maintaining authenticity.
2. Transfer and organize images within HSHV’s digital asset management system on a timely basis, maintaining a clear and accessible filing system.
3. Help oversee and organize the photos in HSHV’s digital asset management system.
4. Along with Marketing & Development team, maintain storytelling log.
5. Follow HSHV SOP’s and guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is performed in office and shelter surroundings. While performing job duties, you must be able to walk, stand, squat, twist, and kneel, reach and grab with your hands and arms, in addition to being able to lift and move equipment, materials and animals weighing 40 lbs or more.  Also may require ability to sit for extended periods of time. You will be exposed to kennel/shelter setting, both indoors and outdoors. You will be exposed to various weather conditions when working outdoors. You will be consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens, including animal hair, dander, saliva, fecal matter, urine, zoonotic diseases, fleas and other mites or bugs. You may also be subject to potential danger including parasites and infectious diseases, animal bites and scratches. 

MENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate effectively with all staff, volunteers, and the general public. Requires ability to fulfill intensive deadlines. While performing this job, you will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve problems.   You will be exposed to others’ pain and suffering, and must be able to handle occasional volatile situations.

Please note: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.