POSITION PURPOSE: Act as the photojournalism leader in the multiplatform newsroom.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
ENERGIZED LEADER who will build up his or her staff by implementing critique sessions with individual staff photographers on a regular basis. A leader who will work closely to improve all aspects of news video editing and news photography. A leader who will be at the forefront of implementing new technology, and has the passion to regularly teach and lead the newsroom staff (photographers, reporters, editors and producers) in the best ways of using video and sound. Become a wealth of information and share with the staff. Promote great community storytelling within KSL. Promote KSL's brand as a leader in the community that builds up, connects, informs and celebrates Utah's communities and families.
COMPLETES OPERATIONS by assisting in managing, coordinating, and supervising all activities of the photographers (daily assignments, travel assignments, logistics and special events such as elections, etc.) with the Deputy M.E. of Photography; scheduling projects and resources including personnel; assigning and monitoring work making sure assignments are completed from beginning to end; implementing productivity standards; resolving operational problems; coordinating solutions; attending staff and photographer meetings; assuring that all photographers (including self) have a valid driver's license & a good driving record while abiding by Utah law (no texting while driving, etc.) safely driving to and from news event without exposing the company to serious liability risks.
HELPS PREPARE OTHERS FOR PHOTOJOURNALISM RESPONSIBILITIES by demonstrating operational procedures; training employees to execute responsibilities and duties; exhibiting invention, creativity, imagination, originality or talent in news gathering; scheduling intern educational training; maintaining familiarity with all employees' technical responsibilities including ability to edit video news stories to KSL standards; correctly operating and maintaining preventive maintenance of all ENG camera/laptop, automobile, and other assigned gear including microwave equipment.
MAINTAINS PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE by staying educated on newest technologies in photojournalism; being proficient on camera equipment including airborne camera and microwave systems; overseeing, managing budgets and equipment assigned to all photographers including vehicles and news gathering equipment; directing the photographer functions of the helicopter.
COORDINATES EFFORTS by being a liaison, working in partnership with the Deputy M.E. of Photography, between the photographers and assignment desk, producers, reporters, and station management; maintaining communication with engineering to ensure equipment continues to operate properly and efficiently; alerting the assignment desk by radio or phone of any story or personal status change that may affect the assignment (must have a telephone at place of residence); scheduling on a rotating basis all photographers to perform on-call duties and back-up on-call duties; making sure that they keep in contact 24 hours with the station and being able to respond within 10 minutes when called eliminating any activity that makes a fast response impossible; coordinating, scheduling, and maintaining company vehicles (renewal of license); assuring that all photographers understand that having an assigned car and equipment full-time comes with the expectation of shooting breaking news stories when not on-call if a need arises (usually the closest photographer to a breaking story will be called first to respond).
MAINTAINING SECURITY OF COMPANY EQUIPMENT by removing camera equipment, two-way radio, and portable microwave transmitter from the news vehicle and keeping these items in personal residence each night; being aware of and maintaining security of assigned equipment at all times.
ACCOMPLISHES SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES by participating in and actively supporting Company's EEO policy as it relates to recruitment, selection, evaluation, compensation, approving time cards, orienting, training, promotion, discipline, and termination. Includes being knowledgeable and conversant with the FCC EEO Rules effective March 10, 2003, and understanding the compliance issues that safeguard the station's FCC license; taking a proactive role in supporting KSL's policy to prevent harassment of any kind within the workplace, at off-site places of company business and at company-sponsored social venues; assuring that employees working in your department will receive annual performance appraisals; guaranteeing that employees will sign Conflict of Interest and Payola annually.
CONTRIBUTES TO TEAM EFFORT by working in compliance with company policies and procedures; working effectively in a team environment; maintaining a positive and cooperative rapport with staff (assignment desk, producer, reporters, etc.), management, and public; consistently working hours required (working more when required to meet deadlines including weekends, holidays, evenings, extended hours, flexible shifts, etc.);projecting an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor; continuing personal and professional growth; performing other duties as assigned; managing stress effectively.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Two (2) years post high school education in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent is preferred.
Two to Three (2-3) years of previous commercial experience as a Chief Photographer, or equivalent is preferred.
Minimum of five years successful experience as a Photographer in a broadcasting environment or equivalent.
A sense of news value and be able to display creative abilities in photojournalism and video editing techniques. Audition tape may be required demonstrating accuracy, fairness and photojournalistic news style.
Ability to communicate a story visually through either video or still photography.
Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Photo Mechanic and the sending digital still photos remotely.
Ability to write basic caption information
Consistently work hours required. Work more when required to meet deadlines including flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, evenings, rotating days, overtime, etc. Required to work extended hours as needed. Must have a telephone and fill on-call schedules as assigned. Able to remain on a particular assignment until completed.
Self-starter, dependable, and capable of performing under pressure particularly when unanticipated problems or unscheduled assignments arise, as the services performed affect the ability of others in the department to do their work.
Show initiative and innovation in problem solving in all aspects of news production with moderate amount of supervision.
Valid driver's license and proven ability to safely drive company vehicle or personal vehicle (as case may be) without exposing the company to serious liability risks.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Receive, process, and maintain information through oral and/or written communication effectively.
Substantial physical movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Ability to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction with good eye and hand coordination.
Good vision and hand coordination.
Lift, move, and carry equipment that weighs up to 70 lbs. Able and willing to carry equipment for whatever distance is necessary to completely cover the event.
