STATE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER - 75822

Executive Service

This is an in-office role that includes some in-state travel. You may be required to be on call 24/7.

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position

Who we are and what we do:

The State Chief Photographer serves as the principal visual documentarian for the State, responsible for capturing, preserving, and curating official photographic records of the Governor, state agencies, and major government events. This role ensures the highest standards of visual storytelling, historical documentation, and public communication through photography. This position requires frequent travel within the state, attendance at public events, and work in dynamic and sometimes high-security environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the official photographer for the Governor, First Lady and Legislature.
• Manage photography services for all state agencies, departments and commissions.
• Document state events, ceremonies, press conferences, legislative functions, and community engagements.
• Produce high-quality photographic content for press releases, reports, publications, websites, and social media.
• Maintain and organize the States official photographic archive, ensuring proper cataloging and historical preservation.
• Manage photo editing, retouching, and color correction to meet publication standards.
• Oversee photography equipment procurement, maintenance, and inventory.
• Establish visual standards and protocols for official imagery.
• Supervise and mentor staff photographers 1 and 2.
• Key Competencies Visual storytelling Professional judgment and discretion Adaptability in fast-paced environments Strategic communication Historical awareness and documentation integrity

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Photography, Visual Arts, Communications, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 5-10 years of professional photography experience, preferably in government, media, or institutional settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in event photography, portraiture, and documentary-style storytelling.
• Advanced proficiency in professional camera systems and editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong understanding of lighting techniques in diverse environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive or confidential environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a governmental or executive office setting.
• Knowledge of archival standards and digital asset management systems.
• Experience supervising creative teams.
• Application Requirements A portfolio of recent professional work will be required for applicants selected for interview.
• Please submit a link on your resume to your online portfolio.
• Final candidate(s) will be subject to a background check in accordance with State policies and procedures.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.