Photo Director, Rocky Mountain Collegian, for 2026-27 school year

Photo Director at The Rocky Mountain Collegian for 2026-2027 school year

The Photo Director is a leader who helps the Photo Director oversee and direct the operations of The Collegian’s photo desk. The Photo Director maintains a large presence in the newsroom, is excited about photojournalism and is engaged in and dedicated to the overall production of content for the Collegian’s digital and print products. The position requires a commitment of 15 hours per week of work-related duties for the 2026-27 year. The Photo Director works with an Assistant Photo Director, to oversee all photo content at
The Collegian. 

This position is a one-year appointment, subject to a performance review or full rehiring processes after the year at the discretion of the Editor in Chief.
 

The ideal candidate:
● Possesses a strong grasp of photography principles.
● Has a strong understanding of photojournalism and the differences between a photographer and a photojournalist.
● Thinks ahead and plans for success.
● Responsive to content changes as assignments change throughout the day.
● Strong organization skills and an ability to coordinate a team.
● Has a strong understanding of — or willingness to learn — photojournalism ethics.
● Has a strong understanding of — or willingness to learn — copyright and communications law principles as it relates to using and editing images.
● Has a basic understanding of AP style and micro-editing.
● Prioritizes teamwork to maintain an inclusive and professional culture on the desk.
● Understands the importance of presenting information as a cohesive package, and has a strong desire to work with other content producers in order to accomplish a shared goal of multimedia presence.
● Strong communication skills and an ability to make decisions under pressure.
● Very skilled in Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop.
● Effectively balances time commitments outside of work.
 

Main Responsibilities

● Keep photojournalists accountable for content production through the implemented feedback system as well as through direct communication.
● Work with the Assistant Photo Director to ensure the timely production of photos for print and digital platforms, including designated social media accounts.
● Manage photo requests and approve pitches for photo stories and standalones.
● Work with the other editors (primarily the Assistant Photo Director, Editor in Chief, Digital & Social Editor and Print Editor) to ensure each story is accompanied by visual content.
● Take responsibility for cover photos, focus photos and all photo stories.
● Communicate frequently with managing editors about problems that could disrupt production.
● Edit and review photos to ensure they are ready for publication at deadline.
● Ensures that photographers have access to events that require press credentials.
● Thinks ahead to plan visuals for special editions.
● Communicate with the Assistant Photo Director and staff photographers weekly to verify and assign visual requests.
 

Managerial Responsibilities

● Hold weekly planning meetings for the photography desk.
● Plan ahead by keeping in mind the success of the publication as a whole.
● Complete payroll for the staff in a timely and accurate manner.
● Provide feedback to photojournalists after assignments are submitted.
● Encourage and nurture new photojournalists and coaches skills.
● Keep photojournalists accountable for photography and reporting skills.
● Pitch new and creative ideas to engage with the readers through photography.
● Keep track of visual requests to make sure all photo assignments are completed.
● Work at print production to ensure photos are ready for print gallery.
● Hold a minimum of two weekly office hours to be accessible to staff.
Compensation: Compensation will be $15.16 per hour. 

Employees are encouraged to apply for CSU work study.
 

Work Study Disclaimers 

Colorado State University may conduct background checks on all final candidates. Employee Benefit information through Colorado State University can be found on HR’s Website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

To apply: 

Submit a resume, cover letter and three relevant clips to swebb@collegian.com with the subject line: “Collegian Application: Photo Director.” Interviews will be scheduled and held by the Editor-in-Chief. Be prepared to answer questions regarding the attributes and responsibilities listed above. Applications received
by March 30 will be given first priority. This position is open until filled. Qualified candidates should expect to interview for the position the coming weeks after Spring break.

About Rocky Mountain Student Media
Rocky Mountain Student Media Corp’s Mission:
● Providing CSU students with hands-on, real world training to develop the skills needed for successful post-college careers.
● Delivering news, entertainment, and engaging content to the CSU and Fort Collins communities.
 

Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation is committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing a culturally responsive work environment. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. While RMSMC is an independent corporation from the university, we embrace Colorado State’s Principles of Community to guide us in our educational mission.

For a full EOE and DEI statement (and for other corporate info) visit: https://rmsmc.com/documents/