The Senior Associate is a de facto Director of Photography (DoP) and senior visual storyteller responsible for translating brand, narrative, and creative strategies into compelling photo and video content. This role leads the visual execution of Success Academy's in-house productions—from concept development and pre-production planning through production and post-production collaboration. Working across both photography and video production, the DoP is responsible for establishing the visual approach for each project while ensuring all creative work maintains Success Academy's brand standards and continues to elevate the quality of our visual storytelling.

With expertise in cinematography, photography, lighting, composition, and production planning, this individual partners closely with producers, creatives, editors, and stakeholders to bring projects from concept through delivery.

This position requires an experienced creative professional who can work independently with minimal supervision, solve production challenges, and guide others across functions and disciplines. The DoP will act as a resource and subject matter expert for the broader Creative Agency team, including supporting and mentoring junior visual specialists.

The Senior Associate reports to the Leader, Photo and Video at the SA Creative Agency.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership

• Lead the development of visual concepts and cinematography strategies for all video and photography productions.

• Collaborate with the Creative, Editorial, and Strategic teams to translate scripts and creative briefs into visual executions aligned with brand goals.

• Partner with producers during project planning to develop visual approaches, treatments, mood boards, look books, shot lists, and production plans.

• Participate in creative brief reviews, kickoff meetings, and production planning discussions to shape visual strategy from project inception.

• Make recommendations on visual treatments, lighting setups, framing, camera movement, and overall production approach to support storytelling objectives.

• Continuously identify opportunities to elevate the team's creative output while maintaining Success Academy's established visual identity and brand standards.

• Establish and maintain consistent visual style guides for recurring series, initiatives, and content packages.

Production Execution

• Take ownership of assigned productions from concept through final delivery, proactively identifying challenges, proposing creative solutions, and ensuring projects meet creative, brand, and timeline expectations.

• Lead all pre-production planning, including equipment preparation, location planning, talent considerations, production logistics, and shoot readiness.

• Scout, plan, and prepare for location and studio shoots, ensuring logistical feasibility and high production value.

• Partner closely with producers throughout production to ensure creative vision, schedules, and stakeholder expectations remain aligned.

• Lead on-set direction of photography, including lighting, camera configuration, composition, and overall visual execution.

• Capture both video and photography assets based on project needs.

• Serve as both a hands-on camera operator and on-set team leader, as needed.

• Maintain a professional, executive-level presence while working with school leaders, executives, talent, and external partners.

• Partner with the Post Production Manager to ensure footage quality, continuity, and storytelling integrity from production through edit.

Technical Oversight

• Manage and maintain camera gear, lighting equipment, and production resources.

• Manage production media, including file organization, backups, archival workflows, and handoff to post-production.

• Prepare projects for post-production by organizing footage, ordering interview transcripts, and ensuring production assets are properly documented.

• Perform editing, color correction, and finishing as needed to support production timelines.

• Recommend technology updates and workflow optimizations based on emerging industry standards.

• Leverage emerging AI-powered creative and production tools to improve workflow efficiency and enhance creative output.

• Troubleshoot technical issues during productions and escalate complex challenges when appropriate.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Provide visual guidance and training to junior team members, editors, and other creatives.

• Act as a cross-functional resource on photographic and cinematic best practices.

• Collaborate with Creative Directors, producers, editors, designers, and external creative partners throughout the project lifecycle to ensure a unified final product.

• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented production environment that encourages creative excellence and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

A successful candidate will have the following qualifications and attributes:

• 5–7+ years of experience as a Director of Photography, Cinematographer, Senior Videographer, or similar production leadership role.

• Proven experience shooting across formats, including interviews, documentary, narrative, studio, commercial, and branded content.

• Demonstrated experience capturing both professional photography and video productions.

• Expertise in DSLR, mirrorless, and large-format cinema camera systems, lighting design, audio capture, and production workflows.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, and After Effects, with working knowledge of editing, color correction, and finishing workflows.

• Experience managing production media, file organization, transcript workflows, and post-production handoffs.

• Experience leveraging AI-powered creative and production tools to improve production efficiency and creative workflows.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent productions from pre-production through final delivery while maintaining exceptional organization, meeting tight deadlines, and delivering high-quality creative work.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently while proactively identifying challenges and recommending solutions.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to mentor and guide peers across departments.

• Confident presenting creative ideas and production plans to executive leadership while effectively facilitating conversations with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to visual consistency, organization, and production excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Production, Communications, or a related field preferred.

• Passion for education, social impact, and Success Academy's mission.

To join our team, please upload a cover letter and resume that outlines your candidacy. Your cover letter should explain in detail your qualifications for the position.

Success Academy Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.