Photographer Job at City of Baltimore in Baltimore

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Photographer

Salary Range: $52,362 - $83,731 ANNUALLY
Starting Pay: $52,362 - $68,046.50 ANNUALLY

GET TO KNOW US

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here:

The Office of the City Council President-elect Zeke Cohen is hiring a Staff Photographer to document council activities, community engagement, and government proceedings through compelling visual storytelling. The Photographer works within the Communications Department to generate content for newsletters, social media, and the City Council’s website. All responsibilities are aligned with the mission, vision, and values of the City Council President’s Office.

Mission Statement

To ensure Baltimore City government offers a best-in-class resident experience that centers equity when engaging with residents and communities, allocating budget dollars, conducting oversight of city agencies, and enacting legislation.

Our Vision

We will innovate, advocate, and deliver results across City government and neighborhoods so that residents, business owners, and visitors champion Baltimore as the best place to visit, live, work, and play.

Values

• Results: Constantly striving toward “best-in-class” city services.
• Innovation: We don’t settle for the status quo; transformational results require creative problem-solving.
• Community Centered: Our people make Baltimore great, and those residents inform every decision.
• Joy: Baltimore has so much to celebrate, and we proudly share its stories with each other and the world.

Job Summary

The photographer/videographer will serve as the primary visual content creator for the Council President's office, capturing high-quality photographs and video during City Council meetings, community events, press conferences, and official engagements. This position plays a crucial role in communicating the Council President's work and the Council's activities to constituents across digital and social media platforms.

Essential Functions

• Photograph City Council meetings, committee hearings, and official government proceedings, capturing key moments and interactions that convey the legislative process.
• Document the Council President and Council members at community events, constituent meetings, and public engagements throughout the city.
• Edit and produce short‑form video content optimized for social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, BlueSky, and TikTok. Post and schedule social media posts.
• Manage and organize a digital photo library, ensuring quick access to images for communications needs.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department to develop visual content that supports strategic messaging priorities. Respond quickly to breaking news situations and time‑sensitive photography needs. Ensure all photos and videos meet professional quality standards and align with the office's brand and visual identity.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in media, photography or fine arts, or the equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• At least five years of experience in event photography, photojournalism or similar professional photography roles.
• Demonstrated ability to edit video for social media, with knowledge of current platform specifications and best practices.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to cover events and meetings.

OR Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro) or equivalent photo and video editing software.
• Understanding of principles and ethical standards for documentary photography.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations, including council procedures and public meeting protocols.
• Knowledge of current social media platforms, video specifications, and content formats that drive engagement.
• Strong eye for composition, lighting, and storytelling through visual media.
• Ability to work under deadlines in a range of environments, from council meetings to bustling community events to portrait sessions.
• Ability to anticipate and capture candid moments that tell compelling stories about government and community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact professionally with elected officials, staff, and community members.

Additional Information

BACKGROUND CHECK: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

PROBATION: All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6‑MONTH mandatory probation.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7‑7, 7‑8, and 7‑9 of the City Ethics Law.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER