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Director, Photography

Universal MusicPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

$96,660 - $115,000 / year

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Overview

Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Executive
Remote
On-site
Compensation
$96,660-$115,000/year
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Job Description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

Fame House, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry’s best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Fame House powers eCommerce for UMG’s labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration, both within FH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of eCommerce for artists, providing a full service solution to grow an artist’s owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more.

How we LEAD

Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it’s a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it’s another pathway to connecting with an artist and the culture they represent. At Digital Creative & Experience, we create content that brings artists, brands, and fans closer together. Through a combination of creative storytelling, content production, design, and technology, we deliver visual experiences that support artist expression, drive engagement, and elevate the fan experience across every digital touchpoint.

The Content & Experience team is responsible for creating high-quality visual content across artist stores, e-commerce experiences, campaigns, product launches, social content, and branded storytelling initiatives. Working collaboratively across Creative, Production, Design, and Client teams, we transform ideas into experiences that connect audiences with the artists and brands they love.

How You’ll CREATE

The Director of Photography is responsible for defining and executing the visual approach for video content across Digital Creative Services productions. This role partners closely with Creative Directors, Producers, Stylists, Editors, and Content teams to translate creative concepts into compelling visual storytelling through camera, lighting, composition, movement, and technical execution.

Acting as the visual leader on set, the Director of Photography ensures all content aligns with creative objectives while maintaining the highest standards of technical quality and production excellence. This role combines creative vision with deep technical expertise and plays a critical role in shaping how artists, products, and stories are brought to life through motion content.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional visual instincts, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for creating content that resonates with audiences while supporting broader business and creative objectives.

  • Lead the visual execution of video productions across campaigns, e-commerce, content, and brand initiatives

  • Translate creative direction into clear visual approaches and production plans

  • Define camera, lighting, framing, movement, and visual storytelling strategies for productions

  • Partner with Creative Directors during concept development and pre-production planning

  • Collaborate with Producers to ensure creative ambitions align with production requirements and timelines

  • Lead camera crews, operators, and technical teams during productions

  • Establish visual consistency across multiple projects, campaigns, and content series

  • Oversee lighting design and camera setups to achieve desired creative outcomes

  • Guide technical decision-making related to equipment, workflows, formats, and production methodologies

  • Work closely with Stylists, Photographers, Editors, and Content teams to ensure cohesive visual execution

  • Review footage throughout production to ensure quality and creative alignment

  • Support post-production teams through creative guidance on color, look development, and final visual output

  • Contribute to the evolution of production standards, workflows, and visual best practices

  • Stay informed on emerging technologies, production techniques, and visual trends

Bring Your VIBE

  • 7+ years experience in cinematography, video production, content creation, or related creative environments

  • Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence across commercial, ecommerce, campaign, social, and branded content

  • Advanced knowledge of camera systems, lenses, lighting, grip equipment, and production workflows

  • Proven experience leading visual execution across a variety of production environments

  • Strong understanding of visual storytelling, composition, color, and cinematic techniques

  • Ability to translate creative concepts into practical production solutions

  • Experience working with cross-functional creative and production teams

  • Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills

  • Passion for music, culture, storytelling, and digital content

  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced production environments while maintaining exceptional creative standards

Success Looks Like

  • Content consistently meets the highest visual and technical standards

  • Creative vision is translated effectively into final execution

  • Productions run efficiently while maintaining quality expectations

  • Visual consistency is maintained across campaigns and content initiatives

  • Creative and production teams trust visual leadership and decision-making

  • Production capabilities continue to evolve through innovation and best practices

  • Content helps strengthen artist brands, audience engagement, and business performance

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Job Category:

Creative, Design & Production

Salary Range:

96,660 - 115,000

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.  All candidates are encouraged to apply.

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.

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FAQs About Director, Photography Jobs at Universal Music

What is the work location for this position at Universal Music?
This job at Universal Music is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Universal Music?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $96,660 and $115,000 per year.
What employment applies to this position at Universal Music?
Universal Music lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Universal Music?
Universal Music is looking for a candidate with "Executive" experience level.
What benefits are offered by Universal Music for this role?
Universal Music offers following benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Family/Dependent Health, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Parental and Family Leave, Flexible/Unlimited PTO, 401k Matching/Retirement Savings, Tuition/Education Assistance, and Health & Wellness Programs for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at Universal Music?
You can apply for this role at Universal Music either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.