PHOTOGRAPHER ASSOCIATE

Title: Photography Associate

Department: Content & Production

Reports To: Manager of Production & Special Projects

Supervises People: No

About the Role

The Associate Development Program is a paid 12-month full-time (temporary) experience designed for early-career individuals or those beginning their professional careers. A bachelor's degree, relevant certification, or a combination of related education and experience aligned with the responsibilities of the role is required. Relevant coursework, training, or equivalent experience is valued. The format allows for structured professional development and hands-on learning.

We are seeking a seasonal photographer who is passionate about football to help lead projects, develop creative assets, assist our full-time photographer, and edit photos for our digital media properties. This role is located out of our headquarters, Halas Hall in Lake Forest, IL, plus frequent work at Soldier Field, with the ability for some remote work as well.

2026-27 Associate Development Program Dates: Monday, June 1, 2026 - Friday, May 21, 2027

Please Note: Applications must include a working link to an online portfolio to be considered. Please ensure the link is accessible and viewable without restrictions.

Who We Are

As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is the core of who we are. We believe every person matters and we can collectively achieve success through our values of respect, championship mindset, community, and perseverance. We're different from other companies, as our vision is to be "one of one". We strive to be a championship football organization that consistently performs at a level of excellence on and off the field. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences and perspectives and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community.

Responsibilities

  • Photograph community and special events
  • Apply metadata to photos
  • Maintain image archives
  • Assist with building photo galleries from training camp, practices, gameday, and other various club events
  • Edit, retouch photos for various media platforms (social, digital, etc.)
  • Coordinate daily art content, find, and suggest compelling images, develop templates
  • Communicate with staff to ensure social needs are met
  • Support full time photographers on gameday by running card and uploading photos for use on social and other platforms
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Degree in photography, digital media, journalism, or related field, relevant certification, or a combination of related education and experience aligned with the responsibilities of the role are required.
  • Previous experience in sports preferred
  • Demonstrated photography and photo editing experience including proficiency in Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Photo Mechanic. Experience using Photoshelter a plus
  • Ability to conceptualize and demonstrate skillful storytelling, strong decision making and the ability to produce and distribute work in real time, while working with the Bears brand team on long-term projects
  • Strong knowledge of current social media trends
  • Ability to communicate ideas clearly and handle feedback with ease
  • Ability to show engagement and collaboration with departments across the Bears organization
  • Strong teamwork aptitude and intrinsically motivated by the desire to see a group succeed as opposed to individual accolades.
  • Confident and disciplined work ethic to produce efficiently on tight deadlines
  • Possess excellent relationship building and communication skills to include the ability to gain the trust of players, coaches and staff required.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel to various sites and events across the Chicagoland area
What We Offer

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice.

COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY PAY

The Photography Associate is a full-time temporary position. This position is an hourly role. The expected hourly rate for this role is $22 per hour. Please note, due to job function, regular overtime (paid as time-and-a-half) is expected.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Our Associate offerings include but are not limited to:
  • Core Coverage: Optional medical coverage (employer paid premium + employee paid deductible)
  • Flexible Work Location: Up to 2 days a week of remote work (role dependent)
  • Time to Recharge: 5 days of paid vacation time, 3 paid sick/mental health days plus 10 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer
  • Experiences: complimentary preseason tickets for one game, ability to buy additional tickets for home & away games
  • Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, complimentary Calm app access
  • Connection: Social events for staff and their families, Employee Resource Groups, and more
  • Professional Development: complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, professional development sessions, guest speakers, mentorship

Additional information on employee benefits can be found by visiting .

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect, and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club's DNA and culture. The Chicago Bears seek to attract, retain and develop top talent, regardless of personal characteristics, and we invite and encourage all individuals to apply for positions of interest.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Back to blog

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.