Who are we?

I am a professional photographer and also, a mentor/coach in the photography industry. My team and I run 2 companies: a photography studio, Sarah Petty Photography, and an online education and coaching business for professional photographers, Photography Business Institute. Your role is to support both of these businesses in an administrative/customer support and event planning role.

What does working with us look like?

In a nutshell, no two days will look the same! During Sarah Petty Photography’s busy season (fall) you’ll be more hands on helping set up for sessions and confirming client appointments. When we’re gearing up for our big event (1x/year), you’ll go into hyper speed, coordinating speakers’ schedules and information, ordering promotional items, packaging swag bags and t-shirts, ordering signage and running to Fed Ex. Each year, the Photography Business Institute holds 2 workshops in Springfield, IL for photographers and you’ll coordinate and manage these. From event set up to ordering catering, snacks, flowers and swag to tending to the needs of the attendees, you’ll be running the show behind the scenes. Also, we are always doing new things so we want someone with a heck-yes attitude. If it means running and grabbing lunch or picking weeds out front before clients arrive, we want someone who is excited for whatever challenge is put in front of them.

Who will you be working with?

Our team is the best in the business! We’re self-starters, high-performers and we work together seamlessly. Some of us are locally-based in Springfield, IL (like you will be) and some of us work remotely, living throughout the U.S.

We’re the kind of people who jump out of bed each morning excited to serve our clients. Our work environment is a place where we kick butt all day long with uber-talented teammates and end our days knowing we’ve accomplished something BIG….so we go home happy to our families and ready for what’s next. We value creativity, always pushing beyond the norm to raise the bar in our industries. We think outlandishly and know that when we work together, we can make the impossible possible. We don’t just achieve goals, we BLOW them away. We hate to lose and we hate the status quo.

Our team doesn’t need to be told what to do, they just go do it. We rise and we fall together, communicating openly and honestly throughout the day in the spirit of partnership. We rise up when things get tough. We know there is always another solution. We don’t shy away from something because it’s hard. We pitch in and help each other and our customers in a timely manner.

We make mistakes and we aren’t afraid to own up to them and learn from them. We question actions inconsistent with our values. We’re positive, passionate people who are responsible with our freedom and flexibility.

We move fast, thrive on change and think quickly. Our businesses all move fast so we have to prioritize opportunities quickly. And priorities…well they change often. Sometimes by the hour. But we are resilient in the face of change. There’s a lot of ambiguity in what we do, so if that stresses you out, this isn’t the job for you.

We look for solutions, not problems. When we bring other members of the team in to help, we approach them with solutions and options for moving forward vs problems and hurdles. We are insatiably curious. We learn fast and eagerly, pushing to make lives easier for our customers and our teammates.

And at the end of the day, we remember why we are doing this. We love our families. We love our passions. We love our work. We love our lives. It’s important to make time for all of these to be our best self both at work and at home.

Sound good? Then read on!

The Role: You’ll be responsible for administrative, event planning and organizational tasks that support our Springfield, IL portrait photography studio and online education business for photographers.

Your Responsibilities:

Online and in-person customer service support via phone, email and various social media platforms.
Errand running as needed (post office, Fed Ex, lunch, etc).
Organization of studio paperwork and client communications.
Place catering orders, decorate and set-up office space for in-person events
On-site event management and coordination plus set up, tidying up, etc.
Inventory / tracking / organization of branded promotional items.
Research, ordering and vendor management of branded promotional items and supplies as needed.
On-the-fly content assistance - Grab an iphone and film a quick video of Sarah or snap a quick photo.
Learn a new online tool and implement it.
Provide production support for Sarah when filming content.
Sometimes we need an extra set of hands.

Results We Expect From You:

Maintain inventory so that branded promotional materials are in stock in quantities needed at all times. We don’t ever want to run out and be caught off guard with long lead times from our vendors.
Successfully communicate with clients in professional manner, with urgency, that represents our brand / tone.
Execute flawlessly on in-person events with coordination of all vendors, snacks, space set up, promotional items and course materials.
Anticipate needs of staff and customers you serve to make their lives better and operations run more smoothly.
Act as gatekeeper to staff from sales people, deliveries, etc.

Requirements:

An upbeat personality that sparkles when you are serving others.
A sense of urgency when given new tasks.
Ability to complete tasks with little direction.
Exemplary grammar, spelling, written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient with email, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Ability to learn new technology platforms as needed.
Excited to learn new technology and tasks.
Exemplary attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational and research skills.

This job description is not all-inclusive and certain activities, duties or responsibilities may be required of the employee as needed.

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