Photographer

About the Team

The Marketing, Creative, and Content group helps shape how Sunderland AFC connects with supporters and the wider community. The team produces engaging campaigns, strong visual storytelling, and polished content that reflects the club’s identity, values, and ambition. Working across digital channels, editorial output, and creative campaigns, the group focuses on building genuine connections with fans locally and internationally.

The Opportunity

Sunderland AFC is looking for an experienced and creative Photographer to join the Content team. The role centres on producing high-quality imagery across matchdays, training sessions, player arrivals, media appearances, commercial shoots, club events, and other brand activity. Your work will help capture the atmosphere, emotion, and character of the club both on and off the pitch.

You will be expected to turn around images quickly for use across digital, social, editorial, commercial, and PR channels, often within tight deadlines. The role also includes editing, retouching, and optimising photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as maintaining an organised and well-managed photography archive and digital asset library.

This is a full-time, on-site position based mainly at the Academy of Light and the Stadium of Light. Matchday coverage will regularly require evenings and weekends. While the role is primarily focused on the Men’s First Team, you will also support the Women’s team, Academy, commercial projects, and fan engagement initiatives. You will work closely with colleagues in video, design, marketing, and communications to support campaigns, branded activations, and promotional shoots.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of professional photography experience, ideally gained in elite sport, live events, editorial, or another fast-moving media setting. A strong portfolio is essential, showing the ability to tell stories visually, capture atmosphere and emotion, and maintain high technical standards.

You should be confident using professional camera systems, lenses, lighting equipment, and remote shooting setups, alongside advanced editing and post-production skills in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Experience with rapid file transfer, live editing, and same-day delivery is important. You should also have a strong eye for composition, lighting, colour grading, and visual consistency across branded content.

Familiarity with social-first content trends and how imagery performs across digital platforms will be an advantage. Strong organisation, careful file handling, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm and decisive under pressure are all key. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important for working effectively across departments.

Flexibility is required for evenings, weekends, and travel to away fixtures, and applicants must hold a full UK driving licence.

Additional Requirements

The successful applicant will need to obtain an Enhanced DBS through SAFC. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Work Pattern and Location

This role is based at the Stadium of Light and Academy of Light, with regular matchday duties and travel as needed for away fixtures.