Head of Photography, NYT Wirecutter

The New York Times • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Wirecutter is looking for a Head of Photography to lead the evolution of our visual storytelling. Photography is central to how we do journalism here, and we're investing to make it even more so. You'll report to the Creative Director, work closely together to set the photography vision for the brand, and have real autonomy to run your department from our dedicated studio in Long Island City.
Our photography aspires to the highest editorial and creative standards. It teaches. It earns trust. It shows readers what they actually need to know – how two products differ, what our testing looks like, what something feels like to live with.
You'll be part of a creative leadership team that is genuinely collaborative and open, and oversee a team of three photographers.
This is an in-office position, based in our Long Island City office.

Requirements

• 8+ years in professional photography or visual direction, with meaningful experience managing a team
• A strong portfolio of product and editorial photography that informs and builds trust
• Experience in an editorial or newsroom environment
• Proven ability to run a working studio
• Commitment to being in our Long Island City studio most days. This is a hands-on role

Nice To Haves

• A real instinct for developing people. You give honest feedback and make the people around you better
• Comfort with short-form video production and the judgment to know when to use it
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across editorial and creative teams

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the photography vision. Work closely with the Creative Director to understand our creative strategy, then push beyond it. Bring a genuine point of view and ideas we haven't thought of yet.
• Direct product and editorial photography across a range of shoot types: product spreads, individual products and product details, POV shots, and process photography that documents our testing and earns reader trust.
• Bring video into the mix. Know when a short clip serves a story better than a still, and set up the studio and team workflows to handle both.
• Train the newsroom. Develop programs and give real feedback to help writers and editors across the organization capture better images themselves.
• Develop your team. Manage and mentor three in-house photographers. Create the conditions for them to improve their work, advance their careers, and take creative risks.
• Run a great studio. Manage the physical space, prop closet, and set design. Coordinate with freelance photographers, stylists, and other collaborators. Build systems that keep production efficient without sacrificing quality.
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

Benefits

• dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock.
• Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed