Investigative Photographer & Editor, NBCU Local Chicago

NBCUniversal • Chicago, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

NBC and Telemundo Chicago are seeking an exceptional Investigative Photographer & Editor to join their award-winning Investigates and Responds teams. This position is for a creative visual storyteller passionate about uncovering impactful stories and bringing them to life through cinematography, editing, sound design, and collaborative storytelling. It is not a traditional daily news photographer role, but rather for someone who thrives in long-form storytelling, embraces investigative journalism, and is energized by shaping stories from development through delivery. The ideal candidate approaches stories like a documentary filmmaker and Director of Photography, understanding the patience, creativity, and craftsmanship needed to translate complex issues into compelling visual narratives. They are comfortable behind a camera, in an edit suite, and at story development meetings. This individual is a self-starter who contributes ideas, collaborates closely with producers and reporters, and brings a creative vision that elevates every project. This role offers the opportunity to work with a strong investigative team and shape the future of long-form storytelling across broadcast, streaming, digital, social, and FAST platforms.

Requirements

• Expert operation of Sony FX-series cinema cameras, Sony mirrorless systems, and DSLR-based production workflows.
• Exceptional field lighting skills with the ability to quickly create polished, cinematic interview environments in a variety of locations and conditions.
• Strong understanding of visual storytelling through composition, lens selection, camera movement, lighting, color, and production design.
• Ability to think and operate as a Director of Photography (DP), bringing a creative vision to each project while balancing newsroom realities and production deadlines.
• Comfortable building interview environments that create visual depth, emotional connection, and premium production value consistent with network-level investigative journalism.
• Capable of working efficiently in fast-moving situations without sacrificing quality, ensuring every interview and visual element contributes meaningfully to the story.
• Strong understanding of documentary-style storytelling techniques, including the use of natural sound, environmental details, sequences, and visual pacing to strengthen narrative impact.
• Advanced knowledge of field audio acquisition, including wireless microphone systems, interview recording, ambient sound capture, and audio workflow management.
• Experience shooting both independently and as part of larger collaborative production teams.
• Minimum five years of professional experience as a visual storyteller, cinematographer, documentary filmmaker, investigative photographer, or broadcast content creator.
• Provide a portfolio demonstrating long-form storytelling.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro with demonstrated expertise in long-form editing, investigative storytelling, and documentary-style production.
• Ability to take projects from acquisition through final delivery, owning the complete post-production process when needed.
• Strong understanding of story structure, pacing, sequencing, and narrative development.
• Expertise in audio post-production, including dialogue cleanup, sound design, audio sweetening, mixing, and finishing.
• Experience color correcting and color grading footage using Adobe Creative Cloud tools to create a polished, consistent visual presentation.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for graphic creation, image enhancement, and visual storytelling support.
• Working knowledge of Adobe After Effects for motion graphics, compositing, animation, explainers, and investigative visualizations.
• Ability to organize media, manage metadata, maintain project structure, and deliver content efficiently across multiple platforms and formats.
• Must join NABET if not currently a member
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must be willing to work in Chicago, IL
• Candidates must submit a resume and demo reel showcasing both investigative news coverage and edited storytelling work

Nice To Haves

• FAA Part 107 Drone License and operational drone experience are a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish or experience working in bilingual newsroom environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with NBC Chicago Investigates and NBC Responds teams to develop, produce, shoot, and edit impactful investigative and enterprise stories.
• Contribute throughout the reporting process, helping shape story direction, visual strategy, interview approaches, and creative execution.
• Capture cinematic and emotionally engaging visuals that help audiences connect with complex investigations and community-focused reporting.
• Develop visual storytelling plans that incorporate interviews, stock and story footage, natural sound, documentary-style sequences, creative visualizations, and investigative production techniques.
• Produce content for broadcast, streaming, digital, social, and FAST platforms while maintaining the highest journalistic standards.
• Manage projects from concept through final delivery, balancing multiple long-form assignments and production timelines.
• Collaborate closely with reporters, producers, editors, legal teams, and newsroom leadership throughout the investigative process.
• Identify innovative visual techniques, production methods, and emerging technologies that enhance storytelling and audience engagement.
• Maintain excellent communication throughout the production process, ensuring alignment between editorial, creative, and technical stakeholders.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
• Right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability.

What This Job Offers

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