Photo Editor Level 2, Impact Story Lab (Storytelling)

National Geographic Society • Washington, DC

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Photo Editor (Level 2) develops and produces a diverse portfolio of media, with a specific focus on photography for the Perpetual Planet Expeditions and Blue Boundaries Programs. Under the supervision of the Senior Producer, the role hires and manages a global team of photographers from story development through delivery for a range of platforms, outlets, and partners, ensuring photography reflects National Geographic standards and meets program goals. This is a fixed-term position for seven years, contingent upon grant funding.

The role works within the National Geographic Society Storytelling Division’s Impact Story Lab, which partners with Society stakeholders and Explorers to produce film, audio, photography, VR/AR experiences, and other media. The Lab combines creative work with research to advance impact media and support the Society’s mission.

The Photo Editor leads photography projects and collaborates with interdisciplinary colleagues on complex storytelling projects from development and planning through field assignments, editing, captioning, and curated selections. The position also manages production schedules, budgets, logistics, freelancers, deliverables, asset organization, legal binders, archiving, and partner feedback. Hands-on media production may include photography, videography, audio recording, editing, graphics, and music composition.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; preferably in photography.
• At least 7 years of media production experience.
• A record of ambitious, creative, and innovative visual storytelling.
• Proven success crafting stories from complicated science concepts.
• Ability to independently manage photographers in the field and during editing, often under tight deadlines.
• Solid understanding of media production workflows for diverse outlets.
• Ability to respond to and address producer and client feedback.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work as part of a team and mentor less experienced staff.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere and After Effects.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead photography projects that meet National Geographic standards and bring new creative ideas to each project.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Impact Story Lab and National Geographic Society to develop and execute complex storytelling projects through all production phases.
• Hire and manage a global cohort of photographers and storytellers.
• Manage photographic production schedules, budgets, and field logistics in collaboration with Impact Story Lab leadership, Senior Producers, and the Production Manager.
• Hire and manage freelance photographers.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, and that deliverables, original assets, and legal binders are organized, captioned, and archived.
• Work with the Special Collections team to finalize and make media assets, curated selections, and deliverables available to partners and working groups.
• Guide internal and external partners through the photography process and manage feedback.
• Perform hands-on photography and other media production tasks as needed, including videography, audio recording, editing, graphics, and music composition.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• Flexible paid time off, including up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated) and 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31, subject to role requirements
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
• Fertility benefits
• Learning and development opportunities
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Pet adoption assistance and pet insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefits with employer subsidy
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
• National Geographic discounts and perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level