Photo Editor Level 2, Impact Story Lab (Storytelling)
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 Photo Editor hires and manages a global team of photographers from story development through delivery for a range of platforms, outlets, and partners, ensuring photography meets National Geographic standards and program goals. The position is fixed-term for seven years, contingent upon grant funding. The role leads photography projects and collaborates with interdisciplinary colleagues and stakeholders on complex, multiphase storytelling projects. It manages photographic production, including schedules, budgets, field logistics, freelancers, deliverables, asset organization, captioning, archiving, and partner feedback. The Photo Editor may also perform hands-on photography and other media production work, including videography, audio recording, editing, graphics, and music composition.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree; photography is preferred.
- At least 7 years of media production experience.
- Record of ambitious, creative, innovative visual storytelling and success crafting stories from complex science concepts.
- Ability to independently manage photographers in the field and during editing, often under tight deadlines.
- Solid understanding of media production workflows across 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; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Independently lead photography projects that meet National Geographic standards and bring 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 story development, planning, field assignments, photo editing, captioning, and curated selections.
- Hire and manage a global cohort of photographers and storytellers.
- Manage photographic production with Impact Story Lab leadership and Senior Producers, adhering to schedules and budgets.
- Work with the Production Manager to create schedules and budgets and hire and manage freelance photographers.
- Coordinate field logistics and ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.
- Organize, caption, and archive deliverables, including original assets and legal binders.
- Work with Special Collections to finalize media assets, curated selections, and deliverables and make them available to applicable partners and working groups.
- Guide internal and external partners through the photography process, including managing feedback.
- Perform hands-on photography and other media production tasks as needed, including videography, audio recording, editing, graphics, and music composition.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and 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 paid winter break between December 25 and 31, with exceptions for some roles.
- Paid parental leave.
- Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
- Fertility benefits.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Lifestyle Spending Account.
- Pet adoption assistance and insurance.
- Pre-tax transportation benefits with an employer subsidy.
- Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit.
- National Geographic discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
