Senior Photo Editor, CNN Weather

Warner Bros. Discovery•Washington, DC

About The Position

CNN Weather is seeking a visionary, digital-first Senior Photo Editor to help shape the visual identity of our coverage across platforms. This is a foundational role responsible for defining how photography and imagery elevate our journalism in the app, on the web and across features and event-driven experiences. This senior photo editor will oversee the sourcing, commissioning, editing and presentation of photography and visual assets across breaking weather, climate coverage, feature storytelling and event hubs. They will ensure that our imagery is scientifically grounded, emotionally resonant and visually distinctive — helping audiences see and feel the forces shaping their world. The successful candidate understands that weather and climate are inherently visual stories. They have sharp editorial judgment, a strong design sensibility and a deep appreciation for how photography and imagery builds trust, authority and habit in a digital product. This person will collaborate closely with meteorologists, editors, reporters, visual journalists, illustrators, video producers and product designers to ensure photography is fully integrated into storytelling from pitch to publish. They will play a central role in evolving the look and feel of CNN Weather — helping define standards for image selection, treatment, rights management and presentation across platforms. They will also work across the newsroom to identify opportunities to elevate enterprise reporting with compelling visual storytelling, and maintain a strong relationship with the newsroom’s core photo team. Finally, this person must embody the CNN Weather & Climate team’s ethos — we are looking for a self-motivated, team-oriented collaborator who takes pride in their craft, values diverse perspectives and elevates colleagues.

Requirements

Significant experience as a photo editor in a digital newsroom or media organization
Demonstrated ability to define and evolve a visual identity within a product or brand
Strong editorial judgment, particularly in high-pressure breaking news environments
Experience with tools that detect AI-generated or manipulated photography and video, with a strong understanding of emerging synthetic media risks and verification standards
Experience commissioning and working with freelance photographers and agencies
Deep understanding of digital storytelling formats and mobile-first presentation
Familiarity with weather, climate, science or environmental coverage preferred
Strong collaboration skills across editorial, visual, product and design teams
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Knowledge of photo rights, licensing and ethical standards in visual journalism
A college degree or equivalent experience

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with weather, climate, science or environmental coverage preferred

Responsibilities

Work with editorial and product teams to shape the visual identity of CNN Weather across app, web, edutainment and event hubs
Manage the selection, commissioning and editing of photography and imagery for daily coverage, features and major weather events
Develop visual standards and best practices for image use, cropping, color treatment, captions and credits
Work across formats, ensuring photography is optimized for mobile, social, interactive experiences and product surfaces
Partner with illustrators, designers and video producers to create cohesive, visually ambitious storytelling packages
Balance speed and precision during breaking weather coverage, ensuring accurate and responsible visual representation
Manage relationships with freelance photographers, including rights and licensing considerations
Photo editors are often responsible for the images that define a story in the public imagination. This editor will uphold CNN’s standards for accuracy, fairness and clarity, ensuring visual precision and audience trust in every piece