Visuals Editor

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

4d • $30 - $35

About The Position

The Brand Creative group within USC’s University Communications is seeking a creative, energetic, and forward-thinking visual storyteller to join its team as a Visuals Editor. Reporting to the Production Project Manager, the Visuals Editor brings the stories of USC faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other members of the Trojan Family to life through photography, illustration, and other visual media. Working closely with the Editorial team and Creative Director, the role oversees photo shoot production, photo research, and photo editing, primarily in support of print, digital, and branded content.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in photography, visual arts, editorial, publishing, communications, or a related field.
• Experience researching, selecting, and editing photography for editorial, digital, or print publications.
• Work experience as a graphic designer covering artwork preparation and printing.
• Thorough knowledge of typography, printing processes, selection of paper or printing surfaces, paper folding, binding, and finishing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Media, Journalism, Photography, Design, English, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree is also listed as preferred education.
• Exceptional visual storytelling skills, a strong eye for photography, and the ability to tell stories across a variety of visual tools.
• Strong background working with photographers and agencies, with deep knowledge of rights management and usage.
• Proficiency with digital tools, including Photo Mechanic, Lightroom, and Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop), and the ability to resize, retouch, and color-correct photos.
• Strong news background and judgment, with active engagement in communications trends.
• Ability to customize content effectively for web, social, and print formats.
• Highly organized, analytical, and meticulous, with experience maintaining detailed records and metadata.
• Excellent research, analytical, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organization and project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, multiple projects, and deadlines within a complex organization.
• Highly collaborative and effective working in team environments.
• Experience managing or coordinating a graphic service.

Responsibilities

• Generate ideas for visual stories and maintain a strong editorial voice by selecting imagery aligned with USC’s brand and mission.
• Collaborate with editorial and creative teams on story concepts and help determine whether stories need photography, illustrations, or infographics.
• Research and select photos, illustrations, and other imagery for editorial and news stories, social media channels, presentations, and videos.
• Oversee contracts, photo fees, and usage rights with the Creative team and USC legal department.
• Collaborate with high-level subjects, writers, editors, photographers, illustrators, web developers, and other public relations and creative team members.
• Oversee all aspects of photo shoot production, photo research, and photo editing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree