Sr. Photo Editor
National Geographic Society - Washington, DC
posted 4 days ago
About the position
The Communications division leads the development and execution of integrated communications and marketing strategies to further the mission of the National Geographic Society (the Society) and advance its position as one of the world's most trusted non-profit organizations and global brands. Driven by the Society's vision to be more globally known for its impactful Explorer-led mission programs, the Division's creative and strategic minds develop strategic communications, marketing campaigns, creative, content, and media to promote the Society's strategic plan and key priorities. The Division comprises five departments: Engagement and Marketing Strategy, Brand and Creative, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications, and Content and Editorial. The Brand and Creative team at the Society is a dynamic and growing group within the Communications division, responsible for overseeing brand strategy, creative direction and brand management with the aim of expressing the brand through myriad formats and channels and zealously protecting the reputation of National Geographic. They collaborate closely with corporate partners, vetting new strategic alliances to ensure they reflect National Geographic values. Through captivating content and experience, the team's collective work with internal and external teams inspires audiences to take action. Reporting to the Director of Photography, the Senior Photo Editor is a key member of the Brand and Creative team, working in tandem with the Director of Photography and the team to source and create visual content (primarily stills photography), at the Society's high brand standard, to communicate the Society's mission, build enthusiasm for the brand, highlight the work of our Explorers, and compel the Society's audiences to join its efforts.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with Creative Directors, Marketing Directors, Designers, Producers and Director of Photography and Senior Photo Editor to curate photos suitable for the Society Marketing, Brand, Communications, Advancement, and Base Camp projects.
- Maintain the Society's photo brand standards in the selection of imagery for end-users, asset-management workflow procedures and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Initiate required payments procedures for stills imagery used by NGS, as required.
- Collaborate with the Director of Photography and key stakeholders within the Explorer Programs and Storytelling teams to strategize and successfully create on-brand situational portraiture of the Explorer in the Field.
- Assist in sourcing photographers to be paired with the Explorer; collaboratively coordinate photoshoot logistics and details, legal agreements.
- Lead and strategize direction of photographers and talent on assigned photo shoots, both on-location and long-arm.
- Travel may be required as lead in the field during photography shoot with the Explorer and photographer(s).
- Edit, color correction, apply proper metadata and ingest/archive the photography created.
- Collaborate with the Director of Photography and key stakeholders to plan and create photography needed for the Society's communications, such as special events and donor engagements.
- Recruit, hire, and supervise photographers for coverage as needed.
- Provide photo shoot direction/guidance for photographers and producers for deliverables and creative direction.
- Advise and implement policy on usage and ensure rights clearance for visual assets in advance of distribution.
- Foster collaborative relationships with colleagues working with photo/visual content to ensure policies and procedures are followed.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in photography, visual arts, digital media or related field.
- 5 years experience as a senior photo editor at a network/publication, studio, or creative agency.
- Prior experience in photo editing and working with rights clearance.
- Sophisticated knowledge of photography technique, aesthetics, history, with a keen eye for images to best promote brand and visual storytelling.
- Demonstrated high-level proficiency in photo-production & creative-process best practices.
- Effective abilities in work-collaboration and communication (oral and written); ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to work cross-divisionally and build rapport with a large, diverse group of professionals from educators to scientists, to fellow creatives, especially photographers.
- Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, and digital asset management systems.
- Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and exercise good professional judgment.
- Flexibility to travel to work on location at photo shoots.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Engaging and comprehensive wellness program
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
- Flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year
- 10 days of sick leave
- 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
- 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 a generous employer subsidy
- Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
- A variety of National Geographic discounts and perks
