Photo Editor Level 2, Impact Story Lab (Storytelling)
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Before you apply
SalaryNo pay range posted
LocationWashington, DC
Work modehybrid
Typecontract
SeniorityMid
Experience7+ yrs
DepartmentStorytelling Division
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedOct 30, 2026 · 6d ago
Verified live2d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree, preferably in photography
7+ years of media production experience
Have a record of ambitious, creative, innovative visual storytelling, as well as proven success crafting stories from complicated science concepts
The ability to independently manage photographers both in the field and edit, often under tight deadlines
Solid understanding of media production workflows for a diversity of outlets
Comfort and skill responding and addressing producer and client feedback, as well as excellent collaboration skills
Able to work well as a part of a team and mentor less experienced staff
Ability to prioritize tasks and possess a strong attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills are required
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere and After Effects is required
Skills
Adobe Creative Suite
Premiere
After Effects
How You’ll Contribute
About the company
The National Geographic Society Storytelling Division works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, asset management, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking and fellowship opportunities with creative talent.
The division’s Impact Story Lab builds on National Geographic’s legacy as a global leader in using storytelling to drive positive change. We partner with NGS stakeholders and Explorers to produce world-class film, audio, photography, VR/AR experiences, and other media that further the goals of the National Geographic Society and its programs. By combining creative excellence with groundbreaking research, we advance the field of “impact media” and contribute to National Geographic Society’s mission of illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world.
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 (Level 2) hires and manages a global team of photographers from story development to delivery for a wide range of platforms, outlets and partners, ensuring that all photography reflects the standards of National Geographic and meets the goals of the program.
This is a fixed-term position for a period of seven years contingent upon grant funding.
Your Impact
Responsibilities
Photo Editing (40%): Independently lead photography projects that meet the highest National Geographic standards, bringing new creative ideas to every project. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of colleagues in the Impact Story Lab and across NGS to develop and execute complex, multi-part storytelling projects through all phases of production, including story development, planning, field assignments, photo editing, captioning and curated selections. Hire and manage a global cohort of National Geographic photographers and storytellers to contribute to the success of the project.
Project Management (30%): In collaboration with Impact Story Lab leadership and the Sr. Producers, manage all aspects of photographic production, adhering to schedule and budget. Work with Production Manager to create schedules and budgets, and to hire and manage freelance photographers. Coordinate field logistics. Ensure all projects deliver on time and on budget, and that all deliverables, including original assets and legal binders, are properly organized, captioned and archived. Work with the Special Collections team to ensure that media assets, curated selections, and deliverables are finalized and made available to applicable partners and working groups. Guide internal and external partners through the entire photography process, including managing feedback.
Creative and Technical Production (30%): Execute hands-on photography and other media production tasks as necessary and able, including photography, videography, audio recording, editing, graphics, music composition.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in photography.
Minimum Years and Types of Experience
7+ years of media production experience
Necessary Knowledge and Skills
•
Have a record of ambitious, creative, innovative visual storytelling, as well as proven success crafting stories from complicated science concepts.
•
The ability to independently manage photographers both in the field and edit, often under tight deadlines.
•
Solid understanding of media production workflows for a diversity of outlets.
•
Comfort and skill responding and addressing producer and client feedback, as well as excellent collaboration skills.
•
Able to work well as a part of a team and mentor less experienced staff.
•
Ability to prioritize tasks and possess a strong attention to detail.
•
Excellent written, verbal, communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills are required.
•
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere and After Effects is required.