Photo Editor (National Geographic)

National Geographic is seeking a Photo Editor to research, curate, and edit visual content for our most visible platforms, with a focus on digital stories and short form print & digital features. This role requires a strong eye for photography, a digital-first mindset, and the ability to think creatively about visual storytelling. 

The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge of working photographers, strong industry relationships, and a passion for authentic photography. An understanding of production and art direction, as well as an eye for global photojournalism, is essential. This position involves administrative tasks common to production roles, daily digital responsibilities, and a collaborative team approach. Resourcefulness, time management, reliability, and the ability to be a team player are vital.

In addition to editing, the Photo Editor will pitch compelling visual story ideas and contribute content concepts that align with National Geographic’s mission. Responsibilities include commissioning photographers, photo research, asset retrieval, managing releases, captions, metadata, while ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all platforms.

If you care deeply about topics like wildlife, history, nature, science, and travel—and want to help uphold the excellence that defines National Geographic—this role offers an opportunity to work on meaningful projects with a team dedicated to world-class storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Photographic Research: Research, curate, and license photography for all platforms, with a focus on our digital platforms; and to provide support on workflow, billing, contracts, and other photo logistics. Ensure that budgets and deadlines are met; caption information is gathered and disseminated; verify credit line; check image veracity when in question; and make images available for broader use across platforms.

• Digital Production: Design and build stories in CMS with eye to strong visual pacing. 

• Research and pitch visually innovative and original uses of existing images and packages, demonstrating an understanding of the different platforms and audiences.

• Photo Production: Collaborate with staff photographers on portraiture, reportage, conceptual, or still life; work with ideas and photographers in the studio or on location.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3 to 5 years of experience with photo research or photo editing

• Excellent visual taste and a wide-range of knowledge about and appreciation for visual storytelling and photojournalism

• Enthusiasm to collaborate on new ideas, ability to think in fresh ways about how to best represent our stories visually

• Drive to reach new audiences, an understanding of and appreciation for audience data and SEO-friendly presentation

• Proven deep, expedient research skills (with agencies, individual contributors, archives, libraries, social media)

• Strong communication and collaborative abilities

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines

• Ability to multitask and to balance short and long lead deadlines

• Self-motivated and resourceful

• Ability to negotiate rates with relevant contractors and third parties

• Proficiency with content management systems, Adobe products, Photo Mechanic, and all social media platforms

• College Degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some experience with / knowledge of National Geographic’s core subject areas (wildlife, history and/or archaeology, nature, science, and travel) strongly preferred.

• Photojournalism degree a plus, but not required

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.