Skip to main content
BE YOU. BE HERE. BE PART OF THE STORY.

Senior Photo Editor, National Geographic

Job ID 10105191 Location Washington, DC, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Dec. 19, 2024
Apply Now

Job Summary:

Job Summary:

The Senior Photo Editor for National Geographic develops, pitches, and produces compelling visual stories across platforms, including NationalGeographic.com and our app, our print magazines, and social media. Leveraging an extensive global network of photographers and passion for diverse approaches, you will produce and assign stories that are evocative and rich in detail. Your dedication to researching imagery will be evident in your meticulous and passionate approach to finding the perfect visual elements to accompany any story. As you collaborate with photographers, writers, text editors, video producers, and designers, you will leverage diverse talents to create powerful visual stories that are the cornerstone of National Geographic. 

Your refined taste and innovative approach will redefine our visual storytelling, with an emphasis on pushing boundaries in the digital space and setting new standards for multiplatform visual journalism. By mentoring entry and mid-level visual editors, you will help cultivate a highly effective team that creates content across platforms that connects with our audiences and yields expert, sophisticated stories aligned with National Geographic's focus on subjects like archaeology, wildlife, science and health, technology, and beyond. Your passion for photography will embody our commitment to excellence in visual storytelling. Through the power of photography, you will inspire and illuminate the wonders of our world.

Responsibilities:

  • Pitch thoroughly developed ideas in a well-structured written format, with a clear central theme and a strong hook, leveraging data and an understanding of the preferences and behaviors of our audiences across platforms.
  • Assign, direct, produce, and acquire a wide range of photographic stories for use across platforms, including digital, social, and print, working with guidelines for operational excellence and prioritization
  • Manage a variety of editorial projects, including newsstand-only single-topic issues and recurring franchises for digital, social, and print, by collaborating and communicating with all teams involved—video producers, text editors, writers, designers, interactive, cartographers—to ensure the production of the holistically conceived stories that are compelling and effective
  • Manage deliverables, assets, and workflows, e.g. accurate caption information, verifying credit lines, archiving, and transmitting images, working with pre-press on color correction, checking image veracity, and making images available for use across platforms.
  • Provide field support to photographers, including securing visas, permits, releases, letters of introduction, and specialized equipment, as well as clearing them through Disney onboarding and compliance practices.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as a photo editor, with a deep focus on editorial and documentary work
  • Highly calibrated understanding of what makes a great breakthrough story in this era saturated with content. 
  • Awareness of and adaptability to changing industry trends and technologies.
  • Excellent visual taste and writing skills.
  • Ability to work effectively and positively in a fast-paced environment, achieving strategic team goals through multitasking, quick responsiveness, and problem-solving. 
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams – including social, design, video, TV and film, and National Geographic Society. 
  • Self-motivated with the ability to exercise independent judgment and work with minimal supervision.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to maintain visual excellence within timelines and set budgets.

Preferred Skills:

  • Photoshop; Filemaker, Asana, Slack, Air Table; Keynote
  • Editing software; Lightroom, Photo Mechanic, Photo Supreme

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree (Journalism school or major a plus, but not required)

Please note: This position is 4x/week (Monday-Thursday, work from home on Fridays) in our Washington, DC office.


The hiring range for this position in Washington DC is $94,200.00 to $126,200.00 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.

Apply Now

About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

    Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Washington, DC

The Walt Disney Company entertains, informs and inspires people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

Related Jobs

No jobs were found.

View All of Our Available Opportunities

OUR CULTURE

Related Content

  • Executive Leadership

    Our senior executives bring tremendous experience, visionary thinking and a shared commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation to the day to day operation of the company.

    Learn more 
  • Social Responsibility

    Explore our commitments and our work to create a better world through our stories, experiences, operations, and philanthropy.

    Learn more 
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    At Disney, we are committed to creating a better world. A world of belonging where each person feels seen, heard, and understood. A world filled with hope and promise.

    Learn more 
  • Heroes Work Here

    Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

    Learn more 

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.

Watch Our Jobs

An asterisk indicates a required field.

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Select a location from the list of options. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window).

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window). If I have elected to receive marketing messages or newsletters, I may withdraw my consent for these marketing messages at any time.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window), Cookies Policy (opens in new window) and EU Privacy Rights (opens in new window).

How we use your personal information and your rights:

  1. Your personal information is controlled by The Walt Disney Company Limited of 3 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9PE, United Kingdom.
  2. When you visit or shop with Disney or use any Disney product, service or mobile application, other members of The Walt Disney Company Family of Companies may also use your information to provide you these services, personalise your experience and send you service related updates and communications.
  3. You have a number of rights including the right to request access to, change, or remove your personal information, or to change your marketing preferences (including withdrawing your consent at any time.) Please see our Privacy Policy (opens in new window) to learn more about managing your marketing preferences or deleting your account.
  4. Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by emailing: dataprotection@disney.co.uk.
  5. You have a right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office: https://ico.org.uk/ (opens in new window).
  6. For more information about Disney's data collection and use practices please read Disney's Privacy Policy (opens in new window).

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window) and Collection Statement (opens in new window).

For more information about our general data collection, use, and practices, including how to manage your preferences, please read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window). I have read and agree to the Terms of Use (opens in new window).

Privacy Policy Agreement

Privacy Policy Agreement

Privacy Policy Agreement

Privacy Policy Agreement

Privacy Policy Agreement