Associate Director of Visuals

Gannett; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannett, through The Arizona Republic, is looking for an Associate Director of Visuals to lead a dynamic team of visual journalists. This role includes shaping the visual identity across platforms and managing a talented team focused on storytelling.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field and proven success in a digital-first newsroom. Responsibilities include overseeing visual strategy and building collaborative relationships across departments.

Qualifications

• Proven success leading visual journalism teams in a digital-first newsroom.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining creative excellence.
• Experience fostering collaboration and supporting staff development.

Responsibilities

• Lead The Republic’s visual strategy in a fast-paced news environment.
• Manage a team executing award-winning photos and videos.
• Oversee planning and execution of newsroom visuals.

Skills

Multimedia storytelling

Expertise in digital and social video platforms

Editorial judgment

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field

Job description

The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an Associate Director of Visuals to lead and inspire a talented team of visual journalists in one of the country’s most dynamic newsrooms. This leader will shape The Republic’s visual identity across platforms—from breaking news photography and social video to documentary storytelling—driving innovation and excellence in how we connect with audiences while closely collaborating with and mentoring editors and reporters across the newsroom.

Responsibilities

• Lead The Republic’s visual strategy in a fast‑paced daily news environment, balancing enterprise and special projects while ensuring consistent excellence across digital, print and social platforms.
• Manage a team of visual journalists executing award‑winning photos and videos capturing the stories captivating Arizona, ranging from culture, politics, sports, dining and breaking news.
• Oversee planning and execution of newsroom visuals for major coverage priorities, balancing real‑time responsiveness with long‑term storytelling ambitions.
• Partner with editors, reporters and teams to develop visually forward projects that drive audience growth, engagement and subscriptions. Lead and mentor across the newsroom.
• Shape and grow The Republic’s off‑platform visual presence, using data and audience insights to guide innovation.
• Use analytics, SEO and other audience insights to inform coverage and approaches.
• Direct visual planning, including coordination across photo, video, graphics and other interactive formats.
• Champion ethical, inclusive and audience‑centered visual storytelling that reflects and embodies Arizona.
• Mentor staff, foster professional growth, and build a culture of creativity, collaboration, and journalistic integrity.
• Participate in regional and national visual strategy discussions within the USA TODAY Network to share best practices and expand visual impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, visual communication or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven success leading visual journalism teams in a digital‑first newsroom.
• Expertise in multimedia storytelling, including photography, video and cross‑platform production.
• Strong understanding of digital and social video platforms, particularly YouTube, and experience developing content strategies for audience growth.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining creative excellence.
• Exceptional editorial judgment, with a deep commitment to accurate, ethical journalism.
• Experience fostering collaboration across disciplines and supporting staff development.

Equal Opportunity Employment

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual’s application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.