Photographer/Videographer

Clay Today; Athens, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Athens Banner-Herald in Georgia seeks a digitally savvy visual journalist to produce high-impact video, photos, and galleries for breaking news, sports, and enterprise stories across platforms.

You will shoot, edit, and quickly turn around visuals, collaborate with editors and reporters, and use audience metrics to shape coverage. You’ll also serve as the primary photographer for University of Georgia sports for the Athens Banner-Herald and the USA TODAY Network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism/communications or equivalent experience.
• 2 years of professional experience in visual journalism and video creation.
• Strong news judgment, planning, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with SEO and optimization for visuals.

Responsibilities

• Produce, shoot, and edit high-quality video and still images for multiple platforms.
• Develop and pitch timely visual story ideas including videos and galleries.
• Turn around video and stills quickly from the field for assignments.
• Use audience metrics to shape coverage decisions and refine storytelling.
• Maintain and update visuals on digital platforms to keep coverage current.
• Build relationships with editors, reporters, and the community for coverage plans.
• Serve as the primary photographer for University of Georgia sports for the Athens Banner-Herald and USA Today Network.

Skills

Video production

Photojournalism

Storytelling

Collaboration

AI and automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/communications

Tools

Video editing software

SEO tools

Job description

The Athens Banner-Herald , part of USA Today Co. and the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a highly skilled, digitally savvy, experienced visual journalist to join our team and create distinctive visual storytelling across platforms. This journalist will use visuals, with a heavy emphasis on video, to inform and engage our key audiences, as well as illustrate the must-read journalism produced by the newsroom. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative and fluent in digital journalism tools with an emphasis on fast, high-quality video production and photo galleries for breaking news, enterprise coverage, and sports. They will cover daily assignments for sports, news, public safety, politics , features, and more. They will bring their own original ideas to the table and take initiative to pitch and execute compelling visual stories that serve audience needs. Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism. This position will work a Tuesday - Saturday shift, with flexible hours that depend on that day's assignments.

What you'll do

Produce, shoot, and edit high-quality video and still images that accurately inform and engage our audience. Develop and pitch timely visual story ideas, including videos, photo galleries, and other multimedia. Quickly turn around video and still images for assignments, often filing from the field and juggling multiple projects. Use audience metrics to shape coverage decisions and refine visual storytelling. Maintain and regularly update visuals on digital platforms to keep coverage current and relevant. Build strong relationships with editors, reporters, and the community, contributing to coverage plans and newsroom collaborations. Be a resource for the newsroom, helping to develop relevant trainings and workshops for reporters looking to develop their own visual skills Serve as the primary photographer for University of Georgia sports for the Athens Banner-Herald and the USA Today Network.

What you'll bring

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 2 years of professional experience in visual journalism and video creation Strong news judgment, planning skills, and attention to detail. Proven ability to prioritize, multitask, and pivot quickly as news and assignments change. Proficiency in SEO and optimization for visuals High-level communication, time management, and planning skills Openness to feedback and commitment to continual improvement. Willingness to work nights, weekends, and travel as news and sports require. Build strong relationships with editors, reporters, and the community, contributing to coverage plans and newsroom collaborations.