Photographer/Videographer

Gannett; Fayetteville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fayetteville Observer seeks a curious, passionate, and digitally savvy visual journalist to inform Cumberland County residents through video and photo storytelling.

The ideal candidate collaborates with editors and reporters, produces fast, high-quality multimedia for breaking news, sports, features and more, and uses audience metrics to guide coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Proficiency in SEO and optimization for visuals.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about news and content for social platforms.
• Comfort using social media to enhance and promote work.

Responsibilities

• Produce, shoot and edit high-quality video and still images that inform and engage our audience.
• Develop and pitch timely visual story ideas, including videos and photo galleries.
• Turn around video and still images quickly for assignments, often filing from the field.
• Use audience metrics to shape coverage decisions and refine visual storytelling.
• Maintain and update visuals on digital platforms to keep coverage current.
• Build strong relationships with editors, reporters and the community.
• Help develop trainings and workshops for reporters to enhance visual skills.

Skills

Video production

Photo storytelling

Social media proficiency

AI & automation in journalism

SEO for visuals

Team collaboration

Deadline-driven

News ethics

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Communications or Journalism

Job description

The Fayetteville Observer/ fayobserver.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a curious , passionate , highly skilled and digitally savvy experienced visual journalist for the residents of Cumberland County, North Carolin a.

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 news, public safety, sports, business, military, 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.

Equity and inclusion are central to our newsgathering . This visual journalist will be expected to build relationships with members of diverse communities. Photography should be people-centered and include narrative storytelling that delivers depth, context and insight.

The Fayetteville Observer, the oldest daily newspaper in North Carolina, serves the Sandhills region of the state. Fayetteville, the county seat of Cumberland County, has experienced significant growth and development in recent years and is home to Fort Bragg, one of the world's largest military installations. The city is known for its rich history, evolving food scene and wide range of cultural events that reflect its diverse population

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Proficiency in SEO and optimization for visuals.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram to enhance and promote work.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Works weekends and nights as needed.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & urinalysis drug screen (for driving roles only).