Senior Features Photo Editor (National Geographic)

5319 National Geographic Partners PAY SVC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,500 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Long-term incentives

Medical benefits

Job summary

National Geographic is seeking a Senior Features Photo Editor to shape visual storytelling for our flagship editorial work in Washington, D.C. You will develop, commission, produce, and edit photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.

The ideal candidate brings extensive photojournalism experience and a proven ability to manage complex productions, working with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers from concept through publication.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in photo editing and visual storytelling.
• Strong editorial judgment and knowledge of photography.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience managing complex assignments.

Responsibilities

• Commission, edit, and produce photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.
• Identify and develop visual storytelling approaches that elevate editorial content.
• Manage all aspects of assignments, including photographer selection, production planning, timelines, and budgets.
• Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers throughout the editorial process.
• Lead visual development for special projects, editorial packages, and franchises.
• Ensure accuracy and quality of all photo deliverables, including captions, credits, rights, and metadata.
• Provide production support for domestic and international assignments.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with photographers and visual storytellers around the world.
• Represent National Geographic within the photography and visual journalism community.

Skills

Photo editing

Visual storytelling

Commissioning

Adobe Creative Suite

Project management

Editorial collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Photography

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

Adobe Bridge

Lightroom

Digital Asset Management

Job description

Senior Features Photo Editor (National Geographic)

Senior Photo Editor, Features to help shape the visual storytelling of the brand’s most ambitious editorial work. This role is responsible for developing, commissioning, producing, and editing photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms, working closely with editors, writers, designers, photographers, and producers from concept through publication. The ideal candidate is an exceptional visual storyteller with strong editorial judgment, a deep knowledge of photography, and extensive experience managing complex assignments and productions. This individual will bring creative vision, organizational excellence, and a collaborative approach to producing compelling visual journalism that reflects National Geographic’s commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities

• Commission, edit, and produce photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.
• Identify and develop visual storytelling approaches that elevate editorial content.
• Manage all aspects of assignments, including photographer selection, creative direction, production planning, timelines, and budgets.
• Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers throughout the editorial process.
• Lead visual development for special projects, editorial packages, and franchises.
• Ensure accuracy and quality of all photo deliverables, including captions, credits, rights, and metadata.
• Provide production support for domestic and international assignments.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with photographers and visual storytellers around the world.
• Represent National Geographic within the photography and visual journalism community.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in photo editing, visual storytelling, and commissioning within editorial media.
• Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
• Experience managing complex photographic assignments and productions.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital asset management systems.
• Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Photo editing software such as Adobe Bridge, Lightroom.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Photography, Journalism, Visual Communications, Art, Media Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Preferred: Advanced degree or specialized training in Photography, Journalism, Visual Storytelling, Documentary Studies, Fine Arts, or a related field. Professional coursework or demonstrated expertise in photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, visual editing, or documentary production.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $95,500 to $128,000 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.

Location

Washington, DC, USA