Civic News Company, parent company to both Votebeat the growing nonprofit news organization committed to reporting the nuanced truth about elections and voting, and Chalkbeat, the growing nonprofit news organization telling the story of education in America, seeks a Photo Editor.
The Photo Editor collaborates daily with reporters, editors, data journalists, and bureau chiefs across both newsrooms to make sure our stories are accompanied by the best photos and visual treatments. While this is not a photographer role, there is an opportunity to take photos occasionally. You will cultivate and grow our network of freelance photographers across the country, specifically focused on cities where our publications have a presence. Having knowledge of visual ethics, progressive modes of visual storytelling, and a working knowledge of copyright, contracts, and image usage rights are a must. You should be committed to working with a diverse range of photographers that are reflective of the communities we cover.
We’re looking for a flexible, self-directed person who enjoys interacting with people and finds fulfillment in sweating the smallest details. You must thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will report to Chalkbeat’s Managing Editor for Style and Standards.
Your impact as the photo editor:
Enhance the visual presentation of Civic News Company’s journalism by maintaining our photo database, building our photo library, and uploading freelance and partnership photos.
Manage the daily process of selecting and acquiring photos and/or other visuals for stories and track which photos are used.
Ensure that our published photos reflect the communities that we report for.
Maintain our asset manager. Fix errors or omissions in metadata and oversee best practices.
Refine and maintain our guidelines for workflow, stock photography, indexing, partnerships, and editorial and ethical standards for visuals.
Work closely with the operations team to manage and oversee our Getty Images accounts, freelance photography relationships, and photo partnerships with other newsrooms.
Train and coach reporters on incorporating photojournalism best practices into newsgathering and story production.
What background and skills do you have?
You are highly organized, comfortable working with databases and content management systems, and thrive on attempting to bring order to chaos.
You have strong time management skills and are adept at prioritizing and multitasking while maintaining an attention to detail.
You have a deep understanding of photography and strong understanding of post-production workflows including metadata tagging, the Adobe Creative Suite, and storytelling.
Proficiency in Photo Mechanic 6, Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Adobe Photoshop is required. Knowledge of Adobe Premiere and Adobe InDesign is preferred.
You are an avid news consumer.
You are comfortable working remotely or with remote team members.
You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with a variety of personalities.
You are a solid communicator who knows how to ask for help, empathize with teammates, and take ownership of your work.
You share Civic News Company’s commitment to reflecting and including diverse people and perspectives in our content.
Bonus points if you’ve got:
Experience working in a newsroom.
Experience or familiarity with copyright law and contracts.
We recognize that every candidate brings interesting skills and experiences that we haven’t thought of. Don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
This position can be done permanently remotely within the United States, or you’re welcome to join us in person at our workspaces in Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Memphis, Newark, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., or New York City. We offer a flexible work environment, with staff splitting time working remotely and at our offices.
This is a full-time position with benefits. The salary for this position ranges from $60,000 – $68,000 commensurate with experience and a generous benefits package, including a paid winter recess.
This is a role covered by the CBA with the WGAE.