Photo Editor (National Geographic)

Job ID 10126712 Location Washington, DC, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Jul. 31, 2025

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Job Summary:

The Photo Editor plays a crucial role in shaping powerful and inspiring visual narratives that capture the essence of the natural world, history, science, and exploration. This position requires a deep passion for these subjects, combined with a sharp editorial eye and strong storytelling skills. The Photo Editor researches, curates, commissions, and produces imagery that not only meets high journalistic standards but also engages and moves audiences across print, digital, and social platforms. Collaborating closely with photographers, writers, and editors, the Photo Editor ensures every image contributes meaningfully to the narrative, reflecting National Geographic’s commitment to discovery, exploration and integrity.

This role demands not only technical skill but a deep, almost reverential passion for the world’s wonders: the untamed wilderness, the mysteries of ancient history, the intricate beauty of nature, and the boundless curiosity of science and exploration. With an artistic eye and storytelling skills, the Photo Editor curates and commissions images that do more than illustrate—they transport, inspire, and ignite a sense of wonder in every viewer.

Primary Responsibilities:

Photographic Research: Research, curate, and license photography for all editorial platforms, provide support on workflow, billing, contracts, and other photo logistics. Ensure that budgets and deadlines are met; caption information is gathered and disseminated; verify credit line; check image veracity when in question; and make images available for broader use across platforms.
Storytelling Collaboration: Work closely with designers to craft compelling visual narratives, ensuring the most accurate and impactful storytelling. Collaborate with researchers, writers, and copy editors to refine content, maintain factual accuracy, and align visuals with editorial intent.
Photo Production: Collaborate with photographers on portraiture, reportage, conceptual, or still life; work with ideas and photographers in the studio or on location.
Research and pitch visually innovative and original uses of existing images and packages, demonstrating an understanding of the different platforms and audiences.
Digital Production: Design and build stories in CMS with eye to strong visual pacing.

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years’ experience with photo research or photo editing
Excellent visual taste and a wide-range of knowledge about and appreciation for visual storytelling and photojournalism
Enthusiasm to collaborate on new ideas, ability to think in fresh ways about how to best represent our stories visually
Drive to reach new audiences, an understanding of and appreciation for readers of all age groups
Proven deep, expedient research skills (with agencies, individual contributors/photographers, archives, libraries, social media)
Strong communication and collaborative abilities
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines
Ability to multitask and to balance short and long lead deadlines
Self-motivated and resourceful
Ability to negotiate rates with relevant contractors and third parties
Proficiency with Airtable, Microsoft Teams, Adobe products, and all social media platforms

Preferred Qualifications:

Some experience with / knowledge of National Geographic’s core subject areas (wildlife, history and/or archaeology, nature, science, and travel) strongly preferred

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred Education:

Photojournalism/Photography degree a plus but not required

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The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $78,200.00 to $104,800.00 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.

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About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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